New York, New York, The Latino Commission on AIDS launches a citywide campaign to raise awareness of stigma and HIV/AIDS in the Latino communities. The campaign will address the impact of HIV/AIDS in Latino communities in New York City. Special attention will be dedicated to educating our communities of the harm caused by homophobia, a form of stigma that prevails among Latinos and Latinas. Research shows that homophobia is a barrier to HIV testing amongst Latinos. Central to the campaign is the promotion of HIV testing in our communities as the best prevention measure in relation to HIV/AIDS. Promoting HIV testing and educating on the negative health impact of homophobia will be the messages presented throughout the campaign.

The campaign will include over six weeks of ads in newspapers, in the MTA bus system, and via electronic media. Pre- and post-campaign street interviews will be conducted to measure the impact of the campaign.

WHAT: CAMPAIGN TO RAISE AWARNESS ON STIGMA AND HIV/AIDS

WHEN: May 7th to middle of June, 2007

--- Press availability during the campaign
--- Social marketing and evaluation specialist of the Latino Commission on AIDS, and visuals of the campaign are available upon request.

The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino communities. The Commission realizes its mission by spearheading health advocacy for Latinos, promoting HIV education and prevention, developing model programs for high-risk communities, and by building capacity in community-based organizations. The Commission works to mobilize an effective Latino community response to the health crisis created by HIV/AIDS.

WWW.LATINOAIDS.ORG