This coming Sunday, October 15, is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day(NLAAD)

Did you know that AIDS was the 6th leading cause
of death for Latinos ages 25-34 in the US? (Kaiser
Policy Fact Sheet 2/06)

Did you know that it is the second leading cause
of disease-related death among Latinas ages 24-44?
(National Vital Statistics 3/05)

How about the fact that Latinos accounted for
approximately 45% of new AIDS cases in 2002? (HIV
Epidemiological Surveillance, December 2005)

Or that the estimated AIDS prevalence among
Latinos increased by 31% between 2000 and 2004,
compared to a 22% increase among whites. (Kaiser
Policy Fact Sheet 2/06)

There is much misinformation, secrecy, and shame surrounding HIV and AIDS in the Latino community. In order to counter stereotypes and myths and to protect educate and protect the health of the community, the day was set aside to inform people about the facts and to encourage Latinos to get themselves tested and learn their HIV status.

In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) estimated that between 176,000 -
201,000 Latinos were living with HIV or AIDS in
the United States, a figure which has likely grown
since that time. (Kaiser Policy Fact Sheet 2/06)
Only together can we take significant steps toward
preventing and stopping HIV/AIDS.

There are activities and events all over the country, most are free, open to the public, and bilingual. For more information and/or to find an event in your area visit the official NLAAD 2006 website.

Via / Red Zebra