As 2024 gets underway, it’s common for people to make resolutions to improve their lives in one way or another. Against that backdrop, however, is the reality that many people may face challenges and obstacles that can test their resolve just weeks into the new year. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has resources to help people overcome those obstacles.

February is American Heart Month, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and community partners are offering free programs and classes that aim to help people reduce their risk factors for heart disease.

In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) will join with community partners on February 7 to provide additional health services to the community. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights efforts to reduce HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections and address HIV stigma in Black/African American communities.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is urging heightened public awareness of the health dangers related to the mixture of stimulants with highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, resulting in a growing number of fatal overdoses in Clark County and throughout the U.S.

In December, the Southern Nevada Health District announced it was conducting a multi-site tuberculosis investigation in coordination with the Clark County School District. The investigation involves a person who had undiagnosed active TB disease and was at multiple school district campuses. Based on the Health District’s investigation, the patient had minimal close contact with people at most of the campuses where they were present. However, students and staff at Ruthe Deskin Elementary School were identified as having potential TB exposure. Notifications were conducted for all individuals identified as close contacts of the patient and screening and testing clinics were held.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to the seriousness of diabetes while urging people to get tested for the disease and learn about free, self-management programs. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness. People with diabetes also face a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is commemorating National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Sunday, March 10, a day to support women and girls who are living with HIV while encouraging others to be tested for HIV. Locally, an observance of the day, in collaboration with the Southern Nevada Health Consortium, is scheduled for Monday, March 11, from 1 - 4:30 p.m. at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. During “It’s Tea Time,” attendees can access information and resources about women and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In addition, there will be discussions about the following topics:

New data released by the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps show Clark County ranks 9th among Nevada counties assessed for health outcomes. The rankings are released each year using data from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). The 2024 Health Rankings and Roadmaps report is available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

The Southern Nevada Health District is calling attention to the global impact of tuberculosis as it commemorates World TB Day on Sunday, March 24. Across the globe, 1.6 million people died of TB and another 10.6 million became ill with the disease in 2021. While global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 74 million lives, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have reversed years of progress.

The Southern Nevada Health District is hosting the 2024 State of Public Health and Legislative Advocacy Day to highlight public health issues impacting the community. The event will feature policy makers, community partners and staff members working on programs and initiatives related to congenital syphilis and substance use and harm reduction in Clark County.

The Southern Nevada Health District is taking steps to alert approximately 300 clients who completed transactions on the Environmental Health Invoice Payment form on its website from March 4-14, 2024, that their information might have been compromised. Payments made before or after this time are not believed to be compromised. Other areas of the website were not impacted.

With spring fully underway, the Pop-Up Produce Stands return to Las Vegas on April 2, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are scheduled for six dates in April, May and June at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

April is National Minority Health Month, and this year’s theme is “Be the Source for Better Health,” with the focus on improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. In connection with this observance, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to a pair of programs that support minority health while striving to decrease health inequities.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week is April 14-20, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to the importance of sexual health and spotlighting the Talk, Test, and Treat campaign. This campaign emphasizes that all STIs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable. SNHD encourages individuals and health care providers to talk, test, and treat to protect their health, the health of their partners, and that of their patients.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a confirmed case of measles has been reported in a visitor to Clark County. The person traveled from out of state, and the potential exposure occurred between Monday, April 1, and Saturday, April 6. The Health District does not have information about the person’s immunization status or current condition.

National Immunization Week (NIIW), April 22-26, focuses on protecting children under 2 from vaccine preventable diseases. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) waives immunization administration fees this week for children under age 3 who are underinsured and Vaccine For Children (VFC) eligible. Free giveaways will be available for each child (up to age 3) getting immunized, and families can enter a free raffle to win prizes including a stroller and baby monitor.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is honoring its 2024 Public Health Heroes, who play a vital role in creating a healthier and more resilient community for all. They will be recognized during the Board of Public Health meeting on Thursday, April 25, at 9 a.m., in the Red Rock Conference Room of the Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107.

Most Americans are consuming too many added sugars in their diet. Sugar-sweetened beverages including sodas, energy drinks, and fruit drinks are a main source of added sugars. A regular, 12-ounce can of soda can contain a full 10 teaspoons of sugar. Because of the added sugar, soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to health issues including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, in Las Vegas, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are being held this season at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) released its inaugural Health Equity Status Report, focusing on key health indicators in terms of economic stability; economic access and quality; and health care access and quality. The report outlines social determinants of health (SDOH), and how they relate to Clark County and Healthy People 2030 targets. Healthy People 2030 is a 10-year plan for that identifies public health priorities to help individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States improve health and well-being.

The Slam Dunk Health Challenge, a program that encourages students to eat healthy foods and participate in physical activities, culminates Wednesday, May 15, at 10:45 a.m. at Howard Wasden Elementary School, 2831 Palomino Ln., Las Vegas, NV 89107, when this year’s top classroom – led by fourth-grade teacher Karma Reyes – will be awarded the grand prize. Las Vegas Aces player Sydney Colson will visit the winning classroom to congratulate the students and encourage them to stay on their path of making healthy choices.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) invites Clark County residents to have a say in improving the community’s health by taking a survey for the Community Status Assessment (CSA), a component of the Community Health Assessment (CHA) process. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and will be available starting Wednesday, May 15, at https://unlv.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_023TuQyXRM4Ae5o?Q_CHL=qr. Information gathered through the survey will not be tied to any individual person.

Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District and community partners kicked off a public awareness initiative today to remind residents and visitors that Southern Nevada’s desert heat can be dangerous to people of all ages and to offer tips to stay safe as daytime temperatures in the region get closer to triple digits.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is encouraging people to get tested for the virus. SNHD’s Sexual Health Outreach and Prevention Program (SHOPP) offers no-cost hepatitis B and C screenings as part of Sexually Transmitted Infection Express Testing at two locations, year-round:

The Southern Nevada Health District has detected xylazine in the local illicit drug supply through its community surveillance program where drug paraphernalia is anonymously collected and sampled in Clark County. While xylazine use has not been widely reported in Nevada, the Health District registered three overdose deaths involving xylazine in 2023 (compared to one death in 2020).

With excessive heat expected in the region this week, Clark County and the Southern Nevada Health District and community partners are reminding the public that heat can pose serious health risks to anyone in our region especially children, the elderly and people with poor circulation and weight problems.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s (SNHD) Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion invites community members to participate in the 2024 Move Your Way® campaign this summer, with a series of activities scheduled throughout the Valley. The activities at public swimming pools are aimed at encouraging area residents to be more physically active.

Southern Nevada Health District officials are reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes as they report the highest level of activity in the program’s history this early in a season. As of June 6, 2024, 91 mosquito pools, comprising 3,081 mosquitoes from 16 ZIP codes, have tested positive for West Nile virus. Two mosquito pools, comprising 46 mosquitoes from two ZIP codes, have tested positive for the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis.

Observed each year during June, Men's Health Month spotlights health and wellness issues faced by all men. Throughout the month, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds men to take charge of their overall health by implementing health-centered decisions.

After hearing an appeal by Las Vegas Athletic Clubs (LVAC), the Southern Nevada Health District issued an order today upholding its decision to revoke a variance that allowed LVAC to monitor pool users via video camera in lieu of an in-person lifeguard. An important factor in the Health District’s decision was video showing an incident in February 2024 in which an LVAC customer died in one of its indoor pool facilities. The Health District order provides a timeline for the incident showing a person in distress for approximately twenty minutes, without a response from LVAC.

In observance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Southern Nevada Health Consortium will provide free HIV testing at various community locations.  The campaign, themed, “Level up your self-love: check your status,” encourages people to get tested, know their HIV status, and get linked to care and treatment.

The Southern Nevada Health District has identified two cases of West Nile virus for this season. One patient, a male over the age of 60, was diagnosed with the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness, and a male over the age of 70, had the neuroinvasive form of the illness. Both patients have recovered.

The Southern Nevada Health District is partnering with CredibleMind, an online digital mental health platform, to provide the community with free and confidential access to a large library of mental health and well-being resources. The site is available to the public at ClarkCountyThrive.crediblemind.com.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting five new cases of West Nile virus, bringing the total to seven. Three patients — a female over the age of 60, and two males under the age of 50, were diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of the illness. All three patients were hospitalized and are recovering. A male and female, both under the age of 50, had the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness. Both patients have recovered.

The Southern Nevada Community Health Center is celebrating National Health Center Week August 4-10, by raising awareness of its services, celebrating its dedicated employees, and showing appreciation for patients with giveaways and raffle prizes.

In June, the Southern Nevada Health District issued an order upholding its decision to revoke a variance that allowed Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) to monitor pool users via video camera in lieu of an in-person lifeguard. An important factor in the Health District’s decision was video showing an incident in February 2024 in which an LVAC customer died in one of its indoor pool facilities. At that time, the Health District gave LVAC 60 days’ notice that the revocation would go into effect on August 12, 2024.

The Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is hosting its 8th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event on Saturday, August 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, 401 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89101. The event is an opportunity to remember those who have died, while acknowledging those who have survived.

The Southern Nevada Health District continues to report sporadic cases of Mpox in Clark County residents. To date in 2024, the Health District has reported seven probable and confirmed Mpox cases in Clark County.

As the fall season approaches, the Pop-Up Produce Stands return to Las Vegas on September 3, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are scheduled for six dates in September, October and November at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to learn about how to prevent obesity and reduce the stigma around it. The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, along with Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition, are promoting the 5-2-1-0 guidelines. These evidence-based recommendations can help children — and people of all ages — adopt healthier lifestyles. Activities and events scheduled during the month are available on the Get Healthy Clark County and Spanish-language Viva Saludable websites.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is alerting people to the health risks associated with consuming raw milk, following an increase in the illegal sale of these products in Clark County. The sale of raw milk, and its products, is illegal in Clark County due to serious health concerns. SNHD advises residents to only consume pasteurized milk, which is treated to eliminate germs that can cause severe illness.

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to spotlight the critical importance of being ready for unexpected disasters. Potential emergencies in Southern Nevada could include natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and storms as well as Intentional acts. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) encourages everyone to assess their personal and community readiness for emergencies that could strike at any time.

Updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are now available at Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) clinics. The vaccines can be administered at the same time, and SNHD is recommending everyone eligible get their updated vaccines to protect against more serious illness from COVID-19 and flu this upcoming respiratory season. 

Friday, September 27, is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, focusing on the continuing and disproportionate impact of HIV on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to efforts to end the HIV epidemic by expanding testing, prevention, treatment, and to reducing stigma.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has launched a new data dashboard and a test strip mail order program as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce overdoses. These programs provide harm reduction resources and education to Clark County residents.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, in Las Vegas, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are being held this season at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) observes National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) on Tuesday, October 15, focusing on the disproportionate impact of HIV in Hispanic/Latinx communities while promoting effective ways to prevent, treat and stop the transmission of HIV among Hispanic/Latinx people.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, in Las Vegas, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are being held this season at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

In recognition of American Diabetes Month in November, the Southern Nevada Health District is raising awareness of one of the most widespread diseases in the United States. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness. People with diabetes also face a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting an increase in norovirus detected in community wastewater. Often referred to as the “stomach flu,” norovirus is not related to the influenza virus. It is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States.

Thursday, November 21, is the Great American Smokeout, an opportunity for smokers to take the first step to quit the habit. It is estimated that eight out of 10 smokers would like to quit smoking, which remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes many health problems including cancer and cardiovascular and lung diseases. The Southern Nevada Health District has cessation resources and tools as well as information about alternative tobacco products and smoke-free living on its GetHealthyClarkCounty.org website.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident—a woman in her 70s. While reports of respiratory and influenza-like illnesses locally remain minimal, seasonal flu activity has slightly increased nationally, particularly among children. Emergency department and urgent care visits for influenza-like illness are also increasing. The Health District is encouraging everyone to protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill by getting the flu vaccine.

The Southern Nevada Health District joins with community partners in observing World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 1, a day of solidarity for those affected by HIV. In 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally. Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV; about 13% of them don’t know it and need testing. In Clark County, more than 12,000 people live with HIV and 500 were newly diagnosed in 2023.