National Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close on October 15, with National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). Unfortunately, the impact of HIV in Latinx populations remains disproportionately high, though many organizations are working hard to remedy the situation, in a variety of ways. Here’s what a few Latinx leaders have to say on the subject:

“Good intentions are not enough! On the eve of National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, HIV disproportionately affects our communities. We face cultural and structural stigma, as well as societal challenges, including language barriers and mistrust of the health care system. In 2019, 21% of new HIV diagnoses among Latinx were late diagnoses. In the same year, only an estimated 51% reported ever being tested for HIV. We need to challenge, at all levels, this reality. We call for an urgent investment in our community-based organizations, as the essential partners to transform the current strategy, and in order to address the impact of HIV our communities.”

—Guillermo Chacon, President, Latino Commission on AIDS

“St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction (SACHR) has been serving Latinx drug users in the Bronx for more than 30 years. Together with sister harm reduction programs, we have reduced the rate of injection-related HIV/AIDS from 54% in 1992 to less than 3% today. I am fiercely proud of our Latinx community without whom any reduction of HIV/AIDS would not have been possible. Arriba mi gente!”

—Joyce A. Rivera, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction

“Translatinx Network celebrates National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day by continuing to develop and support future Latinx transgender leaders. Those leaders will be part of the solution to addressing concerns around health, unemployment and housing.”

—Cristina Herrera, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Translatinx Network

We continue to support these leaders and organizations, and we applaud the amazing work they do every day to help keep Latinx New Yorkers healthy and thriving.