National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day is October 15

Coordinated by the Latino Commission on AIDS, National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) is observed each year on October 15 to increase awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. The NLAAD campaign promotes HIV testing and prevention, and provides information on access to care to Hispanic/Latino communities across the nation.

The observance is an opportunity to promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment in Hispanic/Latino communities, working towards the shared goal of a world free of new HIV infections. This year’s theme, Ending HIV Is Everyone’s Job, emphasizes the tools available to address HIV in all communities. It challenges each of us to learn more about HIV, prevent new infections, help people with HIV stay healthy, and work together to end this disease that disproportionately affects Hispanics/Latinos in the United States and 6 dependent areas.

Hispanics/Latinos represent nearly 18% of the total population of the United States, but accounted for 26% of the 40,324 new HIV diagnoses in 2016 in the United States and 6 dependent areas. New HIV diagnoses among Hispanic women/Latinas decreased 14% from 2011 to 2015 and remained stable among Hispanics/Latinos overall. Although these trends show progress for some Hispanics/Latinos, new HIV diagnoses increased 13% among Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men during the same period.

We all have an important role to play in making sure all Hispanics/Latinos know their HIV status and have access to the latest prevention and treatment options. As we observe NLAAD, find out how you can do your part to promote HIV prevention and treatment and help fight stigma.

Visit CDC’s Act Against AIDS website for more information about National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day on October 15.

What can we do?

Get the facts. Learn about HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, and share this information with partners, family, and friends in your communities.

Get tested. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care and those at high risk get tested at least once a year. Some sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (every 3 to 6 months).

There is no appointment necessary to get tested at the MASS Clinic. Walk-ins available Monday-Friday 9am until 4 pm, and appointments are available as well. Call us or just come on by! You can also use a home testing kit available in drugstores or online.