(Original logo designed for the 2005 Campaign)

BACKGROUND and TODAY

For the last 13 years, June 27th has been designated as National HIV
Testing Day (NHTD). Established by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA), the goal of NHTD is to identify people who areHIV-positive and are unaware of their status, and to facilitate access to prevention and care/support services. NHTD also works to prevent new HIV infections by increasing education, awareness and access to voluntary counseling and testing.
For Latinos in New YorkState, to get HIV tested may not be an easy thing to do. There are many factors to be considered. Some Latinos may be reluctant to get tested and seek care and treatment for fear of being deported, or stigmatized, or because of personal beliefs about HIV/AIDS. In addition, many Latinos do not seek health care because they cannot afford it. Some work in industries where affordable health insurance is not provided, and many immigrants are excluded from federal safety net programs, such asMedicaid.

In 2005, a group of Latino agencies: Alianza Dominicana, Latino Commission on AIDS, AIDS Institute, and Hispanic Federation decided to encourage fellowagencies that serve Latinos, to continue testing through the whole month of July. June 27th, National HIV Testing Day has become a springboard for the NYS Latino HIV Testing Month Initiative. Since then, HIV and non-HIV related agencies have teamed up to host HIV testing events indifferent Latino communities throughout the five boroughs and statewide. Social service agencies, as well as civic organizations, churches, merchants association and even consulates, have shown their support and have become actively involved.
Since 2005, Hispanic Federation has designedthe Latino HIV Testing Month logo and continuous topromote HIV testing activities throughtheir media outlets and hotline at 1-866-432-9832.

In 2006, Latino Commission on AIDS designed a webpage to assist agencies in promoting their HIV events. Also, Hispanic Federation produced a brochure about the benefits of getting tested. Please check our webpage at:

Last year, two of the agencies that worked very closely with the initiative and had mobile units, were of great assistance to agencies around the boroughs who do not usually offer HIV testing. Community Healthcare Network and Ryan NENA’s mobile units, made it possible for these agencies to host HIV testing events in areas where testing was not easily accessible.

In 2007, the emphasis was given to revamping the website to make it more friendly user. As a result we have more of a Latino resource guide for HIV testing and services in NYS. Agencies were invited to enter the agency services they provide. .t depends on the partnership and collaborations you can develop.

The ultimate goals for 2007 were to:

  • Enhance consciousness of the importance of HIV testing among Latino New Yorkers;
  • Destigmatize AIDS and HIV testing in Latino communities across New YorkState;
  • Draw attention to HIV/AIDS among Latino as a national issue, not just a series of local problems;
  • Advocate for LHTM to become a nationwide phenomenon, in order to reach Latino communities across the country.

Collectively, we strategized for a successful campaign to promote HIV testing in Latino Communities throughout NYS and advocated for it to become a national event. In 2007, presentations on the LHTM Initiative in NYS were presented at a NAPWA conference and at the Latino HIV Conference in Miami.

In 2008, so far we have witnessed a historic coming together of Latino leaders at the National Latino/Hispanic AIDS Leadership Summit. These leaders have helped develop and launch a Latino Hispanic AIDS Action Agenda, with the ultimate goal of reversing HIV/AIDS health disparities; increasing attention paid to Latino HIV/AIDS prevention and health issues; and responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the Latino community on a national level.

At a state level, we hope to contribute to the Agenda by making LHTM 2008 a hugely successful vehicle that promotes HIV testing in Latino communities and can be replicated nationally.

In order to achieve these goals we will involve HIV service providers, community-based organizations, churches, clinics, etc. We know that together we can make a real difference! Greater unity = greater hope.