Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Week highlights prevention, testing and treatment resources

Health District offers free STI testing and information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 11, 2025

LAS VEGAS –Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week, observed April 13–19, is an opportunity to promote sexual health through education, reduce stigma and discrimination, and encourage prevention, testing, and treatment of STIs.

In 2023, more than 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in the United States. In 2024, Clark County reported the following STI case totals:

• Chlamydia: 11,898 (down from 12,562 in 2023)
• Gonorrhea: 5,109 (down from 5,763)
• Primary and Secondary Syphilis: 368 (down from 554)
• New HIV cases: 525 (up from 488)

Nearly 14,000 people were living with HIV in Nevada in 2023.

“STI Awareness Week plays a vital role in raising awareness about an important public health concern,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer. “By educating the community, advocating for safe sexual practices, and emphasizing the importance of testing and treatment, we can work toward reducing the spread of these infections.” 

Expanded STI Express Testing

To mark STI Awareness Week, the Southern Nevada Health District is expanding its STI Express Testing services. Express Testing is available for individuals who are not experiencing symptoms and do not have a known exposure. No-cost STI Express Testing will be offered at the following locations: 

Southern Nevada Community Health Center—Sexual Health Clinic
280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
Monday–Thursday, April 14–17
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fremont Public Health Center—Sexual Health Clinic
2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104
Every Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Henderson Public Health Center
220 E. Horizon Dr., Suites A & C, Henderson, NV 89015
Starting Tuesday, April 15, and continuing weekly
Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 Mesquite Public Health Center
150 N. Yucca St., Suite 5, Mesquite, NV 89027
Monday, April 14, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and
Every second and fourth Monday thereafter, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Information tables will be available at these locations to provide resources and details about alternative testing sites once clinics reach capacity.

Mobile STI Testing Events

The Health District will also offer no-cost STI and HIV testing in the community during STI Awareness Week through its mobile testing unit:

• Saturday, April 12
  10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  4th Annual Eta Eta Eta Community Health Fair
  West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
• Monday, April 14
  Noon – 4 p.m.
  Fremont Public Health Center parking lot, 2830 E. Fremont St.
• Saturday, April 19
  10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  Victory Missionary Baptist Church Health Fair, 500 W. Monroe Ave.

 At-Home Testing Option

The Health District also offers the Collect2Protect program, a convenient and private testing option. Free HIV tests and low-cost gonorrhea and chlamydia tests are available by mail. For more information, go to www.snhd.info/c2p.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone who has sex can get an STI, but some groups are more affected, including:

• Young people ages 15–24
• Men who have sex with men
• Pregnant people
• Racial and ethnic minorities

Common STI Symptoms

• Unusual discharge from the genitals or anus
• Pain or burning during urination
• Lumps or sores in the genital area, anus or mouth
• Rashes
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Testicular swelling

Additional Resources

Services and resources are also available at the Health District’s Southern Nevada Community Health Center, including screenings, treatment, case management, and counseling. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the Southern Nevada Community Health Center web page. For more information about the burden of STIs, visit the CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Diseases Data and Statistics page.

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.