(April 29, 2008) Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) thanked Bienestar representatives for traveling to our nation’s capital to educate Members of Congress and their staffs about HIV/AIDS. For the third year in a row, Bienestar has conducted a congressional briefing sponsored by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on the impact of HIV/AIDS on Latinos. The non-profit organization provides HIV/AIDS services to Latino families and other underserved individuals. Established in 1989, Bienestar - which means "well-being" in Spanish - serves families throughout the counties of Los Angeles (with offices in East and South Los Angeles and Hollywood), San Bernardino, and San Diego. Among its services, Bienestar provides community education, advocacy, and other direct services such as HIV testing, counseling, and drug and alcohol education and prevention. Pointing out troubling statistics that show Latinos account for one of every five people living with AIDS, Bienestar organizes the briefing in Washington, D.C. to better ensure HIV/AIDS education and prevention remain at the forefront of Latino health initiatives. In support of Bienestar’s work, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard worked to secure $119,000 to help the organization expand its mobile HIV “rapid testing” program in East Los Angeles. Pictured from left to right in the first photo: Cesar Portillo, Bienestar’s Vice President of Strategic Development; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34); and Bienestar President and CEO Oscar de la O. Click here to read the full text of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard’s remarks.