The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a serious threat to the Hispanic/Latino community. Hispanics/Latinos comprise 15% of the U.S. population, but account for 17% of all new HIV infections occurring in the U.S. in 2006. During the same year, the rate of new HIV infections among Hispanics/Latinos was 2.5 times that of whites. In 2006, HIV/AIDS was the fourth leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latino men and women aged 35–44.
To increase awareness of this issue, the fourth annual health fair observing National Latino AIDS Awareness Day will be held at MCC’s Damon City Campus, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The event will include free and confidential HIV testing along with general health screenings.
HIV testing participants will receive test results within 20 minutes of the exam, along with information regarding other health issues and concerns. Health screenings will include blood pressure and glucose testing. There will also be numerous giveaways, including condoms. Representatives from 20-25 community health organizations in Rochester will be available on site to answer questions.
This event is sponsored by MCC’s Health and Physical Education Department, the Wellness Center, the Damon City Campus Student Events Committee and the Rays of Hope Committee, including AIDS Rochester and other community agencies.
For more information, contact Melany J. Silas, MCC Health and Physical Education Department, at x1547 or Tracey Britton, Student Services Center- Damon City Campus, at x1740.
Melany J. Silas
HPE
10/05/2009 |