FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 15, 2022

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District and its partners recognize the importance of routine HIV testing, knowing one’s HIV status, and the continued focus on HIV prevention, treatment and reducing HIV stigma for transgender and nonbinary people in the community. To commemorate National Transgender HIV Testing Day on Monday, April 18, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging transgender and nonbinary persons to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections as well as learn about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Services are available from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Sexual Health Clinic, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas NV 89107. At-home HIV testing kits are also available through the Collect2Protect program. Testing is free and confidential.

Transgender and nonbinary persons can obtain the following services at these locations:

• The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101
  Free HIV/STI testing 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• The Henderson Equality Center, 1490 W. Sunset Rd., Ste. 120, Henderson NV 89104
  Free HIV testing, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

National Transgender HIV Testing day is an opportunity to remind a vulnerable population about the importance of knowing their HIV status so they can take medicine to treat HIV if they have the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one million people identify as transgender in the United States, and transgender people made up 2 percent of new HIV diagnoses in 2019. Likewise in Clark County, transgender people made up 3.4 percent of new HIV diagnoses from 2017-2021. For more information, visit the CDC’s HIV and Transgender People: HIV Prevalence page.

Health care providers are the foundation of gender-affirming HIV screening, prevention, and care. Included among these providers are The Center, the Henderson Equality Center, Huntridge Family Clinic, and the Las Vegas TransPride Center, all members of the Southern Nevada HIV Awareness Consortium.

In addition, the Las Vegas TransPride Center, 727 S. 9th Street, Ste. B, Las Vegas, NV 89101, offers a space for the trans community to gather for activities and events. Services include a food pantry, clothing boutique, book exchange, a “Binder” program for trans masculine individuals, help with name change, medical advocacy, chaplaincy or hospital visits.

Early diagnosis is critical for people with HIV so that they can benefit from antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART reduces HIV levels in the bloodstream, reduces HIV-related illnesses, and lowers the risk of transmitting HIV to intimate partners. With ART, HIV-positive people can remain healthy for many years.

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.