The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 5 people who are living with HIV in the United States do not know that they are infected. They recommend that anyone who is between 13 and 64 and is sexually active be tested for HIV. If you are negative, you can take steps to make sure you stay that way. If you are positive, the sooner you know it, the better so that you can take advantage of the treatments available and avoid infecting other people. The test is easy and you can get your results in as little as 15 minutes. HIV testing should be part of your regular health check-up just like blood pressure and other screening tests.
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED! The Center provides free confidential HIV testing and counseling 7 days a week. We are the only location in Florida where you can get a free HIV test 7 days a week and after 5 pm on most evenings. We offer the Clearview HIV test, which gives the client a result in 15 minutes. No appointment is needed and all walk-ins are encouraged and accepted. We continue to grow this program and are looking to increase education and awareness, especially among the younger members of the community. Orange County continues to have one of the highest HIV infection rates in the nation.
The Center currently tests over 400 individuals per month. Knowledge is power in the reduction/eradication of HIV–the more people who know their status, the less likely they are to transmit the disease. In 2008, testing was conducted only once a week, resulting in less than 20 tests per month. Currently, testing is being conducted Monday – Sunday for a total of 60 hours!
HIV/AIDS Support Group & Bible Study
Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1229 25th Street
Orlando, FL 32805
407-473-7118
Wednesdays 12:00 — 1:30 p.m.
- One-on-one pastoral counseling is available in Creole with Pastor Calixte Francois
- Collaboration between the Haitian Coalition of Central Florida, TOPWA/HUG-Me, and the Haven of Hope Ministry
LIFE (Living in Fullness and Empowerment in HIV)
The Center offers a new support group for those who have recently have been diagnosed with HIV and other life changing illnesses. While the groups main focus is for young men and women, the group is open to anyone recently diagnosed. The group will be a place to discuss issues, feeling and concerns while transitioning to the new reality of living with a life changing illness. The group will be led by two certified life coaches. We will be meeting on Monday evenings at 7pm beginning on February 11. For more information you can contact Stephen Halpin at StephenLifeCoach@gmail.com or by calling at (407)602-8511 of by contacting The Center.
Living & Thriving
Living & Thriving was formed about eight years ago as a support group for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The group deals with wide range of living issues, providing support and a safe environment for members of the HIV/AIDS community. Through individual experiences the group learns and grows as a whole in matters of living, validation and medical choices available to those dealing with HIV/AIDS. The group meets weekly on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm.
The Hope Support Group/Grupo de Apoyo
407-432-5244 - Every Friday, 12:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m. Speakers and Christian counseling for depression, anxiety, domestic violence, HIV and Hepatitis C.
