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For Immediate Release Press contact: Miguel Ayala |
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(Washington D.C.)- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statement in recognition of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: “National Latino AIDS Awareness Day provides us an opportunity to increase awareness of the devastating and disproportionate effects of AIDS in the Latino community,” said Congressman Joe Baca, Chair of the CHC. “Today we also remember everyone who has been lost to the disease and recognize those committed individuals who promote HIV/AIDS education and awareness in communities across America.” Since 2003, October 15th has been recognized as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). Latinos compromise 14 percent of the U.S. population, and account for nearly 19 percent of all AIDS cases in the U.S. since the start of the epidemic. Most recent figures show that Latinos compromise 19 percent of new AIDS cases. “I am proud that during Hispanic Heritage Month, I joined with leading Latino HIV/AIDS advocates to announce the Call to Action and Mobilization to address the HIV/AIDS emergency in Latino communities,” said Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis, Chair of the CHC Task Force on Health and the Environment. “Each year on National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting policies that improve the health and well-being of the Latino community and to ensuring that prevention and treatment are culturally and linguistically appropriate.” (###) |
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Hispanic descent. Since 1976 the CHC has been addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in all areas of American life. For more information on the CHC, call (202) 225-2410. |
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