COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Collier County is kicking off a new campaign to raise AIDS awareness in the community.

Tuesday, the Health Department hosted free HIV rapid screening tests, with results availble, in just 20 minutes.

Health Department officials say over 1,500 Collier County residents have been diagnosed with AIDS. They encourage residents get tested to curb the epidemic.

"That's really the only way that you're going to know and how to protect yourself and your partner," said Jeff Welle of the Collier County Health Department.

The Health Department is offering more free testing next week.

For more information, visit www.collierprepares.org