Pensacola. Fla., CARE Center Offers Free HIV Testing Downtown

The OASIS Community Center, a free HIV testing facility, has expanded its scope of services and changed its name and staff to reflect a broader mission. The Pensacola CARE (Compassion, Awareness, Resources, Equality) Center now provides HIV/AIDS outreach, testing, education/prevention, resource referrals, and advocacy.

Patrick Rogers, who recently started as the center's executive director, said new personnel will build relationships with Pensacola's community leaders "to bring awareness, facilitate prevention, foster education, and provide care regarding HIV/AIDS."

The center is located at 113 North Palafox. It is a project of OASIS, which offers HIV/AIDS services in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. Pensacola CARE Center is funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Red Ribbon Charitable Foundation and money raised locally.

Free HIV testing is available 2-7 p.m. Mondays, 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, and by appointment. Pensacola CARES Center hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Mondays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. For more information, telephone 850-429-7551.

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