Hey there! Did you know that October 15, 2009 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day? We must remember the disproportionate impact of the infection to this community and CARES continues to serve our Latino brothers and sisters through counseling, testing, referral and case management services in the Southwest Michigan area since 1985. The facts are shocking. Here is an update from the National Minority AIDS Council:
NMAC Honors National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
October 15, 2009 ~ Washington, D.C. ~ Today, the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) honors the seventh annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). Held every year on October 15th, during National Hispanic Heritage Month, NLAAD marks an opportunity to increase awareness of the devastating and disproportionate effects of AIDS in the Latino community. NLAAD, which is organized by the National Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA), the Hispanic Federation and many other organizations, also is a day to encourage HIV testing and to push for support from public officials and religious leaders.
“The health and well-being of Latinos in the U.S. has been undermined by HIV/AIDS,” says Paul A. Kawata, NMAC’s Executive Director. Indeed, Latinos represent only about 13% of the U.S. population; but account for 18% of all new HIV cases in the country. HIV/AIDS is now the fourth leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latino men and women aged 35-44.
The rise in HIV/AIDS rates in recent years can be traced to socio-economic disparities, such as lack of access to health care, education and housing. “These are often coupled in Latino communities with language barriers and challenges around immigration, creating strong barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care,” says Dr. Jorge Delgado, Assistant Director of Government Relations and Public Policy. “Successfully mitigating HIV/AIDS in Latino communities demands sound policy in Washington, D.C., as well as support for the creation of health care networks that recognize the unique cultural, social and linguistic needs of Latino communities.”
It also is imperative that HIV/AIDS epidemiological data encompass all Latino communities in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. “Comprehensive data will give all stakeholders a clear picture of the epidemic in Latino communities and ensure that efforts are targeted efficiently and effectively,” says Ravinia Hayes-Cozier, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy.
NMAC encourages everyone to visit the NLAAD website to find out more about HIV/AIDS in Latino communities.
Oh one more thing: FREE and CONFIDENTIAL HIV TESTING Tuesdays, Wednesday s and Thursdays 1-5pm at 629 Pioneer St. If you can’t make it, give Jan de la Torre or Dave Watt a call at 269-381-2437 to set-up an appointment.
