Health District observes National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

October 14 events include free health fair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 12, 2023

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) will participate in the Southern Nevada Health Consortium’s free health fair on National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), October 14. Activities include cost-free rapid HIV testing, information on HIV prevention (PrEP/PEP), syphilis testing, STD education, substance use resources, vendors and music. The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Chuck Minker Sports Complex, 275 N. Mojave Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101.

Express HIV testing at no cost is also available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at SNHD’s Sexual Health Clinic, located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Visit the Sexual Health Clinic page on SNHD’s website for more information.

Free HIV testing is available in the Arlene Cooper Community Health Center inside The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Clinic hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 – 6 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins are accepted. For private testing, use SNHD’s Collect2Protect program with free at-home test kits available on the Collect2Protect page.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in the U.S., approximately 1.2 million people have HIV, with Hispanic/Latino people disproportionately affected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, there were an estimated 36,136 new HIV infections. Of the new infections, 29% (10,467) were among Hispanic/Latino people. Issues such as HIV stigma, poverty and limited access to high-quality health care influence health outcomes and drive inequities. More information is available at the CDC’s HIV and Hispanics/Latinos website. For more information about National LatinX AIDS Awareness Day, visit National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day #NLAAD2023 | HIV.gov.

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.