April is STD Awareness Month

‘Treat Me Right’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2018

LAS VEGAS – As rates of sexually transmitted diseases continue to remain high across the United States and in Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District is partnering with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation during STD Awareness Month to offer testing for HIV and STDs through its mobile testing unit at locations throughout the valley. This year’s theme is “Treat Me Right,” a call for health care providers and patients to work together to foster more trusting relationships and more open communication to promote increased access to care, testing, diagnoses, and treatment.

“When it comes to sexual health, many patients feel uncomfortable talking to their doctors or they are embarrassed to ask about testing. We encourage patients to ask about testing they might need so they can get the correct treatment. It is also important for health care providers to include sexual health as part of their patients’ ongoing care,” said Dr. Joe Iser, Southern Nevada Health District Chief Health Officer.

The Health District also encourages people to discuss their sexual health with their intimate partners and recommends HIV testing at least once for most people and annually for people who are at higher risk of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional information about how patients and healthcare providers can work together on its website at Patients: You Matter. Your Health Matters.

The Health District and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation mobile testing unit will offer HIV and STD testing at the following locations:

Street Teens www.streetteens.org
Friday, April 13, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
5599 S. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89120
Free screenings for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and rapid HIV testing.

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth www.NPHY.org
Wednesday, April 25, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4981 Shirley St., Las Vegas, NV 89119
Free screenings for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and rapid HIV testing.

According to the CDC, there were 1.59 million cases of chlamydia, 468,514 cases of gonorrhea, and 27, 814 cases of syphilis reported in the United States in 2016. In Clark County in 2017, there were 12,500-plus cases of chlamydia reported as well as 4,592 cases of gonorrhea, and 966 cases of early syphilis which is also reported as infectious syphilis. High STD infection rates continue to be reported among young people between the ages of 15 and 24, among gay and bisexual men, and in pregnant women across the United States.

Free HIV screenings are available every Monday – Thursday from 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at The Southern Nevada Gay and Lesbian Center (The Center) located at 401 S. Maryland Parkway, call (702) 733-9800 for more information.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Sexual Health Clinic provides testing, treatment, exams, referrals, and counseling for $40; HIV testing is also available. Services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Main Public Health Center located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. All visits are confidential.

The CDC also recommends the following regarding STD screenings:

All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
Annual chlamydia screening of all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Annual gonorrhea screening for all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, and hepatitis B screening for all pregnant women, and gonorrhea screening for at-risk pregnant women starting early in pregnancy, with repeat testing as needed, to protect the health of mothers and their infants.
Screening at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea for all sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM who have multiple or anonymous partners should be screened more frequently for STDs (e.g., at 3-to-6-month intervals).
Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should be tested for HIV at least once a year. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).

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.