Health District observes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Free HIV testing and other services to be offered February 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2024

LAS VEGAS – In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) will join with community partners on February 7 to provide additional health services to the community. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights efforts to reduce HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections and address HIV stigma in Black/African American communities.

The activities, presented by the Southern Nevada Healthcare Consortium, are scheduled for 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Mario’s Westside Market, 1425 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89106. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation will offer free HIV testing, while SNHD will provide syphilis testing, safe sex kits and education about pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, PEP). Additionally, SNHD will provide blood pressure screenings, smoking/vaping cessation information and vaccinations from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for mpox, COVID-19 and flu. The event will also include food, a vendor health fair and free entertainment.

Free HIV testing is also available at the following SNHD locations:

• SNHD Main Facility, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107, Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m.)
• All Saints Sexual Health Clinic, 4201 W. Washington Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89107, Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m.)

Free HIV testing will be offered at the Fremont Public Health Center, 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104 on February 7 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and is available at this location every Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

In addition, free at-home HIV test kits are available through SNHD’s Collect2Protect program.

SNHD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all people between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. People who have continued risk of HIV infection should consider getting an HIV test at least once every year and as frequently as every three months for those at higher risk. Early diagnosis is critical for people with HIV so that they can benefit from antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART decreases HIV-related illnesses, reduces HIV levels in the bloodstream,  and lowers the risk of transmitting HIV to intimate partners. With ART, HIV-positive people can remain healthy for many years.

Black/African American people accounted for 40% of the nation’s 34,800 new HIV diagnoses in 2019, but made up only 13% of the U.S. population. Approximately 13% of Black people with HIV in the U.S. still do not know their status, and few are receiving adequate HIV care and treatment. In addition, PrEP use is lowest and least prescribed among Black people as compared to white, Hispanic and Latino people. Issues such as racism, discrimination, and medical distrust prevent many Black people from accessing HIV testing, prevention and treatment.

For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day | Awareness Days | Resource Library | HIV/AIDS | CDC.

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.