Celebrate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day October 15
October 15th is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). This year’s theme is Knowledge is Power. Get the Facts. Get Tested for HIV. On NLAAD, over 1,000 institutions in 350 cities across the continental United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will sponsor activities that relate to the state of AIDS among Latinos in their specific communities. NLAAD’s objective is to raise awareness, prevent infection and celebrate the day as a recognized day of remembrance.
NLAAD was established in 2003 to promote and sponsor activities and actions that will prevent the spread of HIV in the Latino community and improve the quality of those living with the virus. It falls on October 15th to commemorate the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme represents a call to action for Latinos to protect their lives and the lives of those they love.
Currently, Latinos comprise 14% of the U.S. population, including Puerto Rico’s, but account for 20% (84,001) of all those living with AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2004, more than 93,163 Latinos have died of AIDS and heterosexual Latinas infections rates have some of the steepest increases as compared to other risk groups. Heterosexual contact accounts for 49% of reported AIDS cases among Latina women as of December 2004, an increase of 17% from 2002. Due to cultural traditions and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS, reaching out to Latinas about health issues has proven to be very difficult. For instance, numerous surveys indicate that only a small percentage of Latinas have ever talked to a health provider about HIV/AIDS and an even smaller percentage have discussed the risks of being infected with HIV or getting tested for HIV.
Moreover, Latino teens in the U.S. make up 19% of the national teenage population, ages 13-19, but account for 20% of cumulative AIDS cases. Research has shown that early, clear communications between parents and young people about sex is an important step in helping adolescents adopt and maintain protective sexual behaviors. In addition, a wide range of activities must be implemented in communities to reduce the toll HIV infection and AIDS has on youth including: school-based programs, community-based programs, prevention efforts for young gay and bisexual men, address sexual and drug-related risks, STD treatment, and evaluation of factors influencing risky behavior.
Community groups across the nation will promote and sponsor prevention activities on NLAAD including counseling and testing. Some will use the day to make religious leaders and public officials aware of the needs in reducing new infections and caring for Latinos with the virus. Each participating locality/organization is largely responsible for raising funds needed to sponsor their own activity tailored for their community and make the public aware of what must be done to prevent new infections and advocate for proper care for those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
The National Planning Committee, comprised of the Latino Commission on AIDS, the Hispanic Federation and Latino organizations throughout the U.S., coordinates the NLAAD. The Planning Committee will provide tools such as campaign kits, posters, and technical support to assist in creating a well-planned and well-received event.
For additional information on the NLAAD and on how sponsor or be part of an event, please contact the Latino Commission on AIDS at:
24 West, 25th Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 675-3288
Fax: (212) 675-3466
Email: aarias@latinoaids.org
Source: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day website.