National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Oct. 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 14, 2015

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District encourages the Valley’s Hispanic residents to learn their HIV status and to get tested as part of National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Saturday, Oct. 17. The health district and its partners will observe National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with free HIV testing between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, 89101 or call (702) 733-9800 for more information. For additional information, visit the health district’s website at www.SNHD.info.

In Clark County, Hispanics account for 23 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately one in 36 Hispanic men and one in 106 Hispanic women will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime. Hispanics account for approximately 21 percent of new HIV infections in the United States each year. Among Hispanics, gay and bisexual men account for 87 percent of new HIV infections.

The CDC recommends that voluntary HIV testing become routine for patients between the ages of 13 and 64. The CDC estimates that more than one million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS, a fifth of whom are unaware of their infection.

In addition to the traditional blood test, the Southern Nevada Health District offers the Clearview Complete Rapid HIV test that does not use needles. This test can provide same-day results. The test is $25 and is available at the Sexual Health Clinic 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. The clinic is located at 400 Shadow Lane, Suite 106 or call (702) 759-0702. All HIV testing at the health district is confidential.

HIV/AIDS services provided by the health district’s Sexual Health Clinic include testing, counseling, case management, outreach efforts and community referrals.

Confidential HIV testing takes place at the following locations

Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada
Monday-Thursday
401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Richard Steele Boxing Facility
Tuesday
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
2475 W. Cheyenne Ave., Ste. 120/North Las Vegas
(702) 759-0702

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.