A St. Petersburg nonprofit says it’s a free test for HIV critical, but risky funding

One man who appeared at Idea Exchange Pinellas on Friday had not been tested for HIV and hepatitis C for over a decade.

Another unemployed person said they need to take control of their health.

They didn’t need to name them. You simply need to be screened for two illnesses to follow the volunteers in the AA pop-up canopy using blood taken from your fingers.

Over 50 people participated in a free outdoor health screening at 16th Street S in St. Petersburg on Friday. The event is intended to provide screening for behaviors that include homelessness, unemployed, and intravenous drug use.

Approximately 500 people are tested through the program each year, with organizers saying they are indicating the need for anonymous testing. However, there are concerns that funds could be drained as both state and federal lawmakers try to cut budgets to help pay tax cuts.

That’s a concern, especially in Pinellas County, said Michael Jarazo, president and CEO of People to Empower and Restorate the community that worked with the Florida Harm Reduction Collective to organize the event. In 2021, the county was listed by the federal government as one of the 48 “concerns” in the country based on a higher than average HIV infection rate.

“Events like this are extremely important because in a world where resources are limited, collaboration can help us serve far more people than we can individually,” Jalazo said in an email. “Given the high incidence of infections in our county, exacerbated by the opioid crisis, the more people are tested and more likely to receive treatment, the safer and healthier our community will be.”

Funds for free health screening at Idea Exchange come from both state and federal dollars, as well as the Opioid Reduction Fund in the City of St. Petersburg. Jarazo and others are waiting to hear if they will receive the same funds from 2025-2026.

In Tallahassee, the legislative session has already been extended by House and Senate leaders who fail to agree to the budget and, together with House Speaker Daniel Perez, not hindering the goal of cutting government spending.

Meanwhile, healthcare activists are concerned that funding sources like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program will be cut or eliminated as GOP Congress seeks to cut federal funds to pay tax cuts proposed by President Donald Trump.

“We know when budgets are contracted where some of these programs may be at risk,” said Sean Kennedy, vice president of strategy and development for people empowerment. “We guarantee we will protect the resources we have and no one will deny service.”

In addition to screening, Idea Exchange offers the only syringe exchange program at Pinellas, offering free, safe sex products such as condoms and lubricants.

The health screening results take just 15 minutes and are shared with the patient by the counselor. Patients may also be quized about behaviors that are at high risk of infection and provide resources and advice to keep them safer.

If the test is positive, you will be referred to a healthcare provider such as Metro Inclusive Health.

“Anonymous testing is important for people who don’t feel comfortable or may have access to a clinical setting,” said Emmy Roofuchs, outreach manager at Hartleders Collective in Florida. “An event that will help us actively participate in our community while breaking down barriers and increasing access to testing.”