This is an important year for Hispanic/Latinos across the nation. It is also important for Hispanic/Latinos living with HIV/AIDS.  We have an opportunity to vote for political candidates that will support our endeavors and increase support for our HIV needs. 

Quality treatment and support services for all people living with HIV
The growth and continued success of programs for Hispanic/Latinos living with AIDS - prevention programs, HIV testing efforts and treatment/support efforts - is at stake. 

HIV/AIDS health education programs in schools
The political candidates we vote for should support realistic HIV/AIDS education programs in schools. Education should start at an early age and address all the challenges our kids face in real-life situations. 

Increase voluntary HIV testing and linkage to care of those who test HIV positive
Elected officials and those aspiring for public office should commit to increase adults’ knowledge of the facts of HIV and the importance of HIV testing. 

Increase commitment for HIV prevention programs
Those vying for public office should also have a public health approach that stresses the importance of prevention strategies for all their constituents, with special attention placed on our youth and Hispanic/Latinas. 

Better access to care by improving community health worker training and enhancing patient education
Political candidates and elected officials should work to ensure that Hispanic/Latinos’ HIV needs are met by the health care system. People should be able to access a doctor that understands their language/culture and have access to free or low-cost HIV/AIDS medication. 

Increase funding for community-based organizations
To ignore our community-based organizations is to perpetuate the epidemic and to virtually guarantee that HIV/AIDS will continue to spread among Hispanic/Latinos. We need a public funding process which enlists our most culturally competent agencies in the struggle against AIDS.