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HIV/AIDS is a significant health
threat to Hispanic communities in the United States, affecting every segment of
the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that
Hispanics and Latinos progress to AIDS faster than any other racial or ethnic
group, with 42 percent being diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months after
learning of their positive HIV status, compared to 34 percent late diagnosis
among white non-Hispanics and 35 percent among blacks.
The global and national implications
of HIV/AIDS prevalence in Hispanics and Latinos are well known, but as the US
HIV/AIDS strategy reminds all, first and foremost—it is a local problem. The
writer, President Guillermo Chacon of the Latino Commission on AIDS, is a
member of the Hispanic/Latino community in Miami, Florida. There are
approximately 25,711 people with HIV/AIDS in Miami, and of that total number,
approximately 39.7 percent are Hispanic/Latino.
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
(NLAAD) is a perfect opportunity to encourage Hispanics and Latinos to learn
more about HIV/AIDS and get tested to find out their status. The good news is
that individuals now have access to a rapid in-home HIV test, and there are
many other places to get tested, including hospitals, clinics, community-based
organizations, and physicians’ offices. By educating people early about
protecting themselves—and helping them learn their status earlier—the United
States can reduce the number of AIDS-related deaths and connect those who are
infected to medical care sooner. Call 1-866-436-6527 or visit www.nlaad.org to
learn more about rapid in-home testing.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
