October 14, 2005

Michigan will recognize October 15 as the third annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) in Michigan tomorrow.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a disproportionate impact on Latinos. In Michigan, as of July 1, 2005, Latinos comprise approximately 3 percent of Michigan’s general population, yet they represent 4 percent of those living with HIV or AIDS. MDCH estimates 590 Latinos live with HIV/AIDS in Michigan.

While this number may seem relatively small, it is spread out among a small population. The prevalence rate for Latinos is 182 per 100,000 compared to 75 per 100,000 for whites. Today, six counties in Michigan have an HIV prevalence rate for Hispanics higher than the overall statewide rate of 108 per 100,000: Ingham County (136), Kent (164), Oakland (138), Van Buren (178), Washtenaw (147), and Wayne (181).

“The number of HIV/AIDS infections will continue to climb if efforts are not targeted to specifically address this population,” said Jean Chabut, Deputy Director of the Public Health Administration, Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). “Diversity in Latino communities is reflected by a variety of cultures, attitudes, and risk behaviors; therefore, HIV prevention services need to be finely tailored to each culture to be most effective. One size does not fit all.”

“Latino communities face a set of unique challenges in their fight against HIV/AIDS. Issues such as stigma, lack of access to adequate preventive care, and high poverty levels have contributed to the impact of HIV/AIDS,” said Loretta Davis-Satterla, Director of the Division of Health, Wellness, and Disease Control, MDCH. “Latinos continue to get tested later in their illness than whites despite the fact that almost one-third of Latinos identify HIV/AIDS as an urgent health problem. Even in the face of such challenges, much progress has been made and we will continue our efforts to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in every one of our communities. Prevention education along with encouraging realistic lifestyle and behavioral changes are still our best weapons to eradicate this disease.”

The national theme for National Latino AIDS Awareness Day 2005 is “Abre los ojos: Ama Tu Vida, Protegete, Hazte La Prueba (Open Your Eyes: Love Your Life, Protect Yourself, Get Tested).” Activities in Michigan began September 9 with a kick-off meeting and luncheon held at the Grand Rapids Community College. This kick-off began the month long series of activities designed to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community and to encourage those at risk to get tested. 

Activities planned this year include: bi-lingual HIV counseling and testing, distribution of bi-lingual HIV prevention materials, health fairs, display tables, and State and local proclamations. Lillian Piersante of AIDS Partnership Michigan serves as the chair of the State of Michigan’s Latino AIDS Advisory Committee.

For information regarding NLAAD events, please contact Robin Orsborn at (517) 241-5936.

The Latino AIDS Awareness campaign is observed on the final day of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Michigan Department of Community Health’s Division of Health, Wellness and Disease Control and Michigan’s Latino AIDS Advisory Committee will once again call on community-based organizations and local health departments to work together in curbing the spread of this disease.

Michigan residents who want to join the Latinos AIDS Awareness campaign, can get additional ideas on what to do in their community from the National Latino AIDS Awareness Day website, http://www.nlaad.org/.