Take charge of your health: Get tested for HIV this National HIV Testing Day

Southern Nevada Health District urges community to know their status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2025

LAS VEGAS —To recognize National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging everyone to “Level up your self-love: check your health status.” This theme highlights the importance of knowing one’s HIV status and connecting with care and treatment if needed.

An estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and about 13 percent are unaware of their status. In 2021, approximately 32,100 new HIV infections occurred nationwide.

In Clark County, 488 new HIV diagnoses were reported in 2022, bringing the total number of people living with HIV in the region to 11,518. HIV continues to disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

HIV Testing Recommendations from the Health District

“We encourage everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 to get tested for HIV at least once,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “For those with ongoing risk of HIV infection, an annual test is recommended. Individuals at higher risk should consider getting tested as frequently as every three months.”

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

SHOPP HIV/STI Testing Locations (Symptom-Free Only)

The Health District’s Sexual Health Outreach and Prevention Program (SHOPP) offers no-cost HIV/STI screenings as part of Sexually Transmitted Infection Express Testing on a year-round basis. No appointments are needed, but clients must be without symptoms. Additional testing for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia is also available.

• Main Public Health Center
  280 S. Decatur, Las Vegas, NV 89107
  Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
• Fremont Public Health Center
  2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104
  Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Same-Day HIV Testing and Treatment Services

Same-day HIV testing and treatment services are also available in the Southern Nevada Community Health Center at both the Decatur and Fremont locations. Services include testing, medical care, behavioral health, nutrition counseling, case management, pharmacy access and HIV education. PEP and PrEP navigation and treatment are available for those who test negative for HIV. Services are provided to both insured and uninsured patients. A sliding fee scale is available for self-pay patients who qualify.

These services are available at the following locations:

• 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107: Open Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
• 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104: Open Tuesday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Free HIV Testing – June 27 Library Events in Partnership with The Center

The Center, which serves the LGBTQ community, is partnering with the Library District to offer free HIV testing from noon to 5 p.m. on June 27 at three area libraries:

• Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89117
• Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
• East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101

Free HIV Testing at The Center

Free HIV testing is available at The Center’s Arleen Cooper Community Health Center, located at 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted.

At-Home HIV Testing with Collect2Protect

The Health District’s Collect2Protect program provides free at-home HIV testing kits by mail, a convenient and private testing option. Low-cost gonorrhea and chlamydia tests are also available by mail. For more information or to request a kit, visit the Collect2Protect webpage.

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.