FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 25, 2019
LAS VEGAS – People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives today because new treatments are available. The key is getting tested and getting into care! June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, and the Southern Nevada Health District is offering free rapid HIV testing from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at its Sexual Health Clinic located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are one million people living with HIV in the United States, and one in seven are unaware of their infection. The CDC recommends testing for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 at least once as part of routine health care and annual testing for people at high risk of infection.
In keeping with this year’s National HIV Testing Day theme, Doing it My Way, which encourages people to get tested in a way that is most comfortable for them, the Health District and its partners are offering a variety of HIV testing venues. For testing hours, contact each location:
AFAN
1830 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 210, Las Vegas, NV 89104,
(702) 382-2326 or visit: Aid for AIDS of Nevada/afanlv.org
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
3201 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 218, Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 862-8075 or visit: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Community Counseling Center
714 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 369-8700 or visit: Community Counseling Center.org
The Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada (The Center)
401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 733-9800 or visit: TheCenterLV.org
Trac-B Exchange
6114 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 840-6693 or visit: Harm Reduction Center LV.com
In addition to rapid HIV testing, patients have access to Rapid stART, a program that immediately connects them to a medical provider and allows them to begin antiretroviral treatment (ART) the same day or the following day. The program is a component of the 90-90-90 initiative launched by the Health District in December 2018. The 90-90-90 concept is part of a broader framework of goals introduced by the United Nations to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. It is based on the principle that 90 percent of people who are infected with HIV will be diagnosed, 90 percent of those diagnosed will be treated with antiretrovirals, and 90 percent of those receiving treatment will be virally suppressed. To participate or to refer a patient to the Rapid stART program, call (702) 234-0429.
The Southern Nevada Health District’s Sexual Health Clinic is located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Services include confidential HIV testing, counseling, case management, and referrals. For additional information, visit the clinic website or call (702) 759-0702. Free HIV testing services are also available Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), 401 S. Maryland Parkway. For additional information about free testing, contact The Center at (702) 733-9800.
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.