WHEREAS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a major public health issue, with many who become infected unaware of their diagnosis unless accurately diagnosed through testing; and

WHEREAS, Nevada ranked first in rates of primary and secondary syphilis and second in the nation for congenital syphilis cases in 2017, posing increased public health challenges to our community; and

WHEREAS, according to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV incidence rates have been increasing consistently from 2010 to 2017; and

WHEREAS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases can be preventable through early detection, treatment, education and outreach; and

WHEREAS, Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month provides an opportunity for the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Southern Nevada Health District, to raise public awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases on our communities and promote the importance of preventing, testing for, and treating STD’s;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim April 2019 as

Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month