First-Annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
Is October 15 Latino Communities to Promote HIV Awareness, Education

Chicago - On October 15, local health agencies will participate in a nationwide effort to promote HIV education among Latinos in honor of the first-annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). Organizations throughout metropolitan Chicago have planned activities for NLAAD centered around improving HIV prevention and care services, building acceptance and understanding towards people living with AIDS, and raising awareness of the AIDS crisis among Latinos in Illinois.

"We must redouble HIV education efforts and expand services proven to prevent the spread of HIV," said 26th ward Alderman Billy Ocasio. "People at risk of infection need to be encouraged to seek HIV testing. I urge everyone on October 15 to take control of their health and learn their status." See Alderman Ocasio's full statement here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinos represented 13% of the U.S. population in 2000 but disproportionately accounted for 19% of all new AIDS cases. HIV/AIDS is the second leading cause of death for Latino men ages 35 to 44, and the third leading cause of death for Latinos overall in this age group.

AIDS and other health organizations across the country united to create NLAAD in response to the upsurge in new HIV infections among Latinos. The theme of the first-annual event is "Open Your Eyes" (¡Abre los Ojos!) to encourage Latinos to fight complacency and stigma surrounding AIDS in their communities.