There were two events last week where leaders from the Latino community came together to talk about HIV. The first event was a meeting at the White House on implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

In addition, the Latino Commission on AIDSExit Disclaimer (LCOA) and the National Latino AIDS Action NetworkExit Disclaimer (NLAAN) recently sponsored a Congressional Briefing: Addressing Health Reform and a National HIV/AIDS Strategy for Latino/Hispanic Communities. In a Capital Hill room filled beyond capacity, the large audience heard several key messages about the approach of National Latino AIDS Awareness DayExit Disclaimer (October 15) and learned about the impact of the epidemic on Hispanics/Latinos. All of us in attendance heard how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy is an important means to enhance the collective response to the epidemic among these communities.

I had the opportunity to speak with some of the speakers at these events, including Mr. James Albino spoke with me about the HIV-related community health workers who are working in their communities conducting community outreach, growing knowledge and awareness, increasing attention to testing, and generally decreasing stigma. You can see highlights from these conversations below:

Learn more about:

• The National HIV/AIDS Strategy
• National Latino AIDS Awareness DayExit Disclaimer
• HIV/AIDS general information
• HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latino