National HIV Testing Day is June 27

Health District encourages people to “take the test and take the next step”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2023

LAS VEGAS — In observance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Southern Nevada HIV Awareness Consortium will provide free HIV testing throughout the day at community locations. The theme of this year’s observance is, “Take the test and take the next step.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV. About 13 percent of them don’t know it and need testing. District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said, “HIV testing is a pathway for people to maintain their health, regardless of their test results. Going beyond the test means putting the focus on steps everyone can take after establishing their HIV status.” Dr. Leguen noted that in addition to testing, SNHD offers resources to help people reduce their risk of getting HIV.

According to the National Institutes of Health, antiretroviral treatment (ART) has transformed HIV infection from an almost uniformly fatal illness into a manageable chronic condition. To keep HIV under control and minimize long-term damage to the immune system, it is essential to start daily ART therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis and stay on treatment. 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.

In partnership with Walgreens and Greater Than HIV, SNHD’s mobile testing unit will be providing free HIV testing as well as information about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), safer sex kits and information on National HIV Testing Day at the following Walgreens locations:

• 6001 W. Cheyenne Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89108, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• 6101 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108, 1:30 – 5 p.m.

Testing will also be available at the following locations on June 27:

• First Person, 1200 S. 4th St., Ste. 111, Las Vegas, NV 89104
  9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 702-380-8118

• First Person, 200 E. Horizon Dr., Henderson, NV 89105
  9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 702-381-5858

• TRAC-B Exchange, 6114 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146
  9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., 702-840-6693

• The Center, 401 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89101
  1 p.m. – 7 p.m., 702-733-9800

• AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) MEOW Wolf, 3215 S Rancho, Las Vegas, NV 89102
  1 p.m. – 5 p.m., 702-862-8075 (AHF) or 866-636-9969 (MEOW Wolf)

• AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), 3201 S. Maryland Pkwy., #218, Las Vegas, NV 89101
  5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., 702-862-8075

SNHD will offer Express HIV testing at no cost from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Sexual Health Clinic, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Express testing will also be available from 8 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church Sexual Health Clinic, 4201 W. Washington Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Appointments are not required, but clients must be asymptomatic. Additional testing can be done for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Visit the Sexual Health Clinic page on SNHD’s website for more information.

Free HIV testing is available in the Arleen Cooper Clinic at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 – 6 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted.

Additionally, SNHD’s Collect2Protect program provides free at-home HIV tests.  The kits are available on the Collect2Protect page and provide a convenient and private testing option.

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.