World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, has been observed since 1988 to create awareness of testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS. This year, the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) and the Pinellas Planning Partnership will provide no-cost testing, information and more at the Gibbs campus of St. Petersburg College at 6605 5th Ave N. in St. Petersburg.

The event will take place from 10 AM to 4 PM on its Quad Lawn. There will be health screenings, STD testing (rapid syphilis) hepatitis C testing, flu shots, Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, food, entertainment and prizes, all at no cost to attendees. Tampa Bay’s Hip Hop and R&B radio station, 95.7 the Beat, will be on-site to broadcast the event live.

This year, DOH-Pinellas is supporting the local theme, “The Burg Cares”, which highlights the importance of a community devoted to educating and supporting its residents in the fight against HIV and AIDS. To show your support for World AIDS Day, DOH-Pinellas is asking the community to use the hashtag, #TheBurgCares, on Friday, Dec. 1.

The event is organized by the Pinellas Planning Partnership, which includes DOH-Pinellas, St. Petersburg College, among many other local organizations and businesses.

For event information, call (727) 491-8120.

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.