Today, October 15, 2008, is the 5th Annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. The AIDS Council recognizes how HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts Latinos in the United States and here in Northeastern New York. Latinos are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at a higher rate than every other racial or ethnic group in the United States except African-Americans. The HIV rate for Hispanic men is more than twice the rate for white men and the HIV rate for Hispanic women is more than four times the rate for white women. In the Capital Region, Latinos make up 3% of the population but represent nearly 13% of known people living with HIV/AIDS and make up over 16% of new HIV cases per year.

The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York is committed to serving communities of color and continues the battle against HIV/AIDS among Latinos through education and awareness. The AIDS Council has implemented specific programs to address Latino and bi-lingual populations and is trying to overcome the barriers to early HIV testing and treatment. While much still needs to be done to stop the spread of HIV, prevention starts with each individual who makes the commitment to take the HIV test and know their status.

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