HIV program
The HIV program at the Washoe County Health District seeks to reduce HIV infection through education, data collection, and counseling, testing and referral.
Services we provide:
- Data on HIV, AIDS, and risk behaviors
- HIV counseling
- HIV testing
- Referrals for individuals living with HIV
- Education about how to prevent HIV
- Assistance to community based organizations
- Evaluation of HIV programs in the community
- Notifying partners and other contacts about possible infection
Our philosophy:
We seek to empower individuals to decrease their risk, so we can also decrease new HIV infections in our community.
Northern NEVADA Outreach Team (NNOT)
NNOT strives for prevention and awareness of HIV in our community. This is made possible through education, prevention materials, skill building, harm and risk education, and opportunities for the community to test for HIV in non-traditional venues.
NNOT is a collaborative effort, which began in January 2000, when several organizations joined together to prevent HIV in Northern Nevada. NNOT sponsors special events related to HIV in our community.
Currently these agencies include:
- 5 Star Saloon
- American Red Cross
- Attract
- CASAT
- High Sierra AHEC
- HOPES
- Latino Pride
- Nevada AIDS Foundation
- Nevada Hispanic Services
- Nevada State Health Division
- Nevada Urban Indians
- Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
- ReNo AIDS Task Force
- UNR School of Public Health
- Washoe County Health District
- CDC-INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or 1-888-232-6348 TTY
For more information or to get involved in NNOT, call 775-328-6112 email: gdermid@washoecounty.us
Publications:
- Sexual Health Program Annual Report 2009 (PDF, 236 KB)
- Sexual Health Mid-Year Report 2009
- Sexual Health Program 2008 Sexual Health Report
- Sexual Health Mid-Year Report 2008
- Sexual Health Program 2007 Sexual Health Report (228 KB, PDF)
- Nevada HIV Prevention Plan 2006-2008
- Nevada Epidemiological Profile 2004
- Washoe County Annual Communicable Disease Summary 2004
- Washoe County Resource Directory 2005
Links:
- Nevada State Health Division
- Extensive Sexual Health Links
- Frequently Asked Questions about HIV/AIDS
- Centers for Disease Control HIV/AIDS Resources
For more information email sexualhealth@washoecounty.us or call Jennifer Howell at 775-328-3647
HIV testing confidential hotline: 775-328-2671
Whom we test:
The Washoe County Health District offers HIV testing for the following individuals only:
- Men who have sex with Men (MSM)
- Injecting drug users (IDU)
- Partners of MSM and/or IDU
- Victims of sexual assault
- Pregnant women
- People with a confirmed, concurrent STD
- Prople who ask for a test
- People who have an opportunistic infection
- Partners of HIV+, MSM, and IDU
When services are available:
Hours of Operation : 8a - 5p (before or after hours by appointment)
Number to Call for an Appointment: 775-328-2671
Where we are located:
Washoe County Complex
1001 East 9th Street
Building B
Reno, NV 89512 (near the intersection of I-80 and Wells)
How much it will cost:
Cost: Sliding Fee / Free testing opportunities are available.
What is an HIV test?
Other testing locations:
If you are not on the list above and you want to get a test somewhere else, you can get an HIV test at:
- Outreach Testing Available by Appointment - 775-328-2671
- Northern Nevada HOPES 775-348-1302
- Planned Parenthood Mar Monte 775-688-5550
- World AIDS Day (December 1)
- National HIV Testing Day (June 27)
- Reno Gay Pride and other Community Events...
Are you in need of HIV Care? If you or someone that you know is HIV positive and not receiving HIV care, maybe we can help! All services are confidential. Call 328-2671 or email: sexualhealth@washoecounty.us
- What is HIV?
- What is AIDS?
- HIV is NOT transmitted by:
- Who is at risk for HIV infection?
- Who is eligible for testing at the Washoe County District Health Department?
- What are the costs of an HIV test or STD exam at the Health Department?
- Where else is HIV testing available in the community?
- How can HIV transmission from injection drug use be prevented?
- How can sexual transmission of HIV be prevented?
- What is the HIV Antibody Test?
- What is the "window period"?
- Do condoms provide 100% protection from HIV?
- What are the symptoms of a new HIV infection?
- Is there a cure for HIV and AIDS?
Between 50-90% of people with new HIV infections have mild to severe "flu-like" symptoms 2 weeks to 3 months from the time of HIV exposure. Others do not have any symptoms. In general, symptoms are not a reliable way to tell if someone has been infected with HIV; the only way to know for sure is to get tested. Many of the symptoms of early HIV infection are the same as for other, less serious illnesses. People who may have been exposed to HIV should see a doctor promptly if the following symptoms occur within 3 months of the exposure:
- A persistent fever of over 101 degrees that lasts more than 2 days without a known cause
- Constant tiredness
- Night sweats that soak your pajamas or sheets
- A persistent rash of unknown cause
- Persistent swollen glands (lumps under the skin) which occur in several places at once (especially the neck, armpits and groin)
- Sore throat
