National Latinx Aids Awareness Day

Dear LULAC Familia,

On this National Latinx Aids Awareness Day (NLAAD), LULAC wants to emphasize the importance of getting tested for HIV. As part of the of the Partnering and Communicating Together to Act Against Aids (PACT) program, LULAC has developed opportunities for free and confidential testing for the community that includes free and accessible information on HIV in the Latinx community. With the Latinx population placed as the second highest population with new HIV diagnoses in the United States, it is essential that our community members go out and get tested to know their status.

On this October 15th, LULAC is helping raise awareness on the HIV/AIDS disparities among the Latinx community by sending two members from the LULAC National Staff to get tested. By vlogging* the importance of getting testing and the simple steps of how someone can get tested for HIV/AIDS, LULAC wants to emphasize the short amount of time that can aid in addressing these disparities and creating a longer and healthier life. We can make a change, one HIV test at a time.

On this awareness day, we want to make it clear that“living with HIV or not... we're fighting this together”. Our efforts to destigmatize HIV testing and HIV/AIDS has become a community effort that is led by many of our councils and our partners. From integrating testing into holiday parties and events to posting on social media to increase our reach, LULAC continues to increase awareness and testing in the Latinx community.

According to the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, “More than half of Hispanic/Latinos have never been tested”. By continuing the battle in decreasing stigma and engaging community leaders in the conversation about HIV, LULAC believes that our community can make that difference in making sure that all available resources are accessible and promoted by the community, for the community. Grab a friend and get tested today!

To find a free and local testing location near you, go to www.LULAC.org/salud. To view our full length video, visit the LULAC National social media pages.

Latinos Living Healthy Team

*Vlogging is a video blog where people speak on topics of their choice. This video was created with the help of the Whitman-Walker Health clinic and their staff.