Health District observes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7 events to feature free HIV testing and other services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2025
LAS VEGAS – In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Southern Nevada Health District will join with community partners for a community health fair on Friday, 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 health fair, presented by the Southern Nevada Health Consortium, is scheduled for noon–4 p.m. at Mario’s Westside Market, 1425 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89106. The Henderson Equality Center will offer free HIV testing, while the Health District will provide Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing, in addition to safe sex kits and education about pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, PEP).
Additionally, the Health District will provide blood pressure screenings, smoking/vaping cessation information and vaccinations at the health fair from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for mpox, COVID-19 and flu. The event will also include food, vendors and free entertainment.
Attendees can also schedule a mammogram provided by Nevada Health Centers. The service will be available from 7:40 a.m.–3:20 p.m., with a break from noon–1 p.m. To make an appointment, call 877-581-6266, option 1. Most major insurances are accepted. Regular mammograms are an important screening tool for breast cancer, capable of detecting cancer early—sometimes even before a lump is felt.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will culminate with the Awareness Day Dinner, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. With the theme, “Climbing Higher Mountains,” the free evening of food, family and community will also include presentations from local leaders and performances from homegrown talent. Free HIV testing will also be available.
Additional Testing Opportunities
Free HIV testing will be available on February 7 at the Fremont Public Health Center, 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104, from 7:30-4:30 p.m. No appointments are needed, but clients must be without symptoms related to sexually transmitted diseases. Additional testing for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia is also available.
The Health District’s Sexual Health Outreach and Prevention Program (SHOPP) offers no-cost HIV/STI screenings as part of Sexually Transmitted Infection Express Testing on a year-round basis. No appointments are needed, but clients must be without symptoms. Additional testing for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia is also available at the following locations:
- Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur, Las Vegas, NV 89107; Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
- Fremont Public Health Center, 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104; Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Same-day HIV testing and treatment services are also available in the Southern Nevada Community Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107, and at the Fremont Public Health Center. HIV services include testing, medical, behavioral health, nutrition, case management, pharmaceutical, and education. PEP and PrEP navigation and treatment are available for those who test negative for HIV. Services are offered for insured and uninsured patients. Sliding fee scale discounts are available to all self-pay patients who qualify.
Additionally, free at-home HIV test kits are available through the Health District’s Collect2Protect program.
The Health District 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.
For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit HIV Awareness Days.
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.