Public Health Supports Latino AIDS Awareness

HIV continues to threaten the health of Hispanics/Latinos in the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 1 in 50 Hispanics/Latinos will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime. Over 8,000 individuals of all races and ethnicities are living with HIV/AIDS within the Counties of San Bernardino and Riverside. Oct. 15 was National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). The 2014 theme was “To End AIDS, Commit to Act” The County of San Bernardino, Department of Public Health, Ryan White Program, supports NLAAD and according to the County Health Officer, Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, “everyone, especially those at high risk of infection, should be tested.” HIV testing is more important than ever because 1 in 5 people with HIV are unaware of their HIV status, and almost half of Hispanics/Latinos have never been tested. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested at least once in their lifetime. Individuals at higher risk should be tested even more frequently, at least annually. Getting an HIV test has never been easier. To find an HIV test site near you, please visit: National HIV and STD Testing Resources. Simply enter your zip code and a list of nearby testing suites will be presented. The President’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy is to reduce new HIV infection rates by 25 percent by the year 2015. This will take a combination of effort, predominantly increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention efforts by increasing the number of people living with HIV who know their status. For more information about the Ryan White Program or to find services near you, please call the Ryan White Program office at 909-387-6492.