New York, NY – July 30, 2008—“Hispanics in the United States are the second most affected community, it is estimated that more than 200,000 individuals had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS in the Latino communities has reached a crisis level.  Representing only 15.3% of the population in the U.S. and its territories, Latinos now constitute 22% of the HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in 2006.”  Stated Dennis de Leon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS 

“For the Latino Commission on AIDS to share the seriousness of this health crisis for Latinos in the United States, the global community needs to be aware of these facts, our struggles and our commitment to advocate for a comprehensive response for those impacted by HIV/AIDS, I will continue advocating for all individuals to routinely test for HIV, for culturally competent prevention services and access to care, we all deserve that.”

“The prevention and access to care needs of Latinos are complex and diverse, and we need leadership in this fight. I hope that the current US Administration and the next President of the United States will take actions in formulating a robust domestic AIDS agenda sensitive to the needs of all communities and relevant to the cultures of the Hispanic communities.” Concluded de Leon.

“We need AIDS awareness both in Spanish and English in our community. HIV is totally preventable. We need to reach every segment of our communities in rural and urban areas,” stated Guillermo Chacon, Vice President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. “We call for a commitment at all levels in confronting stigma associated with HIV/AIDS” concluded Chacon.

The Latino Commission on AIDS is committed to promote a comprehensive response to the diverse needs related to HIV/AIDS of Latino/Hispanic communities in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Island. To access the report please visit www.latinoaids.org

Dennis de Leon & Guillermo Chacon will be available to the media during the
International AIDS Conference, August 1st thru the 8th, 2008

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ABOUT THE LATINO COMMISSION ON AIDS
The Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990 dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino/Hispanic communities. The Commission is the leading national Latino AIDS organization coordinating National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and other prevention and advocacy programs in more than 40 States and Puerto Rico. For more information visit: www.latinoaids.org or www.nlaad.org. UNIDOS PODEMOS / UNITED WE CAN