Health District, community partners commemorate

21st World AIDS Day, Dec. 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 30, 2009

LAS VEGAS – The 21tst World AIDS Day is Tuesday, Dec. 1 and the Southern Nevada Health District and its community partners will observe the occasion with free testing at several locations. For more information, contact the Southern Nevada Health District Office of HIV/AIDS, (702) 759-0702 or visit www.SNHD.INFO.

In Clark County, more than 8,000 Southern Nevadans have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS with more than 2,500 deaths from the illness since 1992. More than 3,617 Southern Nevadans are living with HIV and there are more than 5,200 AIDS cases locally. A study by UNAIDS, a joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS, noted that approximately 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV.

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that voluntary HIV testing become routine for patients between the ages of 13 and 64. The CDC estimates that more than one million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS, a fifth of whom are unaware of their infection.

World AIDS Day was adopted in 1988 by representatives of 140 countries at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on AIDS. The day serves as an opportunity for governments, non-governmental and local organizations, AIDS programs and individuals to increase awareness and demonstrate solidarity in the fight against AIDS.

In addition to the traditional blood test, the Southern Nevada Health District offers the OraSure HIV-1 oral fluid test that does not use needles. In addition, two types of rapid HIV testing that provide same-day results are available. Both rapid tests are $25 and are administered Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Thursday morning from 8 a.m. until noon; neither rapid test is available on Friday. All HIV testing at the health district is confidential and is available inside the main location at 625 Shadow Lane. There is a separate entrance to ensure clients’ privacy.

In addition to testing, the Southern Nevada Health District’s HIV/AIDS program includes counseling, case management, outreach efforts and community referrals. For information, visit the health district’s website, www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org or call (702) 759-0702.

Confidential HIV testing will take place at the following locations on Monday, December 1:

Southern Nevada Health District
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
625 Shadow Lane, Annex A

North Las Vegas Recreation Center
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
HIV/syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia
1638 N. Bruce St., NLV 89030
(702) 633-1171

UNLV/Student Health Center
11 a.m.– 4 p.m., UNLV Student Health Center

Canyon Ridge Church
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
HIV Testing
6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, 89130
(702) 658-2722

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

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.