1 in 2
People will get an STI/STD by the age of 25.
1 in 8
People with HIV do not know they have it.
At STEPS we strive to ensure that all those living with HIV have access to high quality, life extending
care (primary medical and support services), free from stigma and discrimination, regardless of
age, gender race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status.
Getting tested regularly for HIV & STI's / STD's is one of the most important things you can do for your health. At STEPS we provide comprehensive and compassionate care to safeguard your well-being
Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once. If your behavior puts you at risk after you are tested, you should think about being tested again. Some people at higher risk should get tested more often
Testing for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have the virus that causes AIDS. Many people do not have any symptoms and can live for many years without knowing they have the virus. Testing at STEP for HIV is quick, easy, painless, confidential and FREE. Same day appointments and Walk-ins welcome.
What should I expect when getting an HIV test?
Our health care providers or counselors may talk with you about your risk factors, answer any questions you might have, and discuss next steps with you, especially if your result is positive.
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Expect to be tested either by a blood sample, oral fluid, or finger stick. If the Using rapid testing you will be able to wait for the results, but if your sample is sent to a laboratory, it may take several days for the results to be available.
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If the test comes back negative, and you haven’t had a possible exposure during the window period for the test you took, you can be confident you don’t have HIV.
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If your test result is positive, the lab will conduct follow-up testing, usually on the same blood sample as the first test.
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According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) people with mental illness and or substance use disorder are at a higher risk HIV. Injection drug users have an even higher risk of getting or transmitting the disease. Today there are more tools available to prevent HIV than ever before with HIV prevention medicines like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body. PEP is effective in preventing HIV infection when it is taken correctly, but it’s not 100% effective. The sooner you start PEP after a possible HIV exposure, the better.
If you are HIV-negative and you think you may have been recently exposed to HIV, contact us immediately. You must start it within 72 hours after you were exposed to HIV, or it won’t work. Every hour counts.
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Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is an HIV prevention method in which people who are HIV negative take HIV medicine daily to reduce their risk of getting HIV if they are exposed to the virus. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body.
PrEP is highly effective when taken as indicated. Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods. PrEP is only available by prescription. If you think PrEP may be right for you, contact us. Because PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative, you’ll have to get an HIV test before starting PrEP and you may need to get other tests to make sure it’s safe for you to use PrEP.
Know Your Status - Say YES to the TEST
For FREE Confidential Testing and Treatment Call TODAY
In Orange and Seminole County Call: 407-522-2144
In Brevard County Call: 321-637-7730