In observance of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), the Café Latino of Central Florida in collaboration with various community agencies is hosting the Dancing with the Red Ribbon Event on Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at the Mojito Ultra Lounge located on 13526 Village Drive, Suite 226, Orlando, FL 32837.
Dancing with the Red Ribbon is a dance competition that will showcase the diverse culture of the Latino Community and will help raise HIV/AIDS Awareness. There is a $5.00 door donation or free with a “I know my status” pass, to learn more visit www.cafelatinocoalition.com. Hope & Help Center’s mobile unit will be providing free confidential rapid testing during the event and there is also an opportunity to bid on local Hispanic art work though a silent auction.
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.
“National Latino AIDS Awareness Day is a great opportunity for each person to get tested and also unite as a community and encourage others to get tested in order to know their HIV status and prevent infection,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.
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 Dancing with the Red Ribbon, 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.
