NATIONAL LATINO AIDS
AWARENESS DAY
2004

The Latino Commission on AIDS and the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS is sponsoring National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) on October 15.  NLAAD is a day of hope for the future of a world without AIDS.  This day is set aside nationally to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and to encourage HIV testing in Hispanic/Latino communities.  This year’s theme is “Abre Los Ojos: El VIH No Tiene Fronteras” (Open your Eyes: HIV Has No Borders).

The Bureau of HIV/AIDS is encouraging county health departments and community-based organizations around the state to promote NLAAD events/activities and to promote HIV testing.  The Bureau of HIV/AIDS is focused on encouraging all racial/ethnic groups to get involved and take the HIV test.

Nationally, Hispanics/Latinos represent 20% of the AIDS cases, but only 14% of the population.  The AIDS case rate among Hispanics is almost four times greater than the rate among whites.  In Florida, Hispanics/Latinos account for 17% of the population, 16% of AIDS and 18% of the HIV cases through December 2003.

The Bureau of HIV/AIDS established a NLAAD planning committee to assist the bureau with planning events/activities.  In addition, the bureau has increased its efforts in Florida Latino communities.  The bureau has recently established a Latino Advisory Committee to assist the bureau on HIV/AIDS issues, created radio public service announcements, provide trainings in Hispanic communities, and funds Hispanic/Latino organizations.

There are many events/activities planned throughout the state, which includes press conferences, HIV testing, educational workshops and meetings.  The chief of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS will participate at a press conference in Miami on October 15.  Mr. Liberti will discuss how HIV/AIDS is impacting Florida Latinos and outline what is being done in Florida to address the issue.

Contact your local county health department for information about NLAAD events and testing sites.  For more HIV/AIDS information, please call the Florida AIDS Hotline at 1-800- FLA-AIDS (1-800-503-7118) or visit www.WeMakeTheChange.com.

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NLAAD Posters (zip format

NLAAD Events

Latino & Black HIV/AIDS Fact Sheets

www.latinoaids.org/nlaad