For the nearly 500 people diagnosed with HIV in Southern Nevada each year, survival often comes down to access—access to specialized providers, medications, and support without delay. That is exactly what The Center Wellness Clinic offers: a safe, inclusive, and medically advanced hub for comprehensive HIV care, including on-site labs, a full-service specialty pharmacy, and immediate pathways to treatment and support.
The Center Wellness Clinic is an extension of The LGBTQ Center of Las Vegas, whose mission is to provide a safe and welcoming place where individuals receive the care, information, and services needed to thrive.
“Our whole goal is to make our patients their own healthcare advocate,” says Dr. Leana Ramirez, The Center’s Chief Clinical Officer and a pharmacist with more than 14 years of HIV care experience. “We want to turn healthcare on its head and make it patient-centric and patient-delivered.”
That unique level of care begins the moment a patient walks in. The Center Wellness Clinic’s “one-stop shop” model means patients can see their provider, have labs drawn, fill prescriptions at the on-site pharmacy, and receive wraparound support—all in the same visit. “It’s incredibly empowering for patients,” says Dr. Ramirez. “They don’t have to chase down medications or bounce between providers. Everything they need is right here.”
That’s especially important for newly diagnosed patients. “If someone tests preliminary positive, we put medications in their hands right then and there,” Dr. Ramirez emphasizes. “We don’t let people leave without ensuring they have everything they need to start treatment immediately.”
A Center of Excellence, Led by a Legend
At the helm of The Center Wellness Clinic is Dr. Jerry Cade, a nationally recognized leader in HIV treatment who brings over four decades of clinical and policy experience to The Center Wellness Clinic. A co-founder of the HIV program at University Medical Center in 1985, Dr. Cade has led more than 100 clinical trials and served on President Clinton’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
He arrived in Las Vegas in 1981 for a public health assignment—and never left. “Las Vegas has been an incredibly fascinating, exciting city for the last 40 years,” he says. “I could never have accomplished what I have if I had moved back to Los Angeles.
During the early days of the AIDS crisis, when treatment options were virtually nonexistent, Dr. Cade focused on preserving dignity and quality of life for those with HIV. “Our mindset at the time was: what can we do to make the last months of this human being’s life worth something? Our goal when we went into a room was to figure out how to make somebody smile.”
Care That Reflects Community
Today, that same compassion defines the clinic’s care philosophy. Every provider on staff is certified in HIV care and equipped to manage the complex medical and emotional needs that often come with the diagnosis. The team helps patients navigate insurance, co-pays, and assistance programs like Ryan White, ensuring no one is turned away because of cost.
“Affordability should never be part of the health care equation,” says Dr. Ramirez. “We’re fortunate to have resources that allow us to offer sliding scale payments and personalized financial support.”
Beyond medicine, The Center Wellness Clinic also connects patients to behavioral health services, peer groups, housing assistance, and family-focused education programs like “HIV 101.” It’s not just about treatment—it’s about belonging, support, and long-term wellness.
Meeting Southern Nevada’s Growing Need
In a region where HIV and STI rates remain higher than the national average, the demand for this kind of care is urgent. For hundreds of Nevadans diagnosed with HIV each year, The Center Wellness Clinic is the first place they feel seen, supported, and medically safe.
Since opening in June 2024, The Center Wellness Clinic has already served more than 2,700 patients, and that number continues to grow. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, relocating and in need of care continuity, or seeking expert HIV management in a nonjudgmental setting, The Center Wellness Clinic is ready.
“This is more than a clinic—it’s a haven for a historically marginalized population,” says Dr. Ramirez. “And we’re here for everyone—no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you’re facing.”
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit wellness.thecenterlv.org
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The Center Wellness Clinic is located at 921 S. Las Vegas Blvd, just a few blocks from The Center’s Maryland Parkway headquarters. In-person and telehealth appointments can be scheduled by calling 702-780-4925.