FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 26, 2025

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is joining community partners to mark World AIDS Day on Monday, Dec. 1, a global day of unity and remembrance for people affected by HIV. In 2024, an estimated 41 million people worldwide were living with HIV, up from 39.9 million the previous year. In the United States, about 1.2 million people have HIV, and roughly 13% remain unaware of their infection and need testing. Locally, more than 12,000 Clark County residents are living with HIV, with 552 new diagnoses in 2024, an increase from 508 in 2023.

The 2025 World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” highlights how funding cuts have challenged HIV programs, while recognizing the determination of communities leading the way forward. “World AIDS Day reminds us to honor those lost to AIDS-related illness and renew our commitment to ending HIV,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “By standing together, we can support those affected and continue working toward a healthier, more equitable future.”

World AIDS Day Activities

On Sunday, November 30, the Health District is co-hosting the Last Sunday’s Arts Festival & Fundraiser with the Obodo Collective urban garden, Sigma Gamma Rho and Poetic Gems. It will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Obodo Community Garden, 1300 C Street, Las Vegas, NV 89106, on the Historic Westside. The Health District will offer no-cost HIV testing and resources including information about PrEP. The event will also feature line dancing, local performers, vendors and an art auction.

Additional activities include:

Sunday, Nov. 30

• The Southern Nevada Health Consortium’s Human Red Ribbon and reading of names of people who have been lost to HIV; The Nunnery, 900 E. Karen Ave., Suite A218, Las Vegas, NV 89109, from noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 1

• Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) to light the Welcome to Las Vegas sign in red; 5100 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119, at 8 a.m.
• Free HIV testing, flu shots and swag bags; Henderson Equality Center, 1490 W. Sunset Rd., Unit 120, Henderson, NV 89014, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• World AIDS Day Trivia sponsored by The Center, Sin Sity Sisters, ViiiV Healthcare and The Consortium; Dust LV, 855 E. Twain Ave., Unit 114, Las Vegas, NV 89169, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

• Level Up rapid HIV and HCV screening, giveaways and PrEP services, sponsored by ASP Cares, Safe Harbor Medical and TracB Exchange; TracB Wellness, 6108 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Invitation Only Events

In addition to public events, partner organizations will host invitation-only observances. On Thursday, Dec. 4, The Center will hold its World AIDS Day Awards Dinner at 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101, from 6 to 8 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 5, the Legacy Awards Luncheon will take place at the Community Counseling Center, 714 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Year-round HIV testing is readily available in Southern Nevada:

• The Health District offers express no-cost testing from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Southern Nevada Health District Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. No-cost express testing is also available at the Fremont Public Health Center, 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Friday. No appointments are needed, but clients must be asymptomatic.
• HIV testing is available at no cost at the Arleen Cooper Community Health Center at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted.

• The Community Counseling Center offers HIV testing and education to the community. Additionally, they offer gift cards to people who complete an HIV test. For more information, call (702) 369-8700, ext. 279, or visit cccofsn.org.
• The Health District’s Collect2Protect program offers free at-home HIV tests, giving people a convenient and private option for testing. The kits can be requested through the Collect2Protect page.

Same-day HIV testing and treatment services are also available in the Southern Nevada Community Health Center and at the Fremont Public Health Center. HIV services include testing, medical, behavioral health, nutrition, case management, pharmaceutical, and educational services. PEP and PrEP navigation and treatment are available for those who test negative. Services are offered for insured and uninsured patients. Sliding fee scale discounts are available to all patients who qualify.

For more information on World AIDS Day and the global response to HIV, visit World AIDS Day.

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.