National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
| Founded | October 15, 2003 |
|---|---|
| Location |
|
|
Area served
|
United States of America and its territories |
| Method | community mobilization and social marketing |
|
Key people
|
latinoaids.org hispanicfederation.org |
| Mission | to draw attention to the importance of HIV testing, education and prevention in Latino communities. |
| Website | www |
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) (Spanish : El Dia Nacional de Concientizacion Latina del SIDA) takes place in the United States of America and its territories on October 15, the last day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and aims to increase awareness of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the Hispanic/Latino population living in the United States including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. It is a national community mobilizing and social marketing campaign co-ordinated by the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation in partnership with commercial sponsors, community and public health organisations.
A National Planning Committee coordinates NLAAD, retains a national convenor and supplies participating organisations with materials such as campaign kits and with advice. Each local participating organisation organises its own activities tailored to their particular community. All aim to promote or sponsor prevention activities, including counselling and testing. Some also undertake to educate community leaders and public officials in reducing new infections and caring for Latinos living with HIV/AIDS. Some organise cultural events and celebrations. Each local group is largely responsible for raising funds for their organized activities.
The first NLAAD was in 2003, initiated by the Latino Commission on AIDS under the leadership of Dennis deLeon joined by the Hispanic Federation and attracted support from various community groups. In a media release announcing the event, deLeon was quoted: "AIDS has disproportionately affected Latinos whom represent 14% of the United States population (including Puerto Rico), but as a percentage of the national number of People Living with AIDS, Latinos represent a staggering 20%. ... There is no reason why Latinos should be disproportionately affected except for neglect by community leaders and government funders". The day was observed in more than 100 cities around the United States including New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago. Events around the theme Prevention Saves Lives included "proclamation ceremonies", press conferences, educational and cultural events, HIV testing and counselling.
...
Wikipedia