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LEE CO., Fla. — September marks 40 years since Americans first heard the CDC use the term “AIDS” as a medical diagnosis.
And today is National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day for communities to work together for HIV/AIDS education, prevention, treatment and care.
In recognition, the Lee County Health Department is offering free HIV and STD testing starting at 9 p.m.
In the year Since 2017, the day has been observed for the first time, events like these bring together more than 200,000 people from all US faith communities to oppose discrimination and raise awareness.
The last stage, known as HIV and AIDS, began to spread throughout the United States in the early 80s. The virus, which was first discovered in 1985, accounts for up to 130,000 new HIV infections each year, according to the CDC. It was the leading cause of death for men in 1992.
Today HIV is not considered fatal and treatments are 1 pill a day. While the future is bright, veterans of this historic outbreak now remain in place in Southwest Florida.
“You get tested, just like if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you get HIV treatment,” said Dr. Doug Brust, of CAN Community Health. And that’s really important. “
Dr. Brust said he would like to see a 90% reduction in new HIV infections by 2030, a goal he says can be achieved through testing.
Nurses for HIV and STD testing are available at the Pondela location from 9am to 2pm. The location is located at 83 Pondella Road.
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