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The observance will be recognized by Legacy with free testing and a chance to win Amazon gift cards.
By Barrett White
October 15 is National Latine HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). According to the CDC, over one quarter of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States were among Latine individuals, and yet Latine people make up only 3% of those receiving PrEP, the pill to prevent HIV, according to the CDC’s recent estimates.
To observe the day, which falls on the last day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Legacy will continue to offer free testing at all Legacy locations as we do every day. People who choose to be tested for HIV on October 15 however will be entered for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
Launched in 2009, Greater Than AIDS is an organization that promotes knowledge and awareness of AIDS prevention and treatment to the communities that stand to benefit from it the most. Prevention is key, and to help the community better understand what PrEP is, where to find it, and how to afford it, the Greater Than AIDS site offers educational testimonial videos in both English and Spanish.
PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool that, when combined with other prevention methods, can greatly reduce a person’s risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP is taken just once a day and has been shown to reduce a person’s risk for HIV by an estimated 99% when taken on a daily basis.
“Reducing HIV stigma is critical to ending the HIV epidemic,” says Jason Black, Director of Community Engagement. “‘NLAAD’ helps bring important attention to the HIV needs of Latine communities, who are disproportionately impacted by HIV.”
If you are unsure of your HIV status, Legacy recommends getting tested at any one of our locations across Houston. Our tests are quick and are free. For more information about PrEP or to get started, visit us here.