Planned Parenthood Arizona to Offer Free Condoms in Recognition of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
Today Planned Parenthood Arizona joins hundreds of organizations across the nation to promote and provide HIV testing and information in recognition of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). NLAAD is a nationwide community mobilization campaign seeking to raise the visibility of HIV/AIDS within the Latino community.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV/AIDS is the number-four killer of Latinos aged 35 to 44 in the United States. While Latinos represent 15 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 19 percent of all AIDS cases since the beginning of the epidemic and 19 percent of all people in the United States living with AIDS.
'Clearly, more needs to be done,' said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. 'What's most troubling is that, in contrast to other racial and ethnic groups and despite advances in treatment, Latinos are not experiencing the same declines in HIV infection. NLAAD is a good time to refocus our efforts and remind the Latino community that Planned Parenthood Arizona health centers across the country are available to help.'
Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood Arizona added: 'Latinos are the least likely population group in the United States to have health insurance, and the least likely to have a usual source of care, which would allow them to get the testing and services they need to keep them healthy. But Planned Parenthood Arizona is here to help with affordable HIV testing, free information, and condoms.'
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day was initiated in 2003 by the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation. NLAAD is a day to celebrate Latinos' rich collective heritage during Hispanic Heritage month, as well as an opportunity to remind Latino communities across the country that the epidemic continues to threaten Latino health and lives.
Organizations participating in NLAAD spotlight the devastating impact HIV/AIDS has had on the Latino community and emphasize the power of prevention by offering free and low-cost testing, condoms, screenings, and information at health fairs; sponsor cultural and community events; and raise awareness through the media and clergy.
Annually on this day, Latinos around the country not only recognize the toll HIV has taken on their community, they also raise awareness of the importance of prevention and care through HIV testing activities, press conferences, health fairs, cultural events, candlelight vigils, religious services, health screenings, and many other activities.
