The Latino AIDS Organization launches “Take the Train? Take the Test!”, an HIV-testing event in recognition of the ninth annual National Latinos AIDS Awareness Day (NLADD) on October 15.

According to the CDC, although Latinos represented only15% of the U.S. population in 2006, they accounted for 17% of new HIV infections in the 50 states and the District of Columbia during that same year. And the rate of new HIV infections among Hispanics/Latinos in 2006 was 2.5 times that of whites. Latinos continue to be overrepresented in the HIV epidemic and need to get tested and get into a care.

To support testing and to raise awareness for NLADD, the Latino Commission on AIDS invited council members, advocates and activists, and the community to take part in “Take the Train? Take the Test!” an all borough subway HIV testing campaign that took place at 25 subway stations across all five boroughs.

“Today is a very important day; not just for Latinos but for all New Yorkers because we should al know our HIV status,” said Dr. Monica Sweeney, the assistant commissioner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control. “Until you take the HIV test, consider yourself positive!”

Below, the community gets involved.

 


 


To find a testing center near you, click here. And for information on NLAAD, click here.