National Women and Girls HIV AIDS Awareness Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 9, 2011

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District encourages everyone to learn their HIV status. Thursday, March 10 is National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a nationwide observance to raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Testing is always available at the health district 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.SNHD.info.

The Nevada State Health Division reports that women account for approximately 20 percent of the 5,895 people living with HIV/AIDS in Clark County, the majority of whom are of between the ages 25 and 34 (37 percent) and 35-44 (33 percent). According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health, there are 280,000 women in the United States living with HIV/AIDS. While men account for a majority of cases, the disease’s impact on women continues to grow as research indicates they face gaps in access to testing and care.

Early diagnosis is critical for people who are HIV positive so they can benefit from treatment. It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of people with HIV are not diagnosed until they have developed AIDS, which can occur 10 years after infection.

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.

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.

In addition to testing at the health district between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., testing is available at the following locations:

Thurs. March 10, 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Gay and Lesbian Center of So. Nevada (733-9800)
953 E. Sahara Ave., B-31, Las Vegas 89104

Sat. March 12, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rancho High School
1900 Searles Ave., Las Vegas, 89101

Updated information about the Southern Nevada Health District can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, on YouTube www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict or Twitter www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo.

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.