Local Dad Gets Second Chance After Stem Cell Transplant

By | Featured, News

Local Cancer Survivor’s Story Highlights New Hope as MountainView Hospital Earns Prestigious FACT Accreditation

Nevada’s First and Only Cellular Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant Program Recognized for Excellence as Survivor Jon Collins Shares His Journey Back to Fatherhood

During National Cancer Survivor Month, MountainView Hospital is celebrating a significant milestone for cancer care in Nevada: the Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program has earned accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), becoming Nevada’s first and only FACT-accredited bone marrow transplant program.

The accreditation recognizes MountainView Hospital’s ability to provide advanced stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies for patients with blood cancers and other serious blood disorders. This includes autologous transplants, which use a patient’s own stem cells, allogeneic transplants, which use donor stem cells to create a new healthy immune system, and advanced immune-cell therapies such as CAR-T. Before the program launched in Nevada, patients had to travel outside the state to receive this life-saving care.

For patients like Jon Collins, the accreditation represents something much larger than a designation.

Just over one year ago, Collins became one of the first patients to receive an allogeneic stem cell transplant through the Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program at MountainView Hospital. Prior to the program’s launch in 2025, many Nevada patients requiring these complex treatments had to leave the state for care, often spending months away from family and support systems during treatment and recovery.

Today, Collins continues his recovery and survivorship journey as his donor-derived immune system grows stronger, giving him the opportunity to focus on what matters most: spending time with family and watching his children grow.

“This accreditation is more than meeting rigorous standards, it’s about keeping families together during some of the most challenging moments of their lives,” said Alexis Mussi, CEO of MountainView Hospital. “For patients like Jon, receiving a stem cell transplant in Nevada meant being close to his wife, his children and the people cheering him on every step of the way. We’re proud that patients no longer have to leave the state to access this level of care. They can receive it here, surrounded by the people who matter most.”

FACT accreditation is considered the gold standard for stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy programs, recognizing excellence in quality, safety and patient care across all aspects of treatment.

“An allogeneic transplant is one of the most complex treatments we offer because patients are essentially receiving a new immune system from a donor,” said Dr. Carolyn Mulroney, medical director of the Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program at MountainView Hospital. “Jon’s story is a powerful example of why we built this program, to give Nevada patients access to life-saving care close to home, where they can recover surrounded by their support system..”

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.

MountainView Hospital

3100 N. Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, NV 89128

SilverSummit Healthplan Donates Pallets of Bottled Water to Support Those Experiencing Homelessness Amid Extreme Heat

By | News
For the second Summer, SilverSummit Healthplan donated critically needed water to support community partners serving individuals experiencing housing insecurity. The Medicaid plan distributed  seven pallets of water – totaling 336 cases and 13,440 bottles – to several vital organizations across the valley. These donations are part of its ongoing commitment to help keep Nevadans safe and hydrated during periods of extreme heat, while also supporting local cooling stations and public health initiatives led by RTC and Clark County focused on sun safety and heat awareness.

The water was distributed as follows:

Las Vegas Rescue Mission – 4 pallets of water
Shine A Light – 1 pallet of water 
Nevada Homeless Alliance  -1 pallet of water 
Clark County Social Services Care Hot Team  – 1 pallet of water

Alyson Martinez, Chief Operating Officer at the Rescue Mission, shared that the donation couldn’t have come at a better time and expressed deep appreciation for their continued partnership with SilverSummit Healthplan.

Queensridge Medical Plaza in Summerlin Breaks Ground

By | News

Prospect Street, a leading real estate investor, developer, and operator in Southern Nevada, announced today it will break ground on the Queensridge Medical Plaza, a new two‑building medical office condominium project located less than one mile from Summerlin Hospital.

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place Tuesday, June 23, 2026, offering a first look at the project, along with remarks from the Prospect Street development team, Mayor Shelley Berkley, and Ward 2 Councilwoman Kara Kelley.

Located at 10000 Alta Dr, the 89,200‑square‑foot development will consist of two medical office condominium buildings, positioned just outside the Summerlin Master Plan. The project expands access to an increasingly popular ownership model, giving medical groups the ability to own their real estate and build long‑term equity, alongside their practices.

Queensridge Medical Plaza offers fully customizable suites, giving owners the ability to tailor layouts to meet specific operational, clinical, and workflow needs. The medical campus neighbors approximately 60,000 homes within a three-mile radius, as well as several important Summerlin amenities, including Summerlin Hospital, Downtown Summerlin, Tivoli Village, and Red Rock Hotel and Casino. The project design will feature a contemporary aesthetic that draws from the desert context featuring an earthy color palette, clean minimal forms, composite wood accents, and carefully integrated lighting to add warmth and visual interest.

“Queensridge Medical Plaza represents an exciting investment in the long‑term health of the Summerlin medical community,” said Scott Goldstein, Managing Partner of Prospect Street. “With the success of the initial Queensridge Medical Office Building, which opened in 2023, and the constantly growing demand for high‑quality medical office space, this new development strengthens the long‑term foundation for medical providers and expands access to an ownership model that continues to resonate with providers across the valley.”

The project was developed by Prospect Street, which recently broke ground on the Deer Springs Commercial Center in Centennial Hills in Northwest Las Vegas. EV&A Architects served as design architect, with Avaruus Studios leading production architecture.

Construction will be led by Burke Construction Group and is expected to generate more than 175 construction jobs, with sustained high paying employment once owners open their doors. Completion is anticipated mid-2027, with medical office owners including a Primary Care Clinic, Dermatology Clinic, Medical Administrative Services, Cardiology, Sleep Center/Mental Health Clinic, Concierge Doctor, OBGYN, MedSpa, and Plastic Surgery.

About Prospect Street
Founded in 2017, Prospect Street Capital is a real estate investment and operating platform that has owned and operated more than 1.5 million square feet of commercial real estate in Las Vegas. The firm executes an investor-operator strategy, focused on acquiring high quality real estate, in best-in-class locations, and implementing tactical initiatives through hands-on execution.

For more information, please visit prospectstcap.com.

HEALS

July 2026 Magazine Theme: Mental Health Month

By | Featured, News

The theme for July’s Vegas HEALS Healthcare magazine is Mental Health Month. We invite anyone interested in having content featured to send materials to Adriana. Those interested in placing advertisements can also email Adriana to send in materials, or ask any questions you may have.

Advertising Specs

1/4 Page -3.5″ w x 4.5″
1/2 Page -7.5″ w x 5.5″
Full Page 8.5” x 11”

Advertising Options

Quarter page $100
Half-page – $150
Full page – $275
Advertorial – $550
Front Cover – $675
Back Cover – $375

Articles/human interest pieces – 500 – 600 words (please include pictures)

*All submissions must be received by the 10th of every month. If you need our assistance designing your ad, our designer can help (for an additional fee)

MountainView Hospital Advances Lung Surgery with da Vinci SP Technology

By | 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.

 

Maw Group and Desert Health Partners Launch The HIT List

By | News

New Invitation Only Healthcare Innovation Series’ Inaugural Dental Forum Draws 25+ Key Opinion Leaders and Six Breakthrough Companies at Las Vegas Debut

The Maw Group and Desert Health Partners successfully launched The HIT List, a new invitation only healthcare innovation forum designed to connect emerging healthcare technology companies with the clinicians, operators, and strategic partners who can accelerate their path to market. The inaugural event, focused on the dental sector, was held May 27, 2026, at Blackfire Innovation in Las Vegas.

The debut gathering brought together more than 25 dental key opinion leaders (KOLs) for an intimate, high signal evening featuring presentations from six pioneering companies: H7 Technologies, Henley Ion, Ventis Pharma, Endo Logic, Lucent, and Osteogene. Attendees received early access to differentiated technologies and engaged directly with founders through structured feedback sessions and commercialization discussions.

A central highlight was the participation of Dr. James Mah, DDS, MSc, DMSc, a globally recognized orthodontist, tenured clinical professor at UNLV, and one of the most cited researchers in his field. Dr. Mah has advised leading companies including 3M, Straumann, and AbbVie, and his presence underscored the expert driven mission of The HIT List.

“One of the greatest challenges facing healthcare innovation is obtaining meaningful clinical feedback early in the commercialization process,” said Dr. James Mah. “The HIT List creates an environment where innovators can engage directly with experienced clinicians and receive insights that shape future development and adoption.”

“Innovation often struggles not because of a lack of good ideas, but because founders lack access to the right people at the right time,” said Diego Trujillo, Co Founder of Desert Health Partners. “The HIT List was created to bridge that gap.”

A Critical Moment for Healthcare Innovation
Healthcare technology is experiencing unprecedented early stage activity, yet the path from promising concept to clinical adoption remains slow and costly. A persistent barrier is the lack of structured, high quality clinical feedback at the earliest stages of development.

The HIT List is designed to close this gap by giving founders direct, recurring access to seasoned clinicians who can help refine products, anticipate adoption barriers, and build the credibility required by payers, strategics, and acquirers.

About The HIT List
The HIT List is built on a simple premise: the right relationships, formed at the right time, accelerate commercialization more than any other factor. Unlike traditional conferences, every attendee is personally selected to ensure a high density of relevant expertise and productive dialogue.
Each event features:

  • Live presentations from emerging healthcare technology companies
  • Structured KOL feedback sessions
  • High value networking with operators, capital partners, and clinical leaders

The series will expand across multiple healthcare verticals – including orthopedics, cardiovascular, oncology, and digital health – and into additional U.S. markets.

Future Vision
The Maw Group and Desert Health Partners aim to build The HIT List into a national platform that shortens the time between breakthrough ideas and patient impact. Future editions will deepen clinical feedback components, introduce structured follow on programming, and explore cohort based advisory models that support innovators throughout their commercialization journey.

About the Organizers
The Maw Group is a strategic advisory consortium uniting clinical research, regulatory strategy, marketing, and M&A expertise to accelerate healthcare innovation from early traction through market leadership.

Desert Health Partners helps early growth healthcare solutions commercialize faster by opening doors, sharpening product positioning, and providing hands on go to market execution support.

Ready, Set, School: Time to Schedule Required Vaccinations

By | News

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

First West Nile Virus Case of Season Reported

By | Featured, News

Health District urges residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites

 The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first case of West Nile virus in a Clark County resident this year. The patient, a woman in her 40s, was diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of the illness. She was hospitalized and has since recovered. The patient reported travel to another state where multiple human West Nile virus cases have been reported and was also present in Clark County during the incubation period.

“Most people infected with West Nile virus experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, but some infections can result in serious illness,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Taking simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding areas around your home or while traveling can significantly reduce your risk.”

While no mosquitoes collected in Clark County have tested positive for West Nile virus this year, public health officials are encouraging residents to take steps now to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illness.

The Health District’s Fight the Bite campaign encourages residents to:

  • Eliminate standing water by removing or emptying containers that collect water around homes and businesses. Mosquitoes can breed in items as small as bottle caps, plant saucers, toys and wheelbarrows.
  • Prevent mosquito bites by using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent and wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
  • Report mosquito activity to the Health District’s surveillance program at (702) 759-1633. Residents should report green pools to their local code enforcement agency.

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most infections are mild or cause no symptoms, some people develop neuroinvasive disease, which can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

No human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Clark County in 2025. In 2024, 26 human cases were reported, including 14 neuroinvasive cases and 12 non-neuroinvasive cases.

The Health District conducts mosquito surveillance throughout Clark County to monitor mosquito populations and test for mosquito-borne diseases. As of June 1, staff had set 920 mosquito traps throughout the county and submitted 957 mosquito pools representing more than 20,000 mosquitoes for testing. No mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus this year.

In addition to West Nile virus, the Health District monitors mosquitoes for St. Louis encephalitis and Western equine encephalitis. The majority of mosquitoes trapped by the Health District that test positive for West Nile virus are Culex species. Although Culex mosquitoes prefer to feed on birds and are responsible for maintaining the virus in avian populations, they also bite people and can transmit mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile virus when they do.

Culex mosquitoes lay eggs on the surface of fresh or stagnant water, including unmaintained swimming pools, horse troughs, ornamental ponds and marshy areas.

Since first being detected locally in 2017, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have become established throughout Southern Nevada. While best known for transmitting diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected in Clark County also tested positive for West Nile virus in 2024.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay eggs on the inner walls of small containers that collect water. Their eggs can remain dry and dormant for months before hatching when water is present again.

For more information, visit the Health District Fight the Bite webpage at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/mosquito-surveillance/mosquito-bite-prevention/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html.

The Health District’s weekly mosquito surveillance reports are available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/mosquito-surveillance/arbovirus-update/.

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.

Southern Nevada Health District Spotlights Men’s Health this June

By | News

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 Health Improvement Plan Sets Priorities for Next Five Years

By | News

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.