Nevada Department of Public and Behavioral Health
Nevadans are invited to join public and private organizations throughout Nevada in observation of World AIDS Day whose 2015 theme is “The Time to Act is Now” by participating in activities and outreach efforts to increase awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), too many people are unaware they have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the United States, nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV, and almost one in seven (14%) do not know they are infected. In 2014, in Nevada, there were 420 new HIV diagnoses, and over 9,831 persons living with HIV/AIDS.
The most common ways HIV is transmitted in the United States is by having sex or sharing drug injection equipment with a person infected with HIV. This behavior increases one’s risk, and these individuals should be tested for HIV at least once a year. However, everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested at least once in their lifetime.
Getting tested is the first step to finding out if you have HIV. If you have HIV, medical care and medications help you live a longer, healthier life and decreases the chance of passing HIV on to others.
FREE TESTING LOCATIONS
Carson City Health and Human Services, Monday – Wednesday, Friday 8:30am to 12:00pm, 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Drop in at 900 East Long Street, Carson City. For more information their number is (775) 887-2190.
Reno, Northern Nevada HOPES, Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Drop in at 467 Ralston Street, Reno or make an appointment by calling (775) 786-4673. Washoe County Health District Clinic call (775)-328-2470 for hours or to schedule an appointment.
See a list of HIV Fast Facts below.
