Free HIV Testing During Gay Days 2018
Doubletree Hotel –
10100 International Drive, Orlando Florida – Citrus Room A
Thursday – 10am – 7pm
Friday – 10am – 7pm
Saturday – 10am – 7pm
B Resort and Spa – Look for the Impulse Group Orlando tent by the pool
1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Thursday – 12pm – 6pm
Friday – 12pm – 6pm
Saturday – 12pm – 7pm
A collaboration of several local Orlando organizations like the Florida Department of Health, Hope and Help and Miracle of Love are providing free HIV testing, free Hepatitis C testing and Hepatitis vaccines at the Doubletree Resort for Gay Days. Impulse Group Orlando has partnered with One Mighty Weekend to provide free HIV and syphilis testing at the B Resort and Spa with a chance to win free tickets to events. Orlando Immunology Center (OIC) has developed strong collaborations with community partners, like these organizations and HIV nonprofits, that provide free HIV testing out in the community. At OIC, HIV testing part of a routine medical evaluation.
Routine HIV Testing
Free HIV testing during Gay Day is great so lets continue this healthy routine throughout the year! The CDC states “Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent HIV testing – every 3-6 months”. You can ask your provider to make it part of your regular visit, get tested at your local health department, at your local HIV nonprofit of other medical clinic. The most important thing is to do it regularly.
HIV Prevention – PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
The HIV testing conversation is not complete without discussing PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). The PrEP regimen includes regular doctor visits, labs, HIV prevention education and taking 1 pill once a day. It can be up to 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission and is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for certain individuals vulnerable to contracting HIV. People who test for HIV are trained HIV educators and a great source of information about PrEP. You can also ask your provider or find one at Please PrEP Me. OIC has been providing PrEP since it was approved by the FDA in 2012 and have become one of the leading clinics in Florida for PrEP.
Wishing everyone a fabulous and safe Gay Days 2018!
-Sam Graper
Community Relations Manager, Orlando Immunology Center
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