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HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, a time to share information about prevention, testing, and treatment.
In the United States, about 1.2 million people are living with HIV, and an estimated 13% may not know their status. In 2022, there were approximately 31,800 new HIV infections, continuing a gradual decline over recent years. HIV can be managed with proper care—early testing and treatment help people live healthy lives.
Preventive options like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are highly effective when taken as prescribed. To learn more or find services, visit HIV.gov or CDC HIV Resources. Getting tested, talking to your provider about prevention, and sharing accurate information are simple steps everyone can take to promote health and awareness.
The graph below shows the lifetime history of self-reported HIV among UF HealthStreet members. Overall, 3% of all HealthStreet members have reported a history of HIV. Since 2012, men have shown a higher percentage of having a history of HIV, with men over the age of 65 being the most affected.
UF HealthStreet offers free and confidential HIV testing. If you are interested in getting tested, please call to schedule an appointment at 352-394-4880.
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UF HealthStreet Health Fair a Success
UF HealthStreet hosted a successful community Health Fair on Monday, November 17. The initiative featured a variety of partner organizations, including Grace Healthcare Services, the UF Pain Research and Intervention of Excellence Center, Peaceful Paths, and many others.
The event was a success for both community partners and community members, providing essential health services and resources to support overall well-being. We are thankful to both our community partners and community members who attended the Health Fair.
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UF HealthStreet Hosts Safety Net Collaborative Friendsgiving
On November 21, UF HealthStreet hosted the Safety Net Collaborative for its Second Annual Friendsgiving Celebration.
The event brought together community partners and members for an afternoon of connection and support. Eric Davis, Outreach Coordinator for Block by Block Downtown Gainesville, served as the featured speaker, sharing valuable insights with attendees. The celebration was a resounding success, strengthening partnerships and fostering a sense of community.
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UF CTSI Coordinates Thanksgiving Bag Donations to the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry
The University of Florida Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) collaborated with UF HealthStreet to support community members during the Thanksgiving holiday.
As part of this effort, organized by UF CTSI Associate Director of Communications Jennifer Moses, UF CTSI coordinated the donation of pre-made bags containing nonperishable food items for a Thanksgiving meal such as instant mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, gravy, bread, and canned chicken.
“We asked, ‘Is there anything we can do to reduce the burden on families this season?’” Moses said. “If there’s anything we can provide, we will.”
Additionally, UF CTSI members assisted community members at the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry, helping them select and fill their bags with essential items to prepare a festive meal for their families.
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Our Community, Our Health Town Hall - NDEWS Webinar - Early Detection of New Psychoactive Substances through Online Monitoring
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UF HealthStreet's latest Our Community, Our Health Town Hall is set to take place Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET. The upcoming OCOH Town Hall will focus on the early detection of new psychoactive substances through online monitoring.
The webinar will be led by National Drug Early Warning System Web Monitoring Team members Dr. Elan Barenholtz and NIDA T32 Fellow Daniel Van Zant. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, public health professional, or community stakeholder, this session offers practical insights and evidence-based strategies for addressing gambling harm.
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December HealthStreet Award
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"Volunteering at HealthStreet has taught me how powerful different communication channels can be in creating real impact across our community.” - Maggie
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Research Study Opportunities
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If you are interested in hearing about these or other studies, HealthStreet community health workers can navigate you to a study coordinator. They can be reached at 352-294-4880. |
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The Pantry Gourmet
Welcome to "The Pantry Gourmet!" Discover quick and easy recipes made with quality items community members can likely find in HealthStreet's food pantry! |
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White Chicken Chili Enjoy a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for keeping warm through the cold winter months!
Ingredients: - 1 whole boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 breast halves), cubed
1 cup onion, diced
4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (drained and rinsed) (cannellini, great northern)
2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chiles
1 1/2 cups corn
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Spray a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the saucepan over medium high heat. Add cubed chicken and diced onion. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, white beans, diced green chiles, corn, garlic powder, ground cumin, and oregano to the saucepan. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium.
- Cook until chicken is cooked to 165°F (about 15–20 minutes). Stir occasionally while cooking.
- Use a potato masher to slightly mash beans to thicken the chili, if desired. Then, serve!
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Community Events at HealthStreet
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H.O.P.E. Food Pantry
Available to our members facing food insecurity, and can be accessed by members once per week. Located at our building off of Old Archer Road.
Mondays & Thursdays Noon - 4 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays
& Fridays
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Saving Smiles Clinic
Saving Smiles promotes children’s oral health by offering free, on-site, preventive and limited dental care through collaboration with community partners.
Friday, December 12
1 a.m. - 4 p.m.
By Appointment Only
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Al-Anon
Group
Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of problem drinking.
Thursdays
Noon - 1 p.m.
(Hybrid Meeting Link)
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EAC Pediatrics Clinic
The clinic offers eye exams for children with vision problems, eye exams after a failed vision screening, free and discounted glasses. Appointments are required for this clinic so if you are interested please call us at (352) 580-0393 at least two days prior to the date of the event.
Tuesday, December 9
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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HealthScreen at HealthStreet
The community-based initiative offers free health screenings for community members at greatest risk for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Don't wait—join us at UF HealthStreet or find us at one of our outreach events and receive your free assessment!
Mondays & Thursdays
10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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For a list of all of our upcoming community events and outreach locations view our calendar here.
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NARCAN® Saves Lives
Narcan Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers - with no medical training required.
HealthStreet has distributed 4,884 NARCAN® kits—9,760 total units—starting June 1, 2024.
HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray at no charge to you.
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Consider Donating to HealthStreet
Together, we can make a difference!
Your donation will directly support essential services and truly make a difference in our community. Every dollar you contribute helps us take steps towards reducing disparities that affect so many.
Just imagine the impact of your generosity: for $25, you can provide 15 personal care items, ensuring dignity and basic hygiene for those in need. With $50, we can purchase 16 daily bus passes to RTS, giving individuals reliable transportation to access vital jobs, healthcare, and services. And with $100, we can fuel the vehicles that our Community Health Workers use with 32 gallons of gasoline, enabling them to reach those in need and provide critical referrals and support.
We are also asking for direct donations of personal care items such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, shaving kits & cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, floss, pads, tampons, disposable wipes, hairbrushes and diapers.
Another way that you can make an impact in our community is by donating to the HealthStreet Clothing Closet! There is an ongoing need of the following items: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby clothing.
Clothing and personal care items can be directly donated at our HealthStreet location anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so we can place these items into the hands of those who need them.
Let’s join forces and create an extraordinary impact together!
Thank you for your kindness!
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