An 8-foot red ribbon was cut Monday in honor of National HIV Testing Awareness Day in Flatbush.

The event was held by Watchful Eye, an organization that focuses on HIV and AIDS prevention. This is the organization's eighth year encouraging Brooklyn residents to get tested. 

"One thing it will do, is it draws attention because when you look up, it just lets you know that HIV and AIDS is still a priority and you should know your status," says Dee Bailey, founder of Watchful Eye.

According to the New York City Department of Health, 29,000 people were living with HIV and AIDS in Brooklyn as of 2014.

The organization partnered with Bridging Access to Care this year to offer contraceptives, education and on-the-spot testing.