Alexandria Health Department Recognizes National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

Page updated on October 12, 2023 at 10:17 AM
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Alexandria Health Department Recognizes National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is encouraging all residents to recognize National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) on October 15. This year marks the 20th anniversary of NLAAD.

On NLAAD, we recognize that stigma, systemic racism, poverty, and homophobia lead to the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among people who identify as Hispanic or Latinx. These barriers can prevent Hispanic and Latinx people from accessing culturally competent guidance, testing, and treatment for HIV/AIDS.  

Based on Virginia Department of Health data from 2022, 17% of Alexandria residents living with HIV/AIDS identify as Hispanic or Latinx.

AHD calls for all Alexandrians to recognize barriers that prevent Hispanic and Latinx people from accessing HIV/AIDS care. AHD also encourages all residents to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in our community.

This year’s NLAAD theme, “Do it your way. Do it right,” urges those who identify as Hispanic or Latinx to prevent or maintain a negative HIV status in a personal, smart, and unique way.

In Alexandria, residents can help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the following ways:   

  • Review information from the CDC about how HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects Hispanic and Latinx people nationwide.
  • Talk to a provider about preventing HIV infection with safe sex practices and medication like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
  • Get tested to know your HIV status and tell your partners about your status.
  • Spread the word about NLAAD by sharing videos and images from HIV.gov.

For help finding testing and care in Alexandria, call the Alexandria Health Department’s call center at 703.746.4988.  Translation services are available, and services are available for people with and without insurance. All are welcome.

People with HIV/AIDS should talk to their doctor about staying healthy through a healthy lifestyle, treatment, and vaccinations to protect them from other illnesses like mpox, flu, and COVID-19.

For more information, visit www.hiv.gov.

For media inquiries only, contact Eve Elliott at 804.467.5160.