This place is fabulous. Located in Downtown Las Vegas conveniently on Maryland Parkway and Clark. (Right near LVA too! Loved my high school but where was this when I was a student?!) Huge sign that says "The Center" on it. Can't miss it. Ample parking lot.
My friend and I came here for awesome Bronze Cafe located inside. Still a relatively new transplant to the area. Perfect location for downtown. The Center's lobby has a large, open college quad-like feel to it with modern minimalist couches and a few tables to sit at for the cafe. They have a row of computers for anyone to use (Max: 2 hours and possibly less if there's a line). Never super crowded for when I go.
We had no idea the Center offered so many great services. Check out their hundred flyers for all these events in the lobby. There's 12-step programs and support groups for sexually-active addicts. The Center also hosts narcotics anonymous, alcoholics anonymous, and other substance support groups. I've heard that they have an amazing support group for gay, transgender, and bi people where they have weekly events and movie nights. They also offer yoga classes, health awareness festivals for the public, and free open discussion meetings.
TESTING: Best part about the Center? FREE STD testing to the public conducted by Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). Located to the right side of the building past the small basketball court. You will need to provide your ID. Minimal paperwork involved about your health history and personal details. Zero wait time when I went on a Friday.
Waiting room is clean, small, and has a bunch of pamphlets on various STDs. There aren't creepy water stains anywhere. The bathroom and the doctor's office was super clean and not some gross, scary facility you'd imagine free clinics to be.
There's also free condoms and lube on the tables.
PROCEDURE: The nurse asked me a few necessary personal questions without making me feel judged. He answered all of my questions patiently. Only takes a simple blood and urine test. They offer water too if you didn't come prepared. I'm seriously scared of needles so the blood test made me feel a little more than anxious. Know what a shot feels like? Yeah? I didn't feel a thing. Boom. Beat that. I was in and out in fifteen minutes.
It takes two weeks for your results to come in and you call in to find out over the phone. They do the rapid HIV testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you find out in 20 minutes. For the other STDs you still have to wait 2 weeks regardless. Be safe and get tested!
It may seem intimidating, but it really wasn't. My nerves were on fire at first!
NOTE: if you do end up being positive on your tests, they offer the FREE treatment here at the clinic. How awesome is that?
Pretty awesome services for FREE at this wonderful community center. It's not just strictly LGBTQ-centric. Feels like a judge-free zone. Vegas needs more places like this!