by Ben Sheffler
Free condoms and HIV tests were offered by the Aids Healthcare Foundation on the Pensacola campus on Tuesday, April 9.
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” said Christina Hayes, lead counselor at AHF. “You have to know your status.”
The testing process takes just a few minutes, and involves a simple prick of a finger to draw blood.
“Being educated about HIV and STD’s will help prevent them,” Hayes said.
If someone tests positive, more tests will be given to confirm the result.
“We are encouraging to people who test positive,” said Belinda Steanes, a counselor at AHF. “It’s not a death sentence anymore.”
“We try to link them to care,” said Jessica Wade, a nurse at AHF.
Located on Bayou Blvd in Pensacola, FL, the AHF Wellness Center provides free HIV and STD testing and treatment at no cost.
“Even with no insurance, tests, care, and medications are completely free through the clinic and the Aids Drug Assistance Program,” Wade said.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, the AHF is a global organization that provides “cutting edge medicine and advocacy regardless of ability to pay,” according to its website.
The AHF is on PSC’s Pensacola campus every second Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., either in front of building 5 or 21.
For more information, call AHF at 850-470-8071 or visit freestdcheck.org and freehivtest.net.