In observance of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), the Café Latino of Central Florida in collaboration with various community agencies is hosting three Commit to Speak events at several Walgreen pharmacy locations. Commit to Speak events will take place on:
- Saturday, October 12, 10:00am-2:00pm at 1111W. Vine Street Kissimmee, FL 32741
- Tuesday, October 15, 10:00am-2:00pm at 1303 S. Semoran Blvd. Orlando, FL 32807
- Thursday, October 17, 10:00am-2:00pm at 2501 S. French Ave. Sanford, FL 32773
The Commit to Speak events will offer free screenings on HIV, STD, Hepatitis, and Glucose. Hepatitis vaccine will also be available. This is an opportunity to know your status and learn more about these infectious diseases and how to prevent them.
“The National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Commit to Speak events provide an opportunity for each person to get tested and encourage others to get tested in order to know their HIV status and prevent infection,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.
This year’s National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) theme is Commit to Speak, an opportunity for individuals and organizations across the United States to speak out and raise awareness of the continuing burden of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos. Florida has reported a total of 97,174 adults (age 13+) living with a diagnosis of HIV infection through 2011. Orange County ranks third in the state in the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases. In 2011 there were 2,025 Hispanic HIV/AIDS cases within Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
“Education and prevention for HIV/AIDS is necessary to prevent HIV infection and to be able to provide correct and much needed information to existing patients,” said Dr. Swannie Jett DrPH, MSc, Health Officer of the Department of Health in Seminole County.
Café Latino of Central Florida is composed of different state and community agencies committed with the Latino communities to increase awareness, and reduce HIV/AIDS related stigma. If you would like to be part of Café Latino of Central Florida or would like more information about the Commit to Speak events please call (407) 858-1400 extension 1146 or visit www.cafelatinocoalition.com .
For more information on NLAAD, visit www.nlaad.org or to learn about the Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection HIV/AIDS Prevention Section initiatives www.wemakethechange.com
