Health District encourages testing for everyone

National HIV Testing Day, June 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 27, 2017

LAS VEGAS — What’s your status? National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for everyone to learn his or her HIV status. The Southern Nevada Health District encourages all Southern Nevadans to get tested. Free testing is available at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), located at 401 S. Maryland Parkway from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For additional information, contact The Center at (702) 733-9800 or visit TheCenterLV.org . The Health District’s Sexual Health Clinic located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. offers HIV testing and clinical services including case management and referrals. For additional information, contact the clinic at (702) 759-0702 or visit the Sexual Health Clinic page on the Health District website. The Health District will also collaborate with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to provide rapid HIV testing and syphilis screenings from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 27 at Crowd Pleezers Barber, 4960 W. Charleston Blvd.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV, and nearly one in seven people who are HIV positive are unaware of their infection. In Clark County, there are more than 9,500 residents living with HIV.

Early diagnosis is critical for people with HIV so they can benefit from treatment. The CDC estimates that nearly 40 percent of people with HIV are not diagnosed until they have developed AIDS, which can occur 10 years after infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risks of transmitting the virus to partners.

Recommendations include testing at least one time as part of routine medical care for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64. Additional CDC recommendations 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.

National HIV Testing Day was launched in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS in response to increasing numbers of people with HIV in communities of color and other heavily impacted communities.

The Health District’s Sexual Health Clinic is open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clinic also offers STD services including testing, treatment, exams, referrals, and counseling; the cost is $40. Additional fees may apply depending upon lab testing services to diagnose and treat certain sexually transmitted infections. Anyone who wishes to be tested and is not experiencing symptoms, can visit The Center Monday through Thursday for free HIV/syphilis testing.

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.