National HIV Testing Day, June 27
Doing it My Way-getting tested for HIV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2018
LAS VEGAS – More than a million people in the United States are living with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those, many are not aware they are infected. Testing is the only way to know for certain. The perfect date? National HIV Testing Day, Wednesday, June 27. The Southern Nevada Health District’s Mobile Testing Unit will be at the Health District’s main location, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 to provide free HIV screenings. For additional information, visit the Sexual Health Clinic page on the Health District website or call (702) 759-0702.
Testing will also be available at the following locations on Wednesday, June 27:
- The Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada (The Center)
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., 401 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, 89101,
(702) 733-9800 or visit: TheCenterLV.org.
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mobile Testing Unit
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., UNLV/free speech zone near the library,
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, 89154
(702) 250-4694 or visit: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
- Harm Reduction Center/Trac-B Exchange
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 6114 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, 89146
(702) 840-6693 or visit: Harm Reduction Center LV
This year’s theme, part of the Act Against AIDS initiative, is Doing it. Testing for HIV. The CDC campaign is designed to encourage all adults to get tested and to learn their HIV status. Doing it. Testing for HIV is also encouraging people to post their stories on social media using the hashtag #DoingIt to share the reasons why they are getting tested.
The CDC recommends testing for everyone at least one time as part of routine medical care for people between the ages of 13 and 64. Additional CDC recommendations include annual testing for individuals who engage in high-risk sexual behavior or use intravenous drugs. Pregnant women should be tested during the early months of their pregnancy to help eliminate transmission of HIV to their infants.
Early diagnosis is critical for people with HIV so 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.
In addition, people who are tested and learn they are HIV negative can make decisions about their risk factors and health care. People at high risk for HIV infection can discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis, called PrEP, with their health care providers to reduce their risk of infection. The CDC has information about PrEP on its website.
National HIV Testing Day was launched in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS in response to increasing numbers of people with HIV in communities of color and other heavily impacted communities.
The Health District’s Sexual Health Clinic is open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clinic also offers STD services including testing, treatment, exams, referrals, and counseling; the cost is $40. Additional fees may apply depending upon lab testing services to diagnose and treat certain sexually transmitted infections. Anyone who wishes to be tested and is not experiencing symptoms can visit The Center each Monday through Thursday for free HIV/syphilis testing.
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.