FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 10, 2022

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District and Southern Nevada Health Consortium are working together to help stop HIV stigma and address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latino communities during this year’s National Latino AIDS Awareness Day on October 15, 2022.

The organizations will participate in an event on Saturday, October 15, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 4884 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89115. The event will offer rapid HIV testing, monkeypox vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines and other community services for attendees. There will be music and entertainment, guest speakers will address HIV and its impact on the Latino community. Information will be provided in English and Spanish. HIV testing will be offered by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Health District will be on site with PrEP Navigators talking about PEP (post-exposure) and PrEP (pre-exposure) services, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and condom distribution.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 34,800 estimated new HIV infections in the U.S. in 2019. Of the new infections, 29 percent (10,200) were among Hispanic/Latino people. The root causes driving inequities among Hispanic/Latino people include, but are not limited to, social and structural issues such as racism, HIV stigma, homophobia, poverty and limited access to high-quality health care. More information is available on the CDC’s HIV and Hispanic/Latino People website.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage the Latino community to get tested, know their status and gain knowledge about the prevention services that are available to them.

This year’s event is supported by Southern Nevada Healthcare Consortium members and Anthem Medicaid is a presenting sponsor. Committee members include: Alto Pharmacy; Southern Nevada Health District; CPLC Nevada; Community Counseling Center; Henderson Equality Center; Nevada Legal Services; Dignity Health; The Center; AHF Pharmacy; and AHF Testing program.

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.