Las Vegas HEALS News

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May 05
1

Health District Investigating Illnesses Associated with Frozen Oysters

By | Featured, News

The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating cases of acute gastrointestinal illnesses linked to the consumption of certain frozen half-shell oysters from South Korea. To date, five Clark County residents have reported illness after consuming oysters associated with this investigation. Currently, no epidemiological link has been confirmed, and no hospitalizations have been reported.

The Health District is working with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health and the Food and Drug Administration in connection with the investigation. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health has been notified, as the oysters were imported through California ports of entry.

People who were ill experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. Other symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.

The oysters in question were not shipped to grocery stores. The product was available to restaurants and can be identified as follows:

Processor Name: JBR (KR-15-SP)
Harvest Location: Designated Area No. 1, Republic of Korea
Harvest Date: Jan. 6, 2025
Best Before: Jan. 6, 2027
Lot Code: B250106

People who ate oysters during April and experienced acute gastrointestinal illness can complete the foodborne illness complaint form at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/foodborne-illness-complaint-form/ or call (702) 759-1300. Those who are currently ill are urged to contact their health care provider. To prevent spread to others, the Health District encourages thorough hand washing with soap and water, plus cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner.

May 01
1

Valley Hospital Earns Second Consecutive ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog Group

By | News

Valley Hospital Medical Center earned its second consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“The collective effort of our team, medical staff and leadership to achieve the top grade in patient safety is a testimony to everyone’s hard work and commitment to continuing to provide the very best care to our patients,” said Ryan Tingey, CEO of Valley Hospital. “As a tertiary care hospital caring for thousands of residents and tourists each year, achieving this A grade for the second consecutive time underscores our dedication to providing safe, effective medical care for everyone who enters our doors.”

“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I extend my congratulations to Valley Hospital, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To explore Valley Hospital’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Connect with The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and stay informed through The Leapfrog Group newsletter.

About Valley Hospital Medical Center
Valley Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a network of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician offices that provide care for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding areas. Located in the Las Vegas Medical District, Valley Hospital, a 306-bed facility, is accredited by The Joint Commission and provides expertise in emergency services, advanced cardiovascular and neurological surgeries and procedures, robotic and minimally invasive surgical services, interventional radiology procedures, adult behavioral health, and advanced outpatient wound healing and hyperbaric medicine. Elite Medical Center, located on East Harmon near the Las Vegas Strip, ER at North Las Vegas, located at North Fifth Street and Rome Boulevard and ER at Desert Springs, located at Flamingo and Bruce streets, are also extensions of Valley Hospital. Valley Hospital is a Comprehensive Stroke Center and has earned numerous awards and certifications in the areas of stroke, cardiac care, diabetes and kidney care. Additionally, Valley Hospital offers graduate medical education residencies in family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, orthopedics and pharmacy, along with Fellowships in Gastroenterology and Pulmonary/Critical Care.

About The Leapfrog Group                                                                                   

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

Apr 29
1

New Kids Summer Camp Offers Fun Way to Learn about the “Business of Life”

By | News
Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada (JASN) is inviting youth to participate in its first-ever Finding My Future Summer Camp, hosted at the financial literacy nonprofit organization’s newly opened JA Inspiration Center. The week-long camp blends the organization’s two signature programs, Betty’s JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, into a dynamic, hands-on, educational and entertaining summer experience. Even students who’ve participated in one of the programs during the school year will experience something new.
Finding My Future Summer Camp is more than just fun – it’s a launchpad for skills that will last a lifetime. Youth will explore real-world scenarios where they learn how to earn, spend, save, and even run a business.
This unique camp experience empowers youth with tools and confidence to take charge of their future through a mix of interactive learning and exciting challenges in two different “cities” with various stores, utilities, banks, municipalities and more.
Campers will:
  • Explore real careers
  • Learn how to budget and manage money
  • Launch their own business
  • Build leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills
  • Have fun while planning for their future
“Since opening our JA Inspiration Center, the response has been overwhelming, not only from schools but also from our sponsors, volunteers, board members and staff,” said Michelle Jackson, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. “Everyone has asked how their children could experience Betty’s JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, even if they didn’t participate in these programs during the regular school year. We created this camp to meet that demand while providing a safe, educational environment during summer break for all local kids.”
Finding My Future Summer Camp is open to students entering grades 4 – 9. Each session runs from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is available on the following dates:
  • May 27 – 30
  • June 2 – 6
  • July 21 – 25
  • July 28 – August 1
The camp takes place at the Junior Achievement Inspiration Center, located at 4440 E. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89121. Registration is $275 per youth, or $300 with lunch provided by JASN.
For questions, email  jasn.education@ja.org or call 702-214-0500.
About Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada                                                                           
Founded locally in 1996, Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, Inc. is dedicated to providing financial education to K-12 students and young adults with a curriculum including wants vs. needs, budget management to economic principals, workforce skills, credit and entrepreneurship. The completion of the new 40,000-square-foot Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Inspiration Center will allow the nonprofit organization to impact more than 60,000 local youth. It is now the permanent site for capstone programs, Betty’s JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada’s financial literacy mission is accomplished with the support of 285 businesses and 6,800 business role models, who help youth learn about the “business of life,” by helping bridge the gap between what youth learn in school and the real world. For more information visit https://jasnv.org/ and follow on Instagram and Facebook.
Apr 28
1
A photo of Chance the mascot of the Golden Knights visiting cancer cancer patients.

Comprehensive Cancer Continues Free Sunscreen and Proactive Measures

By | Featured, News

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (Comprehensive) has launched its 12th year of skin safety community partnerships, featuring an extensive roster of local entities offering free SPF 30 sunscreen and proactive tips to its customers, visitors and employees. The announcement comes as Skin Safety Awareness Month (May) kicks off and ahead of the summer season – free sunscreen and educational elements will be available well through Southern Nevada’s most sizzling stretch of the year.

To-date, Comprehensive has purchased and delivered tens of thousands of sunscreen packets to partners as well as more than 100 free sunscreen kiosks and stations positioned throughout Southern Nevada. Once the supplies are delivered to partners, the partners provide the free sunscreen and position the awareness elements accordingly.

Skin safety and sunscreen partners joining Comprehensive in this mission include City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, Clark County Parks & Recreation, City of Henderson, RTC Southern Nevada, Downtown Container Park, Tivoli Village, The District at Green Valley Ranch, Las Vegas Aviators, UNLV Athletics, Las Vegas Lights FC, Vegas Golden Knights and Vegas Silver Knights, The PENTA Building Group, Friends at Red Rock Canyon and Cadence master-planned community. Comprehensive is also the official sun safety partner for the Southern Nevada affiliate of American Cancer Society.

“We’re in our 12th year now, and our skin safety partnerships are all about spreading awareness, making it easy to stay protected, and most of all, keeping our community healthy,” says Dr. Rupesh J. Parikh, medical oncologist and president at Comprehensive. “Over the years, we’ve teamed up with some great local spots where people love to soak up the sun. No matter where we are, the goal is simple—we want to help folks stay skin smart and hopefully avoid ever needing to come see us for something like skin cancer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1,050 Nevadans will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin in 2025 and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Amid rising rates of skin cancer and melanoma occurrences nationwide, awareness remains a powerful tool in mitigating the chance of a prospective skin-related diagnosis.

About Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada 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 40 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.

Apr 25
1

Southern Nevada Health District Honors Public Health Hero

By | News

Awardee Positively Impacts Community’s Health and Well-being

The Southern Nevada Health District has named Minnie Wood, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Nursing, as its 2025 Public Health Hero.

Wood, an ANCC-certified adult nurse practitioner, was nominated by Health District staff for significant contributions to creating a healthier, more resilient community. She was recognized during the Southern Nevada District Board of Health meeting as a vital partner to the Health District.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wood collaborated with the Health District’s Office of Disease Surveillance to help OB/GYN practices in Southern Nevada understand the importance of testing, treating and educating pregnant patients about congenital syphilis. She also worked with the Health District’s Sexual Health and Outreach Prevention Program to oversee patient surveys and help create essential educational resources.

Wood is involved with the Academic Health Department Joint Advisory Committee, where she provides insight into strengthening collaborations between the Health District and public health educators in higher education. She is also active in assessing and monitoring public health in Southern Nevada.

Her community involvement extends to work with the Clark County School District, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, Helping Hands of Henderson, Meals on Wheels, Boys and Girls Club of Henderson, The Just One Project, UNLV Student Wellness Center, and UNLV’s interprofessional group, which includes the schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Public Health and Integrated Health Sciences.

“Every year, the Health District recognizes individuals or organizations that embody one or more of the 10 essential public health services that make our community healthier for our families and ourselves,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “I’m pleased to recognize our colleague, Minnie Wood, for her valuable contributions and ongoing efforts to promote the health and well-being of our community.”

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.

Apr 23
2

Task Force Meetings Return on May 15

By | Featured, News

2025 Task Force Meetings continue on Thursday, May 15 at the Las Vegas HEALS offices.  Click on one below to get involved.

Las Vegas HEALS
8400 W. Sunset Rd., Suite 222
Las Vegas, NV 89113
Map Link

Legislative Task Force Meeting
Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Learn more + Register

Workforce Task Force Meeting
Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Learn more + Register

Physician Engagement Task Force Meeting
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Learn more + Register

Apr 22
1

Cancer Patients in Las Vegas Now Receiving AI-Driven Varian Ethos™ Therapy at Oncology Las Vegas

By | News

Artificial intelligence-based system provides advanced, adaptive radiation treatment in efficient sessions.

Oncology Las Vegas has begun delivering Nevada’s first adaptive intelligence cancer treatments using the Varian Ethos™ therapy platform. Treatments officially began on April 22, 2025, marking a transformative advancement in radiotherapy for patients across Southern Nevada.

Ethos therapy is a holistic, AI-powered solution that enables clinicians to deliver fully adaptive radiation treatments in approximately 15 minutes—from patient setup to completion. By adjusting to the patient’s daily anatomy, the system ensures precise, personalized care while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

Oncology Las Vegas is currently treating patients with various cancers, including liver, prostate, and lung. As one of the first clinics in Nevada to adopt this cutting-edge platform, the center is reinforcing its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art care close to home.

This innovative treatment approach aligns with Oncology Las Vegas’s mission to improve outcomes, streamline care delivery, and enhance the daily comfort of its patients and their families.

About Oncology Las Vegas
Oncology Las Vegas is a premier cancer care provider serving Southern Nevada with comprehensive, community-centered services. Our team of dedicated specialists offers personalized treatment plans supported by advanced technology, compassionate care, and evidence-based practices. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and patient well-being, Oncology Las Vegas empowers patients through every step of their cancer journey.

Apr 22
2

Nevada Heart and Vascular Adds New Physicians

By | News

Dr. Alvancin Louis and Dr. Cara Pozolo Join Nevada Heart and Vascular Center

Dr. Cara Pozolo has joined Nevada Heart and Vascular Center. Dr. Pozolo, a Major in the United States Air Force, will see patients at the center’s W. Sunset Rd. location.

“Dr. Pozolo is a wonderful addition to our team of best-in-class physicians,” said Dr. Tony Alamo, Nevada Heart and Vascular’s chief physician executive and chief medical officer. “She’s a skilled vascular surgeon whose contributions will allow us to continue to provide our patients with the highest quality of care possible.”

Pozolo is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI, and served as chief resident, vascular surgery, at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. Air Force active duty for 12 years, she will also continue to serve as a vascular surgeon at Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center at Nellis AFB.

Dr. Alvancin Louis, a board-certified vascular surgeon, has joined Nevada Heart and Vascular Center. Dr. Louis will see patients at the center’s W. Sunset Rd. location.

“Dr. Louis is an excellent addition to our team,” said Dr. Tony Alamo, Nevada Heart and Vascular’s Chief Physician Executive and Chief Medical Officer. “His vast experience only furthers our ability to provide the absolute best care to our patients across the valley.”

Louis is a graduate of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, FL. He completed his residency in general surgery at University of Florida Health in Jacksonville, FL, and earned his vascular surgery fellowship at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, TX. Still Air Force active duty after 12 years, Louis will remain affiliated with the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center at Nellis AFB.

About Nevada Heart and Vascular Center
Nevada Heart and Vascular, founded in Las Vegas in 1998, is Nevada’s largest cardiology practice. The group provides patients with comprehensive cardiac and vascular services, a complete range of the latest technology and treatment options, and its own state-of-the-art vascular imaging center. For more information, visit NevadaHeart.com.

Apr 21
1

Health District Promotes Childhood Vaccinations During National Infant Immunization Week

By | Featured, News

Mama and Papa Bear Clinic highlights weeklong campaign to protect young children

The Southern Nevada Health District is launching its annual observance of National Infant Immunization Week (April 21-25) by urging parents and guardians to keep young children up to date on recommended and routine vaccinations. This year’s campaign comes at a critical time, as communities across the country experience a resurgence in measles.

Throughout the week, immunization services will be available at Health District clinics throughout the Valley. Children who receive vaccines will receive free giveaways, and parents and guardians will be entered into a raffle for prizes.

In Clark County, just 64% of children under age 3 are up to date on their recommended combined 7 series vaccination, representing a decrease of more than 2% from 2024. On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children stay on schedule with well-child appointments and routine immunizations.

“With measles and other preventable diseases reemerging across the county, it’s more important than ever for parents to keep their children on schedule with routine vaccinations,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Vaccines are safe, effective and essential to protecting, children, families and our entire community from serious illness. National Infant Immunization Week is an important reminder of the role we all play in keeping our youngest community members health and safe.”

In addition to offering free or low-cost immunizations at its clinics, and in addition to giveaways and raffle opportunities, the week’s featured event, the Mama and Papa Bear Clinic, will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. The clinic will offer additional resources including a diaper bank and educational stations focused on safe sleep, car seat safety, dental health, newborn care, early development and nutrition.

Vaccines, giveaways and raffle entries will be available at the following Health District locations during regular clinic hours:

  • Main Public Health Center

280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107

Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

 

  • East Las Vegas Public Health Center

2950 E. Bonanza Road, Las Vegas, NV  89101

Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

 

  • Henderson Public Health Center

220 E. Horizon Dr., Suites A&C

Henderson, NV 89015

Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

 

  • Mesquite Public Health Center

150 N. Yucca St., Suite 5

Mesquite, NV 89027

Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

Appointments can be scheduled at www.snhd.info/immunizations or by calling (702) 759-0850. Same day appointments are available for ages 0–3.

The following community clinic is also available:

  • Anthem Community Wellness Center

2348 E. Bonanza Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89101

Tuesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon (walk-in only)

More information about National Infant Immunization Week events is available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/niiw.

Apr 17
1

Walk Around Nevada Celebrates 20th Anniversary

By | News

Free program offers unique way to achieve health goals 

The Southern Nevada Health District is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Walk Around Nevada, a free, interactive program that has had more than 12,000 participants since its launch in 2005. The Walk Around Nevada program has been recognized as a Model Practice Program by the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

The web-based program, available at GetHealthyClarkCounty.org and as a mobile app, allows users to log their miles or steps and track their progress as they virtually ”walk” across the state. An activity conversion chart also helps participants turn various physical activities into miles or steps—so no matter how a person moves, they are always making progress.

As participants make their way through the program, they reach virtual geographic milestones that unlock pop-up windows with historical facts, destination stories and tips to help build healthy habits.

Participants who complete the virtual 1,442 mile trek around the Silver State are eligible for a free t-shirt and recognition in the Walk Around Nevada Hall of Fame on the GetHealthyClarkCounty.org website. To date, about 300 participants have each walked at least 1,442 miles, collectively logging more than one million miles.

“Walking can have a very positive impact on your health,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer, for the Health District. “It can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, reduce cancer risk, lower the risk of depression and anxiety, and improve the quality of your sleep, among other things. I encourage everyone to try this free program to help them succeed in their health and wellness health goals.”

For more information about the Walk Around Nevada program, or to access all the programs and resources offered by the Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, go to www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.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.