[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E644-E645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JOSE RAMON AGUILAR COLINA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                     FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jose Ramon Aguilar Colina as a 
Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Jose 
Ramon Aguilar Colina is a Venezuelan immigrant, LGBTQ+ advocate, public 
health leader, and founder and executive director of AGUILAR SALUD, a 
Central Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding 
access to HIV prevention, treatment, education, care navigation, and 
healthcare resources for underserved communities.
  After receiving an HIV diagnosis more than a decade ago, Jose 
transformed a personal challenge into a lifelong commitment to service. 
Following his immigration to the United States, he dedicated his career 
to helping individuals overcome barriers related to language, stigma, 
healthcare access, and economic hardship, particularly among Hispanic, 
immigrant, LGBTQ+, senior, women, and other historically underserved 
populations.
  Recognizing significant gaps in culturally responsive healthcare 
services. Jose founded AGUILAR SALUD to help ensure that individuals 
and families could access lifesaving education, prevention, treatment, 
and support. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a 
trusted community resource serving residents throughout Central Florida 
and Florida's 9th Congressional District through primary care, 
community outreach, STI and HIV prevention and treatment programs, 
health education initiatives, care navigation, and strategic 
partnerships.
  Jose has contributed to local, state, national, and international 
efforts focused on HIV awareness, prevention, treatment, and health 
equity. Through public speaking, advocacy, and collaboration with 
healthcare organizations, government agencies, universities, community 
partners, and communities of faith, he

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has helped advance conversations surrounding HIV, healthcare 
disparities, and equitable access to care for underserved communities. 
His work has reached audiences across the United States and 
internationally while remaining rooted in service to Central Florida 
communities.
  Through leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to 
improving lives, Jose continues to advance health equity, strengthen 
communities, and expand opportunities for those most in need.

                          ____________________