[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23245]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize October 
15 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. The theme for this year is 
``Abre los ojos: el VIH no tiene fronteras--Open Your Eyes: HIV Has No 
Boundaries.'' On this day, in over 150 cities throughout the United 
States, Latino leadership will honor the theme as they sponsor a 
variety of activities raising awareness of the state of AIDS among 
Latinos.
  National Latino AIDS Awareness Day was first observed in 2003. Since 
then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 
that HIV infections among Latinos have risen 26 percent. Latinos in the 
United States are disproportionately affected by the virus and make up 
20 percent of reported AIDS cases, even though Latinos are only 14 
percent of the total United States population. As of 2002, the CDC also 
estimates that 28,364 Latinos are living with HIV and 76,052 are living 
with AIDS.
  Statistics are important in order to understand the epidemic. 
However, we must also recognize the needs of the Latino communities 
confronted with the virus. Latinos face several obstacles and cultural 
barriers when it comes to accessing HIV prevention services. The lack 
of funding for culturally competent HIV prevention education poses a 
threat to the Latino community and efforts to stop the spread of HIV.
  National Latino AIDS Awareness Day allows us to actively open our 
eyes and bring light to the epidemic. It is a day of hope for the 
future of a world without HIV and AIDS. On National Latino AIDS 
Awareness Day, I ask that we remember those who have lost their lives 
because of AIDS, show compassion and support for those living with the 
disease, and pray for all families and communities whose lives have 
been touched by HIV/AIDS.

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