AIDS Awareness

Protection Begins with Education

  • What is AIDS?

  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the immune system caused by the human
    immunodificiency virus (HIV).

    • AIDS reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, leaving people open to infections and tumors.

    • HIV is transmitted through direct contact with an HIV-infected bodily fluid: blood, semen,
      presemenal fluid, vaginal fluid       or breast milk.

    • This transmission happens during vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated
      hypodermic needles, exchange between a mother and her child during pregnancy.

    • In 2007, statistics showed 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide,
      with 2.1 million deaths, including 330,000 children.

    • Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the disease, there is no cure.

  • Protect Yourself = Prevent infection = Use a Condom.

    • The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sex between 2 people-one of whom has HIV.

    • The primary mode of HIV infection is sexual contact between members of the opposite sex.

    • During a sexual act, only male or female condoms can reduce the chances of infection with HIV

    • Using condoms reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80%

    • The male condom, if used correctly without oil-based lubricants, is the single most effective available technology to elimate HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

    • Manufacturers recommend that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly* or butter, not be used with latex condoms, because they dissolve the latex.

    • If necessary, manufacturers recommend using water-based lubricants.**

    • The female condom is an alternative to the male condom

    • Studies suggest that, where female condoms are available, overall protected sexual acts increase making them an important HIV-prevention strategy.

    • Studies on couples where one partner is infected show that with consistent condom use, HIV infection rates for the uninfected partner are below 1% per year.

    • *unsafe lubricants:Vaseline, Baby Oil. In all cases, READ THE LABEL

    • **safe lubricants: Liquid Silk, Astroglide, Pjur, K-Y products, Sliquid, RepHresh, Wet

  • Get Tested. Piece of mind is priceless.

    Send a text with your zip code to "KNOWIT" (566948). Within seconds, you'll receive a text with an HIV testing site near you. This free service is through www.HIVtest.org.

  • World AIDS Day: Miami.

    Bienvenido a AIDS Awareness, Miami!

  • Get HELP

  • South Beach AIDS Project


    sobeaids.org (305) 535-4733

    SoBAP offers many free services including testing 6 days a week, support groups, educational seminars, and individual counseling. HIV prevention outreach services are strong at SoBAP through the clubs and bars of South Beach.

  • Get TESTED

  • SoBAP now offers Oraquick Advance an HIV test with one-hour results, in addition to the Orasure test with two-week results. Both are available free.

    306 Lincoln Rd. (Inside CVS Pharmacy) Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.532.1033

    Hours: Sat & Mon 11-7 (walk-ins), Tue-Fri 10-8 (appointments)

  • Get GOING!

  • Miami Beach Community Health Center's second edition of "Through the Eyes of Love" in honor of World AIDS Day will showcase a diverse collection of art and photographs, symbolizing the depth of local artists' thoughts and feelings as it relates to HIV/AIDS. Free!

    Exhibition: 767 17th St. Miami Beach, FL 33139

    Hours: 12-8 pm

    -World AIDS Day Quilt Dedication Ceremony

    12/1 from 11-12:30 pm 710 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, FL 33139

    In honor of World AIDS Day, Miami Beach Community Health Center will join with The NAMES Project Foundation-AIDS Memorial Quilt to present a special AIDS Memorial Quilt Opening ceremony.