Latino Religious Leadership Program

Daniel Leyva
lrlp@latinoaids.org
(646) 750-0392
Program Director

Program Description

The Latino community has deep religious and spiritual roots. We turn to religious leaders for guidance in times of crisis and need. Because HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and STIs have impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Hispanic/Latinos and their loved ones, it is of critical importance that our spiritual leaders play an active and visible role in addressing the health challenges in our communities.

Since its beginning in 1996, The Latino Religious Leadership Program (LRLP) has established itself as a catalyst for providing health promotion, education and capacity building amongst Latino communities of faith.

The LRLP has partnered with faith based communities to develop health ministries where congregants lead health promotion activities with local community partners and enable them to provide education, support, and culturally responsive health related services.

Similarly, the LRLP educates religious leaders on the importance of health screenings, resources and referrals for key social services to reach health equity.

Download Program Overview

Download Participant Churches Map

As the HIV/AIDS epidemic poses challenges to Latino churches in ministering to the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS and their families, The Latino Religious Leadership Project has helped churches develop health ministries where congregants learn that they can turn to the church, and its local partners, for education, support, and culturally responsive services. The Project has provided HIV health, prevention education and capacity building services to more than 100 churches in the New York Metropolitan area during the past decade.

Health Education Through Churches

The Latino Religious Leadership Program customizes and tailors trainings, mentoring and activities to each faith community to develop or enhance health ministries. The program also organizes events that includes educational workshops, health fairs, lectures and religious services focused on health issues.

World AIDS Day

Over the past 20 years, World AIDS Day has been established as one of the world’s most successful commemorative days, focusing on raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The theme, leadership, aims to send out the message that if people take personal responsibility, by being informed about how they can protect themselves and others. There is no reason why they can’t enjoy life and at the same time, stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The theme’s positive approach also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. It is now recognized and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the globe including the Latino Commission on AIDS. Each year, the Commission reaches out to the community in collaboration with the Miss Universe Organization. In addition, the Commission held a vigil and nondenominational service in the evening to remember all of those who lost their battle with HIV/AIDS.

Anti-Stigma Training Institute

Usually held in February, The Anti-Stigma Institute Training is an all-day conference to gather together to learn about the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, which is recognized as one of the great barriers to prevention of HIV/AIDS. The conference includes a plenary session and workshops that address the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, among some of the topics that have been discussed in previous events are: The IDU Population, People Living with HIV/AIDS, Latinas, and The LGBT Communities.