Awareness
1 in 8 individuals living with HIV doesn’t know they are positive, and about 38,000* Americans are diagnosed with HIV each year.
In 2022, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In 2021, more than 47,000 people in South Florida were living with HIV.
In 2021, 84.8% of Palm Beach County residents knew their HIV status
In 2023, the rate of people with HIV (PWH) per 100,000 people in Palm Beach County was 577.1
In 2022, there were 1,088 new HIV diagnoses in Miami-Dade and 607 in Broward.
In 2022, Palm Beach County had 309 HIV diagnoses
In 2017, about 80% of new HIV infections in Miami-Dade were reported among men, and 84% of those men reported a history of sex with men.
A 2020-2021 survey found that Black/African-American men in Palm Beach County who identify as heterosexual/straight are most impacted by HIV
In 2022, 62% of AIDS diagnoses in Palm Beach County are among Black people.
Why HIV testing is important?
HIV testing is crucial because it allows individuals to discover if they have the virus early, enabling them to start treatment promptly, which can significantly improve their health and prevent further transmission.
How often you should test?
CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare, while people considered high risk should get tested annually or even more frequently depending on their sexual behavior. Best health practice to get tested every 3 months.
The benefits of taking PrEP
It can help keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection if you’re exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use.
Why is safe sex important?
Safe sex is important because it helps prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, as well as reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies, by using protection like condoms and practicing open communication about sexual health with your partner(s).
Engaging in safe sex significantly lowers the chance of contracting STIs, which can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
Using proper contraception methods during sexual activity helps prevent unintended pregnancies.
Open communication about sexual health and practicing safe sex can foster trust and respect within a relationship.
Some STIs can lead to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can affect fertility in women.
