October 15th culminates the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and marks the first day of what has become an annual observance in our fight against AIDS: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.  

Concept – On October 15, over 1,000 institutions in 350 cities across the continental United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands sponsor activities that respond to the state of AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos in their specific communities. In a strategic effort to raise the visibility of the HIV/AIDS crisis within the Hispanic/Latino community, groups and individuals across the nation work to promote and sponsor prevention activities including counseling and testing. Some use the day to make religious leaders and public officials aware of the needs in reducing new infections and caring for Hispanics/Latinos with the virus. Others use traditional and/or cultural expressions as an opportunity to demonstrate the curative power of our culture.   
 

Local Ownership – Every locality will organize an activity that will address the epidemic in their communities and make the public aware of what must be done to prevent new infections and advocate for proper care for those who are living with HIV/AIDS. Each participating locality/organization is largely responsible for raising funds needed to sponsor their own activity.   
 

National Planning Committee Participation - The National Planning Committee, comprised of the Latino Commission on AIDS, the Hispanic Federation and Hispanic/Latino organizations throughout the U.S., coordinates National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). All organizations invested in NLAAD commit themselves to organizing local groups and leaders; to be inclusive of all segments of the Hispanic/Latino community; to raise funds for their organized activity; to participate in the National Planning Committee conference calls; and to work with the National Organizer of NLAAD.  The Planning Committee develops tools such as campaign kits and posters and gives advice to the technical support that is needed to assist in creating a well-planned and well-received event.