LAS VEGAS – To commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Southern Nevada Health Consortium will provide free HIV testing, STD screenings, safe sex kits and education about pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, PEP) today (February 7) from noon – 5 p.m. at Nucleus Plaza, 1040 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106. The event will also feature a vendor health fair and free entertainment.
Free HIV testing is also available from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Southern Nevada Health District, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. In addition, free at-home HIV test kits are available through SNHD’s Collect2Protect program.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight efforts to reduce HIV infections, reduce sexually transmitted disease and address HIV stigma in Black/African American communities. It encourages testing so people can learn their HIV status and begin to receive treatment if they are HIV-positive.
SNHD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all people between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. People at higher risk of HIV infection should consider getting an HIV test at least once every year and as frequently as every three months for those at higher risk. Early diagnosis is critical for people with HIV so that they can benefit from antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART reduces HIV levels in the bloodstream, reduces HIV-related illnesses, and lowers the risk of transmitting HIV to intimate partners. With ART, HIV-positive people can remain healthy for many years.
According to the CDC, Black/African American communities have made progress in reducing HIV transmission. However, HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact Black/African American communities throughout the United States. In 2019, Black/African American people made up 13 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 41 percent (14,300) of the nation’s 34,800 new HIV diagnoses. Additionally, compared to all people who are diagnosed with HIV, Black/African American people have lower viral suppression rates.
For more information, visit the CDC’s website.