HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS

FREE Rapid HIV Testing

     1st and 3rd Wednesday 8:00am-11:00am and 12:00pm-3:30pm

HIV Testing

The Florida Department of Health in Jackson County offers HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) test at no charge.

   • Testing is confidential
   • Anonymous testing is available for a fee. Instead of giving your name, you will be identified by a unique number.
   • Partner notification services are available.
   • Testing is offered by appointment, or you can walk in between the hours of 8:00am-11:00am and 12:00pm and 3:30pm each Wednesday.
For more information about HIV/AIDS call 850-526-2412.

PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is when people at very high risk for HIV take HIV medicines daily to lower their chances of getting infected. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed but is much less effective when not taken consistently.
PrEP may be a good option for you if:
   • Your partner lives with HIV
   • Your partner’s HIV status is not known
   • You’ve had an STD in the past 6 months
   • You use injection drugs
   • Your partner uses injection drugs
Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70%. Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.
PrEP should be taken every day. Peole who take PrEP should see their health care provider every 3 months for follow-up and prescription refills.
PrEP is covered by most insurance programs. If you don’t have insurance, you can get medication assistance to help pay for the PrEP.
For more information on PrEP contact our clinic at 850-526-2412.

Meningococcal Disease Vaccine
The Meningococcal disease rate for gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with men is on the rise.
Meningococcal disease can:
   • Cause severe infections of the brain’s lining, the spinal cord or the bloodstream.
   • Spread through respiratory and throat secretions like spit, and by living in close quarters, kissing, sexual contact, etc.
   • Cause sudden fever, headache, stiff neck or flu-like symptoms – often with nausea, vomiting, increase sensitivity to light, rash and confusion.
Get the Meningococcal disease vaccine. Call our clinic at 850-526-2412.

Clinic Services
Our clinic specializes in providing medical care for person living with HIV and AIDS. We see patients by appointment.
If you are HIV-positive and want more information about medical services call the Florida Department of Health in Jackson County at 850-526-2412.

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP/Premium Plus)
This program provides medication to low-income people who are living with HIV. The medications treat HIV disease and certain opportunistic infections. Eligibility is based on 400% of federal poverty level or less for program, current (less than 6 months old) CD4 and Viral load labs and current prescriptions for HIV medications. Call 850-526-2412 to make an appointment to enroll or for a medication pickup.

Education
Classes are provided to any interested group who would like HIV prevention education for their church, civic or community group. They are tailored to the needs of your specific population.
Certification classes required to maintain health care and other professional licenses are available, usually on the first Thursday of each month. Call for details.
Special classes are available to train volunteers and professionals to do HIV/AIDS counseling and testing. These are held at the health department or at other locations throughout the surrounding six counties.

Central Panhandle AIDS Network
Join us and have your voice heard! The Central Panhandle AIDS Network has monthly Consortium meetings that address prevention and patient care issues within Area 2A which includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties. This organization is a partnership of local agencies, health care providers and concerned citizens that meet quarterly in Bay County. All interested people are invited to attend. Please call for details and the location of the next meeting!

There is no cure for AIDS nor a vaccine that can prevent HIV infection

^{Source: CDC}