Latino groups push for AIDS awareness, services
Latino activist and community leaders in Philly are launching a week-long HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.
They’re also forming a coalition to support the National Latino HIV/AIDS Agenda.
It’s in light of the World AIDS Day on Saturday, December 1st.
“Pennsylvania ranks number eight on the top ten states with Latinos estimated to be living with AIDS,” said Elicia Gonzales from National Latino AIDS Action Network and Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative (GALAEI).
She says one of the biggest problems is that Latinos test at later stages of infection.
One proposed solution is to make tests and treatments more accessible to the Latino community.
Many of these organizations already provide HIV/AIDS related health services before this formal agenda, but it’s a way to join efforts.
“We continue to partner. To bring the resources we don’t have,” said Cynthia Figueroa from Congresso, “most recently, we’re very excited to open a federally qualified health center with a specialized focus on HIV-AIDS.”
Other organizations involved are Prevention Point Philadelphia, and We Are Greater Than AIDS campaign.
Go to the Congresso website for a complete list of events.
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