World AIDS Day December 1, 2014 

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL-The World Health Organization and the United Nations first declared December 1st as World AIDS Day over 25 years ago.  During that time much has been done to create awareness, save lives and slow the spread of the disease. For the world to get to zero infections much still needs to be done. 

 “While advances in the treatment of HIV and AIDS continue, there are new infections every day,” said Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Director, Alina Alonso, M.D., “The number of new AIDS cases has declined over the last several years. But, it’s important to remember, people are still being diagnosed with the disease in our county and throughout South Florida.  Someday, by working together that number will become zero.”

In Palm Beach County there are almost 8,000 people living with HIV/AIDS.  However, the consensus among HIV/AIDS educators and medical providers is that number is likely 20% greater.  Dr. Alonso added, “We are encouraging everyone to get tested. A person who knows their status can get life prolonging care and by knowing, can help stop the spread of this acquired disease.”  

Free testing events, memorials to those who have died, and candlelight vigils will take place at over 17 locations throughout the county in honor of World AIDS Day. 

Florida Health Palm Beach County Health Centers located in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach and Belle Glade will all be offering free testing and counseling for the event and throughout the year. Other organizations like COMPASS, FoundCare, Community Health Centers, CAP, Genesis Health Center and numerous other clinics, and medical practitioners will all be participating. Further information can be obtained at www.flhealthpalmbeach.com or www.floridahealth.gov.

World AIDS Week Palm Beach County: Schedule of Events

November 19th – December 3rd

Event: Largest display in Florida of the AIDS Memorial Quilt
Sponsoring Agency:  Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460
Feature: Quilt Display and Movie Nights
Contact: Call for more info and specific event times, (561) 533-9699

Monday December 1st

Event: World AIDS Day Commemoration
Sponsoring Agency: FoundCare
Event Location: The Soup Kitchen, 8645 Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach 33472
Feature: HIV Education, Role Model Stories, Safer Sex Kits, and Cosmetic demos by MAC AIDS Fund volunteers
Time: 9 am – 11 am
Contact: Yolanda De Venanzi, (561) 472-2466

Event: World AIDS Day Health Fair
Sponsoring Agency: FAU Community Wellness Center
Event Location: 1650 Osceola Drive, West Palm Beach 33409
Feature: HIV Testing
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Contact: (561) 803-8880

Event: World AIDS Day Remembrance Wall, based on the “Before I Die” global art project that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in public space.  All are invited to share those dreams and remember those who have passed this World AIDS Day.
Sponsoring Agency:  Genesis Community Health, 564 E. Woolbright Rd., Boynton Beach 33435
Feature: HIV testing, Food, Incentives
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Contact: (561) 735-6553
Other times and locations:
     11/25: At FAU, Boca Raton, 9 am – 2 pm
     11/29: At Starbucks, on the corner of Linton and Federal Hwy., 12 pm – 4 pm
     12/1: At Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth, 7 pm – 9 pm
     12/17: At School Board Meeting, 3 pm – 6 pm

Event: Candlelight Vigil, Calling of Names, Interfaith Service
Sponsoring Agency:  Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460
Time: 7 pm
Contact: Lorenzo Lowe, (561) 533-9699

World AIDS Day Palm Beach: HIV Testing Events
All HIV Testing events below are for Monday, 12/1/14. Some sites may charge on a sliding scale.

Sponsoring Agency:Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County
Test Location: C. L. Brumback Health Center, 38754 State Road 80, Belle Glade 33430
Contact: (561) 996-1600
Time: 8 am – 3 pm

Test Location: Delray Beach Health Center, 225 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach 33445
Contact: (561) 274-3100
Time: 8 am – 3 pm

Test Location: Lantana Health Center, 1250 Southwinds Dr., Lantana 33462
Contact: (561) 547-6800
Time: 8 am – 3 pm

Test Location: West Palm Beach Health Center, 1150 45th St., West Palm Beach 33407
Contact: (561) 514-5300
Time: 8 am – 3 pm

Sponsoring Agency: FoundCare
Test Location: 2330 S. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach 33406
Contact: (561) 472-2466
Time: 8 am – 4 pm

Test Location: 1500 NW Avenue L, Suite A, Belle Glade 33430
Contact: (561) 996-7059
Time: 8 am – 4 pm

Test Location: 220 Congress Park Dr., Ste. 100, Delray Beach 33445
Contact: (561) 274-6400
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
 
Test Location: Palm Beach State College, 3160 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens 33410
Contact: Quinn Paton, (561) 472-2466
Time: 11 am – 5 pm

Test Location: Palm Beach State College, 4200 Congress Ave., Lake Worth 33461
Contact: Quinn Paton, (561) 472-2466
Time: 11 am – 1 pm

Test Location: Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton 33431
Contact: Quinn Paton, (561) 472-2466
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm

Sponsoring Agency: Families First of Palm Beach County
Test Location: Mt. Zion AME Church, 908 SW Avenue B Place, Belle Glade 33430
Feature: HIV testing, Beverages and Snacks
Time: 10 am – 3 pm