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Free HIV Testing In Collier County Until Dec. 7

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Every year, more than 30 thousand people in the U.S. become infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly known as HIV.

In recognition of World Aids Day 2018, the Department of Health in Collier County will be offering free screenings this week until Dec. 7.

Florida ranks second in the nation in the number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection.

In Collier County, the DOH reports over 1,800 residents are living with the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between the ages of 14 and 64 take an HIV test at least once a year as part of their annual health check up.

The Collier DOH is collaborating with community partners to offer free screenings with same day test results at multiple locations throughout the county. 

Andrea Perdomo is a reporter for WGCU News. She started her career in public radio as an intern for the Miami-based NPR station, WLRN. Andrea graduated from Florida International University, where she was a contributing writer for the student-run newspaper, The Panther Press, and was also a member of the university's Society of Professional Journalists chapter.