Friday, February 21, 2014

PARTY OVER HERE ! PARTY OVER THERE! THEY'RE PARTYING EVERYWHERE

February 7, 2014, was the launch of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.   Public Health Service Providers and Community Service Organizations all over the country sponsored HIV Awareness Events.  The offering of information, free testing, counseling and medication assistance was presented to the general public through each of these events.

Within our local area, the Bond Community Health Center sponsored a community  BLOCK PARTY in observance of this most important day of awareness.  This event was open to other Healthcare Providers, Community Service Organizations, Business' and Spiritual Entities, as a partnership opportunity.  Each one was encouraged to set up an information table highlighting their HIV Campaign and/or services.

Jewels Covenant Network Inc. answered the call and set up an information tent.  Throughout the course of the day visitors from the surrounding community visited our table and filled their bags with informational brochures and received a special treat for being tested at the Mobile Health Unit on site.


Many of our visitors expressed that it was a "relief" to not wonder about their status any longer.  JCN's HIV Awareness Campaign slogan (SELF+LOVE=KNOWING) brought about a dialogue that opened the doorway for us to share even more of the informational facts we in the African American community must become mindful of and share with each other.  One such fact is that in Florida, approximately 100,000 people are HIV positive and 1 in 49 Black Floridians are currently living with HIV infection.  The misconception that testing requires health insurance or will cost a fee, has deterred many from seeking their personal results.  This is a false perception.  There are numerous testings sites that are FREE OF CHARGE.  Results are confidential and trained counselors are available to provide pre/post testing counseling.


If you or someone you know has not been tested in the Tallahassee or surrounding area contact: 


Bond Community Health Center

1720 S. Gadsden St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 576 -4073






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