LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is partnering with several community organizations to encourage Clark County residents to get tested for HIV on Saturday, June 27 in recognition of National HIV Testing Day. Testing is always available at the Southern Nevada Health District’s Shadow Lane location and no appointment is necessary. For additional information and testing information, contact the health district’s Office of HIV/AIDS, (702) 759-0702 or visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 24, 2009
The health district and its partners will offer testing at the following locations on Saturday, June 27:
| 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Nevada Partners with the Greater Evergeen Missionary Baptist Church Free, oral HIV testing with results available in 7 – 10 days Nevada Partners 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas (702) 399-5627 |
| 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Canyon Ridge Church Free HIV testing 6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd. (702) 658-2722 |
The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of HIV/AIDS/STDs is located inside Annex A at the health district’s main public health center, 625 Shadow Lane. Services include confidential testing, counseling, case management and referrals. The health district offers several HIV test options, some with same-day results. In addition, testing is available at several locations throughout the community.
The health district encourages everyone in the community to learn their HIV status. Currently, there are more than 3,500 people living with HIV in Southern Nevada and more than 2,600 living with AIDS. In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that voluntary HIV testing become routine for patients aged 13 to 64 to increase early diagnosis for the more than 250,000 Americans who are unaware they are HIV positive. According to the CDC, every 9 1/2 minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV.
Additional recommendations from the CDC include annual testing for individuals who engage in high-risk sexual behavior or use intravenous drugs. Pregnant women should be tested during the early months of their pregnancy to help eliminate transmission of HIV to their infants.
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The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.