Charlotte, NC – On Oct. 15, 2008, more than 1,000 organizations in nearly 300 cities across the nation will come together to promote HIV testing and prevention initiatives in recognition of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.
The day is set aside to raise the visibility of HIV/AIDS within the Latino community.
Since 2003, Oct. 15 has been recognized as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. This observance is vital now that Latinos comprise 14 percent of the U.S. population and nearly 19 percent of all AIDS cases in the country.
In Mecklenburg County, the cumulative number of reported cases through December 2007 was 6,074 people infected with HIV and 2,655 with AIDS. Through August 2008, there are already 243 new cases of HIV and 51 cases of AIDS reported this year in Mecklenburg County, with Latino numbers mirroring nationwide cases.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department and Metrolina AIDS Project will observe this important day together on Sunday, Oct. 19, by providing FREE HIV and AIDS TESTING.
Plaza Fiesta
3700 Avenue of the Carolinas
Fort Mill, S. C. (just off I-77 near Carowinds)
11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Most importantly, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day organizers hope to increase awareness of the devastating and disproportionate effects of AIDS on the Latino community.
For more information about testing or this event, please contact Mayra Rodriguez at 704-432-4251 or Emerson Rojas at 704-644-4265.
