National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is observed on June 27, and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties are encouraging people to know their HIV status by getting tested.

NHTD was first observed on June 27, 1995 to raise awareness of the importance of getting tested for HIV, knowing their status, and getting linked to care and treatment. The theme for 2021 is “My Test, My Way,” emphasizing that there are different ways and places to get tested for HIV, including at home with a self-test.

The Florida Department of Health is teaming up to provide numerous opportunities in West Central Florida for no-cost HIV testing on or around Thursday, June 27 at the following locations:

• Citrus County: No-cost HIV testing on Wednesday, June 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00m. to 3:00 p.m. at the health department.
  • 3700 Sovereign Path in Lecanto

• Hernando County: No-cost rapid HIV testing on Monday, June 28 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Walk-ins are welcomed.
  • 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd. in Spring Hill

• Hillsborough County: No-cost express HIV testing (includes no-cost testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, and no-cost hepatitis A and HPV vaccines).
  • 13601 N. 22^nd in Tampa from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Manatee County: No-cost HIV testing (includes no-cost hepatitis A vaccines) at the health department.
  • 410 6^th E. in Bradenton

• Pasco County: No-cost HIV testing (includes no-cost hepatitis C testing) on Thursday, June 24 and Friday, June 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the health department. Call 727-619-0260 to schedule an appointment.
  • 10841 Little Rd. in New Port Richey

• Pinellas County: No-cost HIV testing on Friday, June 25 from 8:00 m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. in St. Petersburg
  • 6350 76^th N. in Pinellas Park
  • 8751 Ulmerton Rd. in Largo
  • 310 N. Myrtle Ave. in Clearwater
  • 301 S. Disston Ave. in Tarpon Springs

• Polk County: Call 863-519-8233 ext. 2248 

In the U.S., for every seven people who have HIV, one person does not know it. Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV. The CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once; however, anyone at higher risk for getting HIV should get tested at least once a year. This includes:

• Male to male sexual contact
• People with more than one sexual partner
• Transgender people who have sex with men
• People who have recently had an STI
• People who use injection drugs

For more information, please call 1-800-FLA-AIDS or visit: KnowYourHIVStatus.com.

For more information on who should get tested, go to: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/who-should-get-tested