Hepatitis testing encouraged during the month of May
May is designated Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 16, 2019
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is raising awareness about hepatitis and encouraging people to get tested during Hepatitis Awareness Month, and on May 19, Hepatitis Testing Day. Millions of people in the United States are infected with hepatitis and many are not aware of their infection.
Regular hepatitis C testing services are available at the following locations:
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Huntridge Clinic, (702) 979-1111
1830 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104
(Syringe vending machine and needle disposal location) - Monday and Wednesday, Noon – 4 p.m.
Trac-B Exchange, (702) 840-6693
6114 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146
(Sterile syringe storefront and needle disposal location)
Throughout May, hepatitis C testing will be available at the following locations:
- Thursday, May 16, 7:30 a.m. – noon
Center for Behavioral Health, (702) 796-0660
3050 E. Desert Inn Rd., Ste. 116, Las Vegas, NV 89121
(Syringe vending machine and needle disposal location) - Monday, May 20-Thursday, May 24, 10:30 a.m. – noon, 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), (702) 733-8600
401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101
(Syringe vending machine and needle disposal location) - Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Las Vegas Rescue Mission, (702) 382-1766
4800 W. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89106
(Testing, care resources, hepatitis A and B immunizations) - Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Harm Reduction Outreach, (702) 840-6693
Christ the King Catholic Community
4925 S. Torrey Pines Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89118
(Testing, care resources, sterile syringes, needle disposal, peer-to-peer services, homeless services, Naloxone)
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that may have no symptoms and may not be detected for many years. Chronic hepatitis infections are a leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation. There are immunizations to protect against hepatitis A and B, and as a result, hepatitis A cases have declined dramatically. There are lifesaving treatments available for chronic hepatitis B and treatments that can cure chronic hepatitis C infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States with about one in 12 living with hepatitis B infection. They account for approximately 50 percent of Americans living with the virus. In addition, a mother can transmit the virus to her baby, and it can also be sexually transmitted.
People born between 1945 and 1965 should get tested for hepatitis C. Baby boomers are at a higher risk for hepatitis C infection than other adults and most are unaware of their infection. People with chronic hepatitis C infection can be asymptomatic for decades. Hepatitis C is more common among people who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992 and people who inject drugs. The CDC recommends that anyone with a history of injection drug use or unprotected sexual contact with multiple partners also be tested for hepatitis B and C.
The CDC’s Viral Hepatitis website includes information about the vaccine, resources, and a Hepatitis Risk Assessment that can facilitate conversations with patients and their health care providers.
The Health District’s Immunization Clinic offers the hepatitis A and B vaccines at its public health centers throughout Southern Nevada. The Immunization Clinic is open Monday – Friday at the following locations:
- Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
- East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Ste. E12, Las Vegas, NV 89110
- Henderson Clinic at Touro University, 874 American Pacific Dr., Henderson, NV 89014
(Monday –Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. by appointment only. The office is closed from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. daily) - Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite, NV 89027
(Immunization services are available by appointment Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the office is closed daily from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. for lunch)
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.