Media Release

 

Thursday, June 26, 2008
For Immediate Release

Contact: Mary Ann Price
Telephone: 229-5278

 

Mayors’ Campaign Against HIV Focuses On National HIV Testing Day
Free HIV Tests Offered In Las Vegas

 

To mark National HIV Testing Day in Las Vegas on June 27, the National Association of People With Aids, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), Aid for AIDS Nevada and the city of Las Vegas are working together to offer free rapid HIV testing. This is an initiative in part through the U.S. Conference of Mayors, of which Mayor Oscar B. Goodman is a member. Mayors across the nation are showcasing the Mayors’ Campaign Against HIV to raise awareness and highlight prevention.

The testing is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. this week through Friday, June 27, at the main SNHD office at 625 Shadow Lane. No appointment is necessary. There will also be testing between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday, June 30-Thursday, July 3, and Monday, July 7-Friday, July 11. For additional information, visit http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ .

Mayor Goodman recently proclaimed June 27 HIV Testing Day in Las Vegas as part of the fourth annual Mayors’ Campaign Against HIV. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status, and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.

Five hundred OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Tests were donated for the campaign. The test is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved and a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments Act of 1988) waived rapid point-of-care test that can detect antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 with an oral fluid sample in just 20 minutes.  

FAST FACTS:

  • Approximately one million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. 
  • An estimated 250,000 people in the United States have HIV and are not aware of it. 
  • Approximately 40,000 people in the United States become infected with HIV each year.
  • There are currently close to 3,500 reported cases in Clark County. 
  • The number of women living with HIV has tripled in the last two decades. 
  • At least half of all new infections are among people under the age of 25.

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