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News Release

Statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding National Latino AIDS Awareness Day - [Para Espa�ol]

Latino leaders have designated October 15, 2003 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. In observance of this important day, I encourage Latinos and all Americans to learn more about HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment.

On this first National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, public events will take place across the country. I commend the national, regional and local organizations that joined forces to bring about this historic day. Together we can make a difference.

As part of our commitment to increase HIV/AIDS awareness, the Department has teamed up with Radio Unica and hosted a series of health fairs in Latino communities across the country. The next fairs are in Houston on October 19, Dallas, Texas on October 26, San Antonio, Texas on November 2, Phoenix, Ariz. on November 9, and McAllen, Texas on November 16. As part of these fairs, HHS will provide information on HIV/AIDS prevention and care for Latino communities.

Latinos are now the largest minority group in America. Though they represent only 14 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for nearly 20 percent of new AIDS cases reported in the U.S. in 2001. In 2000, AIDS was the second leading cause of death among Latino men ages 35 to 44 and the fourth leading cause of death among Latino women in the same age group. Among pediatric AIDS cases reported in 2001, Latino children accounted for almost 15 percent of the total. These are staggering statistics and call for an immediate response by both the public and private sectors.

The Bush Administration spent approximately $16 billion on HIV/AIDS programs last year in response to the nation's HIV/AIDS crisis. In support of the Administration's efforts, HHS is standing shoulder to shoulder with community-based and faith-based organizations and health departments to battle the disease in all communities. We are committed to using taxpayer resources wisely and well --our programs and policies are evidence-based and reflect the highest standards of accountability in dollars spent and outcomes reached.

HHS supports a wide range of prevention, testing, treatment and research strategies to fight HIV/AIDS. The Department promotes early knowledge of HIV status through testing. Early knowledge is critical to controlling the spread of the HIV infection, as is access to quality patient care. Medical management of HIV/AIDS results in healthier outcomes for all people living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition, research on HIV/AIDS is critical, and discovering a safe, effective vaccine to prevent HIV infection is a research priority. All communities need to support ongoing research efforts, address misconceptions related to vaccine research and encourage local volunteers to take part in clinical trials. For information on HIV/AIDS clinical research, visit www.AIDSinfo.nih.gov.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS and Latinos, visit www.OMHRC.gov and www.cdcnpin.org. You can find additional information at http://www.latinoaids.org/programs/awarenessday/index.html.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: October 14, 2003