Wait for new clinic causes problems

A 17-year-old girl infected with HIV wants to know how she'll get her monthly medication now that the health clinic she has frequently visited in North Las Vegas is closing.

A new facility will open this fall in the area, but until then she will have difficulty.

She doesn't drive, her parents work long hours, and she's not sure she can count on friends to drive her to two other locations to get her medication.

Standing in the parking lot of the North Las Vegas branch of the Clark County Health District on closing day Wednesday, she admits that she has uncertainty about transportation.

"I will get it somehow," she said. "Maybe I'll look into taking the bus."

Others who visited the clinic Wednesday for immunizations, family planning and baby check-ups said the closure is nothing more than an inconvenience.

Wednesday, the clinic at Cheyenne Avenue and Civic Center Drive closed because the building is deteriorating and has developed structural problems. The facility is more than 20 years old with various cracks and leaks. Last week the air conditioning went out and that was the last straw, said Alice Costello, a public health nurse supervisor.

"There were concerns with keeping medicine at room temperature, not to mention patients were uncomfortable," she said.

Clinic officials had hoped the building would make it until the fall, when a newly renovated facility is expected to open at Lake Mead Boulevard and McDaniel Street.

Until then, residents can access services at two other locations -- the Ravenholt Public Health Center at 625 Shadow Lane, or the ELV Public Health Center at 560 N. Nellis Blvd. North Las Vegas clinic employees will work at the two locations until the new building is complete.

"We are making every attempt to notify the general public," about the move, Costello said. "Those who need follow-ups for exams, we are calling them directly to let them know the building is closing and they can access the services elsewhere."

Costello said she has no answers as to how patients without transportation will get across town to the other locations, but said the largest service request is for immunizations and they will continue to be offered elsewhere.

The North Las Vegas Family Health Center at 2225 Civic Center Drive, Suite 240C, will be offering free immunizations from July 17 through Sept. 8, to keep up with those children about to enter school, she said.

Individuals with questions regarding the availability of public health services, including nursing services or immunizations, should contact the Health District at 385-1291.

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