Washoe County Health District Encourages Everyone for STD Testing

NEVADA – The Washoe County Health District is asking everyone to get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections on World AIDS Day.

The Health District’s Sexual Health Program provides several HIV and other STI testing opportunities to the community, many of which are free or low-cost, as well as other confidential services.

For an appointment or additional information, call 775-328-2470. Walk-In Wednesdays are also available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WCHD.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2022 in the United States is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 13%, or 1 in 7, of the approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States are unaware of their status and require testing (DHHS). Around 40% of new HIV infections in the United States are caused by people who are HIV-positive but are unaware of it because they have not been tested.

Furthermore, the DHHS reports that HIV affects some populations disproportionately, including people of color and homosexual, bisexual, and other males who have sex with men. Nevada and Washoe County tend to mirror national trends. In Washoe County, 38 HIV/AIDS cases were recorded in 2022, which is close to the national rate during the prior few years. Nevada has the sixth highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the US and the eighth highest rate of persons living with HIV.

The WCHD encourages community members aged 13 to 64 to get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime and at least annually if they engage in condomless sexual contact or share syringes. Community members are encouraged to request HIV and STI testing from their healthcare providers, and physicians are urged to provide HIV and STI testing as a routine service.

Though HIV continues to damage the health and well-being of thousands of Americans, new tools for HIV prevention are now available. PrEP is an HIV prevention medication that is 99% effective in those who are sexually exposed to HIV. People living with HIV who are taking their medications and achieve viral suppression will not transfer HIV to their partners sexually. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for future reductions in HIV infections and improved health for persons living with HIV.

Credits: 2 News

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