Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Week observed April 14-20
Health District offers free STI testing and information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 11, 2024
LAS VEGAS — Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week is April 14-20, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to the importance of sexual health and spotlighting the Talk, Test, and Treat campaign. This campaign emphasizes that all STIs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable. SNHD encourages individuals and health care providers to talk, test, and treat to protect their health, the health of their partners, and that of their patients.
In observance of STI Awareness Week, SNHD is expanding its STI Express Testing services, which allow people who are not experiencing symptoms and do not have a known exposure to receive STI testing.
From 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 15; Tuesday, April 16; and Thursday, April 18; the Sexual Health Clinic located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107, will offer free STI Express Testing with increased capacity. Free STI Express Testing will be available on Wednesday, April 17, at limited capacity.
The Sexual Health Clinic, located at 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104, offers STI Express Testing every Friday. In support of STI Awareness Week, this location will also offer free STI testing on Friday, April 19 with increased capacity.
While the expanded clinics are in operation, SNHD will have information tables at both locations, providing clients with alternative testing sites and resources once the clinics reach capacity for the day.
Additionally, the Collect2Protect program is ongoing and available to the community. This program provides a convenient and private testing option with free HIV tests and low-cost gonorrhea and chlamydia tests available by mail.
In 2022, more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in the United States. Nevada is among the top 10 states for the highest rates of primary and secondary syphilis, congenital syphilis and gonorrhea, and is ranked 17th in the nation for chlamydia rates. In 2022, Clark County had 12,779 cases of chlamydia; 6,380 cases of gonorrhea; 711 cases of primary and secondary syphilis; and 488 new cases of HIV.
Anyone who has sex can get an STI, but several groups are more affected: young people aged 15-24, men who have sex with men, pregnant people, and racial and ethnic minorities.
The most common symptoms of STIs include:
- Unusual discharge from genitals or anus
- Pain or burning during urination
- Lumps or sores in genital areas, anus, or mouth
- Rashes
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Testicular swelling
Services and resources are also available at the SNHD’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.