Department of Health Still Seeking Albuquerque Spa Customers for Testing

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) continues reaching out to clients of Albuquerque’s VIP Spa, located in downtown Albuquerque at 809 Tijeras Avenue NW, Suite B, to provide information about and to test for possible blood-borne infections.

An inspection of the business by the NMDOH and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Barbers and Cosmetologists Board on September 7 identified practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C to clients. The VIP Spa closed after receiving a cease and desist letter from the Board.

Within the first week after this notice, over 100 persons came to the Midtown Public Health Office in Albuquerque to access free, private and confidential testing. Still, NMDOH hopes to reach all VIP Spa clients will use this free resource as soon as possible.

VIP Spa provided injection-related services ranging from Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections known as “vampire facials” to Botox. The Department of Health wants to reach all VIP Spa customers, particularly anyone who received a vampire facial or other injection related service at the VIP Spa in May or June of this year.

“While many VIP Spa clients have been tested – and passed the word on to friends and family – NMDOH wants to ensure that these free and confidential services are used by every spa customer who received an injection-related service,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “While many clients were likely not exposed to any blood-borne infections, it’s still very important they get tested as a precautionary measure. Our goal is to provide testing and counseling and to stop the potential spread of disease.”

For VIP Spa customers in Albuquerque, testing is available every day Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Midtown Public Health Officer, 2400 Wellesley Ave NE, near the corner of Menaul and Carlisle. Clients of VIP Spa can call or text (505) 670-8615 with questions or to make an appointment. Clients of VIP Spa also can drop by during regular hours without an appointment. For questions on after hours, on weekends and evenings, please call (505) 827-0006.

It’s important to remember testing is important for everyone, including those who have not received these services at VIP Spa. NMDOH and its community partners offer free, rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing to persons at risk. Rapid testing gives you the results during the same visit to a clinic or community site. There are effective treatments for many blood-borne infections. Anyone in New Mexico can find a location nearest them by visiting www.nmhivguide.org.