Southern Nevada Health District Offering Free Weekly HIV Testing at

Rafael Rivera Community Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 21, 2006

LAS VEGAS – August 21, 2006 – The Southern Nevada Health District Office of AIDS, in collaboration with LUCES and the Rafael Rivera Community Center, is offering free HIV testing in an effort to raise awareness and educate the Latino community on HIV/AIDS.

Free testing is offered every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4:30pm at:
Rafael Rivera Community Center
2900 Stewart Ave, LV, NV
(702) 229-4600

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that worldwide Latinos and African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Cumulatively in Clark County, as of June 1, 2006, there are 3164 individuals living with HIV and 4468 AIDS cases.

Of those numbers, Latinos represent 15 percent or 486 individuals living with HIV and 16 percent or 690 individuals living with AIDS in Clark County. In an effort to raise awareness, SNHD efforts will include culturally appropriate education about HIV transmission and living with HIV, and actively address myths.

For more information on testing at Rafael Rivera, please contact Juan Zapata, LUCES Representative at 591-7452 or Cherie Filler-Maietta, SNHD Office of AIDS 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.