DESCRIPTION

Concept – October 15th was established in 2003 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) in response to the devastating impact HIV/AIDS has on Hispanic/Latino communities across the country. It was established to draw attention to the critical role HIV testing and prevention education plays in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos. It is a day during Hispanic heritage month that organizations around the country use to promote and sponsor activities that respond to the state of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos in their specific communities.

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. Additionally, advocating for and ensuring proper care for those who are living with HIV/AIDS is also a major component of awareness activities. Each participating locality is responsible for raising funds needed to sponsor their own activity.

The NLAAD Network – 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 Director of NLAAD. The National NLAAD Network develops tools such as campaign kits and posters, and provides technical and capacity building support to assist in creating a well-planned and well-received event.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) was created in 2003 in response to the devastating impact HIV/AIDS has on Hispanic/Latino communities.

October 15th is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month where NLAAD members around the country promote and sponsor activities that respond to the state of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos in their specific communities.

NLAAD is the only grassroots nationwide social marketing campaign focused on promoting HIV/AIDS as it impacts Hispanic/Latino communities in the U.S.

NLAAD is a community mobilizing campaign which fosters a diverse network, implemented at the local, regional and national level, aimed at educating and mobilizing Latino/Hispanic communities to increase their knowledge on the impact of HIV/AIDS and health related safety practices.

NLAAD aims to improve the ability of community organizations, faith communities, and local governments to work together in the coordination of delivering HIV testing and education to Hispanic/Latino communities.

NLAAD serves as an organizing mechanism for event planners to network; share lessons learned and obtain resources for executing events.

In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has adversely affected Hispanic/Latino communities.

Cultural and familial norms act as obstacles to prevention efforts, thus contributing to high levels of HIV infection.

Hispanics/Latinos progress to AIDS faster than any other racial or ethnic group with 42% being diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months after learning of their positive HIV status compared to 34% late diagnosis among white non-Hispanic and 35% among blacks

Hispanics/Latinos represent 16% of the population but account for an estimated 18% of people living with HIV and 18% of new infections.

Improvements in health status are attributed to raising awareness, promoting HIV testing, disseminating prevention strategies, and connecting Hispanics/Latinos to health care.

Every participant is given complete ownership in tailoring and implementing NLAAD campaign images and messages. In addition, events are specifically tailored for their own community.

NLAAD provides a campaign toolkit for use in planning and executing local NLAAD activities.

All resources are bilingual (English and Spanish).

NLAAD provides the opportunity for organizations to showcase their services and publicize their NLAAD activities on the official NLAAD website, www.nlaad.org

This year’s theme: “Latinos Unite! Let’s stay Healthy! Get Tested for HIV” “Latinos Unidos y Saludables! Hazte la prueba del VIH”

All partner organizations commit themselves to
a) organizing local groups and leaders
b) be inclusive of all segments of the Hispanic/Latino community
c) raise funds for their organized activity
d) participate in the NLAAD National Network conference calls
e) work with the National NLAAD Director