News Release

 

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2008

Asian/Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Health District encourages individuals to know their HIV status

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of AIDS will offer free testing, including rapid HIV testing between 8 a.m. and 4p.m., Monday, May 19. Free rapid testing is part of National Asian/Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observance and all testing is available inside Annex A on the south side of the 625 Shadow Lane location. The HIV/AIDS clinic regularly offers confidential HIV testing and services in Southern Nevada every Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact (702) 759-0702 or visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of Asian/Pacific Islanders living with AIDS has increased by more than 10 percent in each of the past five years. Although locally, the number of Asian/Pacific Islanders living with HIV/AIDS is one percent, the health district encourages everyone to get tested to know their HIV status.

The health district offers the OraSure HIV-1 oral fluid test or the traditional blood test weekdays at the HIV/AIDS clinic. In addition, the Rapid HIV Antibody Test, which costs $25, is available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Thursday morning between 8 a.m. and noon. Rapid testing is not available on Fridays.

Since 1985, the health district’s Office of AIDS has provided community prevention and awareness programs and offers clients HIV pre- and post-test counseling, an adult evaluation clinic for HIV-positive individuals, case management for men, women and children through the Transitional Care Program, assistance with partner counseling/notification, outreach and community referral programs, trainings/education, as well as the distribution of items to prevent the spread of HIV. All services are confidential and no appointment is necessary.

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