TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Thursday is National Black HIV and AIDS Awareness Day.
The Leon County Health Department is working to make sure everyone in the community goes out to get tested.
The idea is to increase HIV and aids awareness, promote testing, and get rid of the negative stigmas and ideas that people have about getting tested and the disease itself.
Of the 1,400 HIV cases in Leon County, 76% identify as black or African American.
Now, the health department is partnering up with the group "Tallahassee Links, Incorporated" to invite people to come out and learn more, but in a fun and educational environment.
"It's already scary, going in for an HIV test, but bringing it to the community and saying hey, listen, we're going to bring this to you in a fun and entertaining way. We want you to know the seriousness of it. We also want you to get tested and know your status," said Kiara Dale the Minority AIDS Coordinator.
The Health Department is hosting a couple of events this weekend.
Friday, is the free "Hands Up Dance Showcase" at 6:30 at Lee Hall on FAMU's campus.
Then Saturday, there's a 'lunch and learn' with an HIV-positive advocate. The free event begins at 10 a.m. at the Delta Kappa Omega Providence Community Center.
Every event is offering a free and confidential HIV test. You can also stop by the health department on West Orange Avenue to get a free test.
