On what is the last day of Hispanic Hertiage Month, the government of the USA established National Latino Aids Day to raise awareness of the HIV/ AIDS within the Latino community and as a result October 15th is recognised nationally every year.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (or El Dia Nacional de Concientizacion Latina del SIDA in Spanish) was created by the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation in 2003. The days main objective is to raise public awareness of the HIV epidemic in the Hispanic/ Latino communities in the USA.

The observance is coordinated by the National Planning Committee that supplies all organizations that organize events with useful kits, materials, and advice. Every local organization is responsible for its own events and activities that are tailored to the particular needs of the community. Local events and activities may vary from celebrations and cultural events to attempts to educate the community leaders and public officials about the importance of preventive activities and testing. The awareness day events are hugely successful and in 2018 the following statistics were recorded:

14333 people attended a NLAAD event.
117 events were held across 27 states
90% of all events held provided an opportunity to be tested.
1987 tests were carried out at the events
48000 condoms were handed out at the events.

With attendance and enagagement growing every year, this campaign is one of the many successes and demonstrates the importance of raising awareness and sharing knowledge.

Check out events in your local community and show your support.