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Washington, D.C. - In order to bring further attention to AIDS awareness and prevention programs, specifically in America’s minority communities, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today co-sponsored a resolution that designates October 15th as the 3rd Annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.
“The AIDS epidemic continues to disproportionately plague minorities,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “We must increase national awareness of this problem so we can stop the runaway train that is AIDS in our minority communities.”
According to the latest data and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinos represent 14 percent of the population of the United States but account for 20 percent (over 164,000) of AIDS cases nationally. AIDS-related illnesses represent the fourth leading cause of death among Latinos ages 25 to 44. By the end of 2002, nearly 88,000 Latinos had died with AIDS.
“Since I came to Congress, I have been a strong advocate of preventing and reducing HIV/AIDS transmission by consistently voting to support federal investments in HIV/AIDS education, prevention, treatment and research,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I have worked hard to institute programs such as the Minority AIDS Initiative, which provides grants to community-based organizations and other health care providers for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs serving the African American, Hispanic, and other minority communities. The Minority AIDS initiative also enables health care providers to expand and strengthen their capacity to deliver culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate care and services.”
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day salutes the more than 76,000 Latino AIDS survivors in the United States and the efforts of victims, volunteers, and professionals who combat AIDS each day. It also recognizes and applauds national and community organizations for their work in promoting awareness about AIDS, providing information, and offering treatment to those who suffer from the disease. National Latino AIDS Awareness Day is a renewed commitment to ending the spread of HIV/AIDS and ensuring quality of life to those with HIV/AIDS in the Latino community.
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