Communities Across The Country Observe National Latinx Aids Awareness Day

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), observed each year on the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15, highlights a nationwide community mobilization and social marketing campaign that addresses the HIV & AIDS epidemic among Hispanic/Latino/Latinx communities. NLAAD fosters a collaborative effort among schools, faith-based organizations, health departments, hospitals, community organizations, media, civic leaders and many others in promoting AIDS awareness and HIV testing.

This year's theme, "We'll Defeat AIDS con Ganas (with Desire)," is a call to action that encourages the growing and diverse Hispanic/Latino/Latinx communities of the United States and territories to become aware of the disproportionate impact HIV, AIDS, and other health disparities have on their communities. Only together we will defeat AIDS.�

"We recognize the ongoing commitment and leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill De Blasio in New York to address the impact of HIV and AIDS," stated Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. "The Latino Commission is extremely concerned with the increase of HIV cases among African American & Latino young men who have sex with men and the stigma associated with HIV & AIDS. We must do more to address these difficult challenges."

"New York has led the nation in the battle against AIDS with our comprehensive plan to end the epidemic by 2020," Governor Cuomo said. "With record investments in testing and treatment, we are making tremendous progress in reducing the number of HIV infections, providing essential care to those living with AIDS, and achieving zero mother-to-child transmissions. By taking a holistic approach to this fight, New York is moving the End the Epidemic blueprint forward and putting a stop to this disease once and for all."

Mondo Guerra, well known fashion designer and HIV/AIDS advocate, shared his thoughts about NLAAD, "Addressing the impact of HIV and AIDS in Latino/Hispanic communities requires a commitment from each of us. Raising awareness gives me hope to achieve an AIDS-free generation."

In New York City on Friday, Oct. 14, many organizations and institutions will unite under the Take the Train/ Take the Test campaign, which brings the HIV test to you! Look for the volunteers at the entrance of several NYC subway stations or by calling 311 or visiting nychealth.tumblr.com. Similar events commemorating NLAAD will be held throughout the nation.

"More than 220,000 Hispanics/Latinos have been impacted by HIV in the United States and many more don't know their status," said Bethsy Morales-Reid, Director of Community Health Engagement at the Hispanic Federation. "It is important for Latinos and Latinas to get and stay in HIV treatment to be healthy and for those who don't know their HIV status to get tested today."