Search Newsroom

Latinos make up about 14 percent of the U.S. population, but account for approximately 19 percent of new AIDS cases. Wednesday, Oct.15, 2008, is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). Every year, this day is set aside to recognize the impact of this disease on the Latino community. It also marks an opportunity to increase awareness of the devastating and disproportionate effects of HIV/AIDS on the populations at highest risk.

Two Oklahoma organizations plan to recognize the day with the following activities:

The Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA), in Oklahoma City, will observe NLAAD and Latino HIV Testing Week during Oct.12-17. On Sunday, Oct. 12, they visit with the Latino community at Crossroads Mall (South I-240 and I-35) and the El Mariachi grocery store (Walker & S.W. 59th Street).

On Wednesday, Oct.15, Latino media will air public service announcements and HIV testing and counseling will be provided. For additional information call (405) 236-0701.

On Sunday, Oct. 12, Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) of Tulsa will provide HIV Testing and sponsor an informational booth from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the First Annual Health Fair at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. On Saturday, Oct. 18, H.O.P.E. will be at the Plaza Santa Cecilia sponsoring a booth and possible HIV testing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NLAAD is also a time to push for crucial support from public officials and religious leaders. Ongoing efforts to reverse this troubling trend are in place. To learn more about this national event, visit: http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/latino.