HEALS News

MountainView Hospital has achieved another surgical milestone, becoming the first hospital in Nevada to perform a lobectomy using the da Vinci SP (single port) robotic system.

A lobectomy is a procedure that removes one or more lobes of the lung, allowing healthy lung tissue to expand and function more effectively. The minimally invasive surgery is commonly used to treat lung cancer, benign tumors, abscesses and severe lung infections.

The groundbreaking procedure was performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Arnold Chung of MountainView Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Associates. The robotic system enables surgeons to work through one single, small incision, providing greater precision and minimal impact to the surrounding tissue.

Compared to traditional surgical approaches, the single-port robotic technique minimizes pain for patients, reduces scarring, and offers faster recovery and shorter hospital stays, with some patients potentially able to return home the same day.

“Bringing single-port robotic thoracic surgery to Nevada represents an important advancement in lung surgery,” said Dr. Chung. “By operating through a single small incision, we can reduce trauma to the chest wall while maintaining the precision needed for complex procedures. Our goal is to help patients recover more comfortably and return to their lives sooner.”

MountainView Hospital continues to invest in advanced surgical technology to expand minimally invasive treatment options for patients across Southern Nevada.

“Being the first hospital in Nevada to perform a robotic single-port lobectomy reflects our commitment to innovation and delivering the highest level of care close to home,” said Alexis Mussi, CEO of MountainView Hospital. “This achievement underscores the expertise of our physicians and clinical teams and demonstrates how advanced technology can improve outcomes and the overall patient experience.”

About MountainView Hospital:

MountainView Hospital is a state-of-the-art, full-service medical facility located in the heart of northwest Las Vegas. With a dedicated and talented staff of employees and outstanding physicians, MountainView Hospital is recognized for high patient satisfaction and for providing quality and compassionate care to our community since 1996. MountainView features nationally recognized programs including a top cardiovascular and thoracic center and integrated cardiology clinic, and the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Robotic Surgery. MountainView is the only hospital in Nevada to offer bone marrow transplants. The Sunrise Health Medical Education Consortium, based at MountainView, trains the next generation of physicians and surgeons for our community.

MountainView is a member of the respected Sunrise Health System consisting of Sunrise Hospital, Sunrise Children’s Hospital, Southern Hills Hospital and several surgery, diagnostic imaging, urgent care centers and three freestanding hospital based emergency rooms, offering a complete range of specialized and technologically advanced services.

As families prepare for the first day of school on Monday, August 10, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging parents and guardians to schedule required school vaccinations now to avoid long waits during the late-summer rush. Immunization appointments are available at Health District clinics across the Valley for students entering kindergarten, seventh grade and 12th grade. This year, the Health District also is offering $20 sports physicals through the Southern Nevada Community Health Center and encouraging families who may need birth certificates for school registration to order them early.

“Vaccinations help protect children from serious illness and reduce the spread of disease in schools and communities,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Scheduling appointments early can help families avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure students are ready for the first day of class.”

A limited number of backpacks and school supplies will be distributed to children receiving vaccines at Health District clinics while supplies last.

Required Vaccinations

Clark County School District students are required to be vaccinated against chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP and Tdap), meningococcal disease (MenACWY), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Families new to Nevada should note that hepatitis A vaccination is required for school enrollment, even if it was not required in their previous state.

Nevada also requires the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) for students in public, private and charter schools entering seventh and 12th grade, as well as for students in grades 8 through 12 who are new to Nevada schools. The Tdap vaccine also is required for students entering seventh grade and for students in grades 8 through 12 who are new to Nevada schools.

Additional information about enrollment and vaccination requirements is available through the Clark County School District at www.ccsd.net/enroll.

Recommended Vaccinations

In addition to required vaccines, the Health District offers immunizations recommended for children and teens, including:

• Meningitis B (MenB): Recommended for teens ages 16 to 18 to help protect against a rare but serious bacterial infection affecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Protects against a common virus linked to several types of cancer later in life.
• COVID-19: Updated vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

More information about recommended vaccinations is available at www.SNHD.info/immunizations or by calling (702) 759-0850.Top of Form.

NOTE: Detailed immunization clinic schedules and back-to-school clinic dates are included at the end of the release.

Back-to-School Resources

The Health District also offers additional services to help families prepare for the new school year, including birth certificates and low-cost sports physicals.

Birth certificates

Certified birth certificates can be obtained through the Health District’s Vital Records office and may be required for school enrollment or registration activities.

Orders for certified birth certificates for children born in Clark County can be placed online. Processing takes from 2 to 4 weeks. To order birth certificates or for more information, including required documentation and office hours, go to www.SNHD.info/birth-certificates.

Sports physicals

The Southern Nevada Community Health Center is offering $20 sports physicals for children and teens at its clinic locations to help families prepare for school athletics and activities.

Appointments are encouraged but limited walk-in time slots may be available. To schedule an appointment, visit Back-to-School Sports Physicals or call (702) 759-1700.

Immunization Clinic Information

Vaccines required for school entry, as well as other recommended immunizations, are available by appointment at Health District clinics across Southern Nevada, including expanded back-to-school clinic dates and special adolescent immunization clinics.

To schedule an appointment, go to www.SNHD.info/bts or call (702) 759-0850.

Main Public Health Center
280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

Special back-to-school hours:
• Friday, July 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, August 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

East Las Vegas Public Health Center
2950 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

Special back-to-school hours:
• Monday, July 27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, August 3, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, August 10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Henderson Public Health Center
220 E. Horizon Dr., Suite A, Henderson, NV 89015
Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special back-to-school hours:
• Friday, July 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, August 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mesquite Public Health Center
150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite, NV 89027
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Appointments: (702) 759-0850 or snhd.info/bts

Special Adolescent Immunization Clinics

The Health District will also host special vaccination clinics for adolescents ages 11 to 18 at the Fremont Public Health Center. These clinics offer Tdap, MenACWY and HPV vaccines.

Fremont Public Health Center
2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104

Clinic schedule:
• July 28 to 30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• August 4 and 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• August 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Back-to-school appointments are for children and teens under 19 years of age. Immunizations are by appointment only with limited same day availability. A parent or guardian must be present for those under 18. Appointments for the special (extra) back-to-school clinics will be accepted starting July 1. Appointments during regular clinic hours are available now through the summer.

Parents bringing their child to a Health District clinic for vaccinations should bring the child’s immunization records. If records are unavailable, parents are encouraged to contact their health care provider. For children immunized in Nevada, records can also be accessed through Nevada WebIZ, the state’s immunization registry, at https://izrecord.nv.gov/public/Application/PublicPortal or by calling (775) 684-5954.

Non-custodial adults may bring a child to the clinic; however, written consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian must be provided at the time of service. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be available by phone to speak with a clinic nurse before any vaccines are administered.

As part of the Southern Nevada Health District Immunization Program’s consent process, clinic staff will review the child’s immunization needs and discuss any recommended or optional vaccines with the parent or legal guardian. Verbal authorization from the parent or legal guardian is required before vaccines can be administered.

The Health District accepts most insurance plans. Not all immunizations are covered by insurance. Vaccine costs vary based on the type of immunization required. There may be an administrative fee in addition to the vaccine costs. For more information, visit www.snhd.info/bts

Free events encourage men to recharge their health and invest in long-term wellness

June is Men’s Health Month, and the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is encouraging men across the community to take a fresh look at their health and well-being. From heart health and self-care to blood pressure screenings and wellness conversations, the month features free events designed to help men feel stronger, stay healthy and take charge of their long-term wellness.

One of the featured events, “Shop Talk: Look Good. Feel Good. Live Better,” will take place Thursday, June 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Art of Barbers School, located inside Boulevard Mall, 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89169.

Focused on men’s wellness, self-care, healthy aging, and heart health, the event offers opportunities to connect with trusted health professionals, gain practical wellness tips and take part in conversations about healthier living. Attendees can also receive complimentary professional headshots — because taking care of your health is always a good look. To register, or for more information, go to Shop Talk – Get Healthy Clark County

Men are also invited to receive free blood pressure screenings through the Health District’s Barbershop Health Outreach Project. Screenings will be offered during Men’s Health Month at the following locations:

Wednesday, June 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Masterpiece Barber School

3510 E. Bonanza Rd., #150, Las Vegas, NV 89110

Saturday, June 13 from noon to 2 p.m.

5 Star Barbershop

2696 W. Ann Rd., #107, North Las Vegas, NV 89031

Friday, June 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Master Barbering Galo

8090 Blue Diamond Rd., #210, Las Vegas, NV 89178

For more screening events, check out the Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar.

Men in the United States continue to experience higher rates of serious health conditions, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, while also having a shorter average life expectancy than women. Men are also less likely than women to have a regular source of healthcare or seek preventive medical services. In Clark County in 2023,  39.1% of men had hypertension, while 15.9% of men reported being current smokers. Men had a higher prevalence of angina, heart disease or heart attack (6.2%) than women (4.1%).

“Good health starts with paying attention to the small things before they become bigger problems,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Men’s Health Month is an opportunity for men to check in on their health, ask questions and take advantage of free community resources like blood pressure screenings and wellness events.”

Early detection through regular screenings for cancer and other health conditions is vital for improving long-term health outcomes. The Health District’s Southern Nevada Community Health Center offers a range of services to support men’s health, including annual physicals, chronic disease management and sick visits for minor illnesses. These services are available at the following locations:

• 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107: Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104: Open Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additional wellness resources and free community programs related to heart health, diabetes prevention, smoking cessation and nutrition are available at www.GetHealtyClarkCounty.org and www.HealthySouthernNevada.org

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Community-driven strategies focus on access to care, chronic disease, substance use and public health funding

After more than a year of collaboration with community members, healthcare partners and local organizations, the Southern Nevada Health District today released the 2026-2031 Southern Nevada Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), outlining key priorities and strategies to improve health outcomes in Clark County over the next five years.

The CHIP is available at www.healthysouthernnevada.org and reflects input from nearly 200 community members who participated in the planning process beginning in April 2025. Participants identified four public health priorities for Southern Nevada: access to care, chronic disease, public health funding and substance use.

“Where someone lives, what they can afford, and whether they can get care all shape their opportunity to live a healthy life,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “The Community Health Improvement Plan reflects a shared commitment to addressing the issues that have the greatest impact on health across Southern Nevada.”

The four priority areas include:

Access to Care

Access to care focuses on ensuring people can obtain the health services they need when they need them and without barriers. This includes affordable, timely and culturally appropriate medical, mental health and preventive services.

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Clark County had a lower percentage of adults with health insurance coverage in 2023 (84.3%) compared with Nevada (85.4%) and the United States (89%). Hispanic and Latino adults had the lowest rate of health insurance coverage at 74%, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native adults at 75.8%.
• Access to care is essential for preventing disease, managing chronic conditions and improving overall health outcomes. Without timely and affordable care, people are more likely to experience worsened health, avoidable hospitalizations and increased health disparities, especially in underserved populations.

Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that typically progress slowly and persist over time, often for the rest of a person’s life. Common examples include heart disease, diabetes and cancer, many of which are influenced by factors such as diet, physical activity and tobacco use.

• According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, hypertension prevalence in Clark County was 34.6% in 2023, slightly higher than Nevada overall (34.0%) and the national rate (34%).
• Chronic diseases are a leading cause of death. However, prioritizing them allows for prevention, early detection, and management. Focusing on chronic disease can improve health outcomes and extend life expectancy.

Public Health Funding

Financial support of public health provided by governments, organizations or institutions helps protect and improve the health of communities. It supports different programs and services such as disease prevention, health education, emergency preparedness and access to care, all of which aim to reduce health risks and improve population well-being.

• Public health and prevention efforts account for only about 3% of total U.S. health spending, despite chronic and preventable conditions driving many healthcare costs nationwide.
• Sustained investment in public health infrastructure can strengthen emergency preparedness, improve access to care and support healthier communities.

Substance Use

Substance use affects individuals, families and communities. Misuse can lead to serious consequences, including addiction, mental health challenges, chronic disease and overdose. Addressing substance use through prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support can improve public safety, strengthen families, and build healthier, more resilient communities.

• The drug overdose death rate in Clark County increased from 17.5 per 100,000 residents in 2019 to 28.1 in 2023. During the same period, Nevada’s statewide rate rose from 15.5 to 29.1 per 100,000 residents. In 2024, Clark County reported 802 confirmed drug overdose deaths, representing a nearly 16% increase compared to 2023. Opioids, both prescription and illicit, were involved in 67.5% of these fatalities.
• Expanding access to behavioral health services, treatment programs and overdose prevention resources can help reduce substance-related harm and connect residents with the support they need before a crisis occurs.

To learn more, or to be a part of the CHIP initiative’s working groups for any public health priority area, email HealthyConnect@SNHD.org.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Free program offers practical tools, nutrition guidance and support for managing diabetes

This June, the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion will expand access to diabetes education by launching its first virtual self-management classes in Spanish. Led by trained health educators, the free classes provide participants with practical strategies to manage diabetes, build healthier habits and lower the risk of serious health complications.

The virtual Spanish-language classes will be held via Microsoft Teams on June 22 and 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendance at both sessions is required. The Health District also continues to offer virtual diabetes self-management classes in English, with upcoming classes set for June 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. Classes are also open to people with prediabetes or at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as caregivers for people with type 2 diabetes. To register for the Spanish-language classes, go to Spanish Classes Registration Form. To register for English-language virtual or in-person classes, call (702) 759-1270 or complete the Diabetes Self-Management Interest Form.

“Managing diabetes can be challenging, but education and support can make a meaningful difference in a person’s health,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “By offering these classes virtually and in Spanish, we are helping more members of our community gain access to the tools, resources and guidance they need to take control of their health and reduce their risk of serious complications.”

Diabetes affects millions of Americans and is linked to several serious long-term health conditions. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also identifies diabetes as a leading cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations and adult blindness.

More than 40 million people in the United States have diagnosed diabetes, including 11 million people who are undiagnosed. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million Americans are newly diagnosed with diabetes.

In Clark County, approximately 238,000 people — 12.8% of the adult population — were living with diabetes. Statewide, an estimated 304,000 Nevada adults (11.9%) were diagnosed with the condition. Diabetes prevalence in Clark County was higher among multiracial (26.1%), Hispanic (15.3%), and Black (11.9%) adults compared with white adults (10.2%). Similar disparities were observed in Clark County for prediabetes, with higher prevalence among Hispanic (19.1%) and Black (16.7%) adults compared to White adults (15.4%).

The American Diabetes Association estimates that about 816,000 Nevada adults — roughly 1 in 3 — are living with prediabetes, placing them at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if the condition is not identified and addressed. However, many people with prediabetes remain undiagnosed.

Early screening and healthy lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity, improved nutrition and modest weight loss when appropriate, can help prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Self-management education programs can also help individuals better manage their condition and overall health.

The Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers diabetes self-management and prevention classes throughout the year at the Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107, and online.

To learn more about diabetes resources in Southern Nevada, go to Get Healthy Clark County|Local Diabetes Resources or Viva Saludable|Recursos Locales para la Diabetes. For information about additional classes, events and programs offered by the Health District, visit the Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

According to U.S. Department of Education, approximately 60% of educators report frequent job-related stress and roughly 20% report symptoms of depression.

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and Teachers Health Trust (THT), the nonprofit health insurance plan for educators in Clark County, Nevada, is leading the way with the behavioral and mental health care services offered through its Health Investment Network that provide members with in-person and virtual therapy sessions at no cost and with no limit to the number of therapy visits.

Clark County educators getting the mental health care they need
Thanks in part to no out-of-pocket cost to members for an unlimited number of therapy visits when utilizing THT’s Health Investment Network for issues like anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders, one in five THT members are utilizing THT’s behavioral health services—exceeding the health insurance industry standard of one in seven.

More mental health providers than ever before
In less than a year, more than 1,000 behavioral health providers joined the broader THT network, resulting in THT members now having access to more than 2,800 behavioral health providers across Clark County. Local providers in the Health Investment Network include Las Vegas Valley Mental Health, Healthy Minds, Clearwater Counseling, Nevada Mental Health, Aspire Behavioral Services and MDLive.

“Access to affordable behavioral and mental health care services is extremely important, especially among educators who are facing more stress in their jobs and personal lives, now than ever before,” said Tom Zumtobel, CEO of Teachers Health Trust. “While other industries see only about 15 percent of their populations seeking behavioral health care, THT has seen utilization rise to nearly 22 percent of our members, meaning we are helping our members get the care they need for their mental health.”

Dr. Ken McKay with Healthy Minds, a participating provider, added, “THT’s approach to behavioral and mental health care is a great benefit to educators in Clark County, and in fact, it is a model for all the health care industry. Research has shown that making mental health care more accessible and affordable prevents severe crises, improves physical health, reduces overall health costs, and boosts economic productivity.

Zumtobel also noted that THT members who access behavioral health services are staying engaged in care, averaging about 11 visits per patient compared to the industry average of less than 10 visits per patient.

About Teachers Health Trust
In October 1983, the Clark County School District (CCSD) and Clark County Education Association (CCEA) collaborated to establish the Teachers Health Trust (THT) as the health plan for its educators. It is a self-funded, nonprofit health insurance plan available to all CCSD (and other partner charter schools) educators and their dependents in Clark County, Nevada. For more information visit: www.ththealth.org.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers announced the addition of five highly skilled advanced practice providers to its multi-disciplinary team. These appointments include board-certified family nurse practitioners Cherie Allison, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC; Maddie Scheurich, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Becca Rowe, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC; Stacey Cunningham, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC; and physician assistant Zach Dixon, MPAS, PA-C.

Cherie Allison joins Comprehensive’s Northwest treatment center with 21 years of experience in oncology and hematology. Allison is a multi-instrumentalist who values empathy and trust, previously serving as a registered nurse team leader in Kansas before joining the practice in 2014. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and holds multiple certifications in chemotherapy, biotherapy, and oncology nursing.

Maddie Scheurich is an advanced practice registered nurse serving patients at Comprehensive’s Southwest and Summerlin locations. Originally from Salt Lake City, Scheurich rose from an oncology medical assistant to a registered nurse specializing in chemotherapy and immunotherapy administration. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Rocky Mountain University in Utah and is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society.

Becca Rowe brings her expertise to the Comprehensive Lung Center in Summerlin as an advanced practice provider.
With over a decade of specialized nursing experience, Rowe spent nearly ten years with Comprehensive in various leadership roles, including infusion and charge nurse. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and utilizes a wellness-oriented, evidence-based approach to patient care.

Stacey Cunningham brings nearly 20 years of diverse nursing experience to Comprehensive’s Central Valley – Twain location. Her background spans multiple specialties including critical care, emergency medicine and cardiac services. Cunningham earned her Master of Science in Nursing with an executive leadership focus from Chamberlain University and advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare.

Zach Dixon, a Las Vegas native, joins the team as a floating advanced practice provider, supporting the practice across its various locations. Dixon earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. His well-rounded clinical training includes internal medicine, general surgery and emergency medicine, combined with a commitment to providing compassionate, coordinated care throughout every stage of the cancer journey.

About Comprehensive Cancer Centers
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is an award-winning multi-specialty practice comprising medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, pulmonary services, cancer genetic counseling, clinical research and other infusion services, with treatment centers and offices throughout Southern Nevada. For more than 50 years, the practice has provided oncology services to patients in and out of state with a specialized physician and nursing staff. Comprehensive, an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, offers state-of-the-art technologies, latest advancements in cancer treatment and groundbreaking clinical research trials. The practice participates in more than 150 Phase I, Phase II and Phase III clinical research studies each year and has played a role in developing more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies. For more information, visit the company’s website.