New Campaigns Bring Awareness To National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

By Michael Lopez

In case you're wondering, it's no fluke that National Latino AIDS Awareness Day falls on October 15. Coinciding with the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the movement specifically targets the Latino community and encourages everyone to get tested. It also works to educate Spanish speakers on the dangers of HIV and teaches preventative safe sex strategies.

First established in 2003, NLAAD has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. In 2010, the movement solidified support from 450 sponsors, organized over 350 nationwide events, and donated 7,000 HIV testing kits throughout the Latin community.

This year's theme is called, "Latinos Unite! Let’s Stay Healthy!" and has expanded its reach quite a bit. Now instead of just AIDS-related education, NLAAD is spreading the word about Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis, and other sexually-transmitted diseases.

For those looking for even more details about the disease, the NLAAD site has a wealth of information. There are fact and data sheets (did you know that Latinos make up 17 percent of all AIDS cases in the U.S.?), video links, and tons of resources for those living with the disease.

NLAAD Director, Melissa Faith Ramirez, recently spoke to Fox News about the importance of Awareness Day.

"AIDS is a disease that kills," she explained. "It's a problem that's in every community across the board. Our specific campaign gears to bringing the message to the Latino community."

There are tons of NLAAD events happening all across the country this weekend (including expos, workshops, and music festivals). To find out about what may be going in your neck of the woods, click over to the Awareness Day Events page and make a date to spread the word.

Has anyone in your community been impacted by AIDS? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, AIDS Awareness, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Health, Hispanic Heritage Day, Melissa Faith Ramirez, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, NLAAD