District Observes National Black HIV AIDS Awareness and Information Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 7, 2005

(Las Vegas, Nev., – February 7, 2005) – The Southern Nevada Health District is joining other Las Vegas community organizations in the fifth annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day, a nationwide mobilization effort to call attention to the disproportionate incidence of HIV/AIDS in the African American population.

The objectives of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day are to educate the African American community, encourage testing and promote advocacy. In support of these objectives, the Southern Nevada Health District Office of AIDS will be conducting confidential HIV testing and distributing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment information at the following health district locations from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Ravenholt Public Health Center, 625 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89106
• North Las Vegas, 1820 E. Lake Mead Dr, Ste F, N. Las Vegas, NV 89119
• East Las Vegas, 560 North Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas, NV 89110
• Henderson, 129 W. Lake Mead Dr., Henderson, NV 89015

The Southern Nevada Health District Office of AIDS reports that 24 percent of local AIDS cases and 26 percent of HIV infections are among African Americans. Nationally, African Americans represent just 12 percent of the population, but one-third of AIDS patients. Further, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44.

Saturday, February 12, the health district will also participate in a rally supporting National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day, scheduled for Saturday, February 12. The rally will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

For more information, contact the health district Office of AIDS at (702) 759-0726.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

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.