On October 15th, 2018, CAPCO Resource Center partnered with NJ Buddies to host an event in recognition of National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day at Noches de Colombia in Clifton. While HIV awareness continues to grow across all communities in the United States, many communities are still lagging behind the national average in terms of HIV testing, HIV education, and so on. This day recognizes the ways in which mainstream efforts to raise awareness of HIV have not always reached Latinx populations.
Latinx populations also face unique problems when it comes to HIV prevention, care, and treatment. Language barriers often affect community members’ abilities to communicate effectively with their physicians, and cultural barriers can make disclosure difficult. Even talking about HIV can be a taboo, which can lead to increased HIV diagnoses in specific cultural communities.
The October 15th event addressed some of this concerns, inviting individuals of all communities and HIV statuses to attend. A presentation was offered in Spanish to discuss new breakthroughs in HIV prevention, care, and treatment, and community stakeholders were invited to speak about their experiences with HIV in Latinx communities. Additionally, Walgreen’s offered free flu shots and NJ Buddies offered free HIV testing to all attendees.
For more information on National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, check out the NLAAD by clicking here.
CAPCO Resource Center inc. 