Title : Comprehensive HIV care through integrated STI and primary care services at the LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada
Abstract:
Sexually transmittied infections (STIs), including HIV and viral hepatitis, often present with minimal symptoms, contributing to ongoing transmission and delayed treatment. Early diagnosis and consistent engagement in HIV and STI care are critical, particularly among underserved communities. The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada operates a high-volume STI clinic and, as of October 2025, a new primary care clinic that together provide integrated HIV and STI services. A mobile unit was soft-launched in 2025 to further expand diagnostic reach.
We conducted a descriptive analysis of individuals who accessed HIV care between January and October 2025. Patients were categorized into three groups based on clinical history: new patients were those receiving an HIV diagnosis for the first time at our clinics; reengaged patients had a known HIV diagnosis but had been out of care and subsequently returned; and transferred patients had been in continuous HIV care elsewhere and moved their care to our clinics. STI screening patterns, including hepatitis C (HCV) testng and confirmed positive results, were evaluated across all patients receiving HIV care.
In 2025, 507 individuals received HIV care across the Center’s two clinics. Of these, 179
individuals initiated HIV care between January and October 2025:
• 52 (29%) new diagnoses
• 62 (35%) re-engaged in care
• 65 (36%) transferred care
Additionally, 40 individuals initiated care at the primary care clinic after referral from the STI clinic, demonstrating strengthened internal linkage pathways. A total of 159 patients transitioned their HIV care from the STI clinic to the primary care clinic to support continuity and long-term management.
HCV screening was completed for 342 of 507 (67%) HIV patients. Among those tested, 13 (4%) were HCV-positive. Persistent barriers to HCV treatment include the requirement for confirmatory HCV RNA testing following a positive antibody screen and insurance policies that delay access to antiviral medications. As part of the mobile unit expansion, an HCV RNA testing device will be implemented to provide results within approximately one hour,
supporting faster diagnostic confirmation and improved linkage.
The population served includes multiple disproportionately impacted groups: unhoused individuals (17; 9%), people who inject drugs (10; 6%, including 3 unhoused), Hispanic and Black men who have sex with men (62; 35%), and women of color (15; 8%). Patients accessed a wide range of HIV-specific services, including routine HIV labs, HCV testing, HIV Peer Navigator support for adherence and retention, on-site phlebotomy, same-day medication access through the on-site pharmacy, and coordinated linkage and care management services.
The integration of HIV services across the STI and primary care clinics, combined with the launch of the mobile unit, has expanded diagnostic capacity, improved linkage pathways, and enhanced continuity of HIV care. Early data from 2025 demonstrate strong engagement across of HIV patients and clear opportunities to strengthen rapid HCV confirmation. Continued expansion of the primary care clinic and mobile services will support earlier detection, faster treatment initiation, and improved outcomes for populations at elevated risk for HIV and HCV. Full-year 2025 data will be incorporated into final reporting if the abstract is accepted.
