October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day - a day aimed to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Hispanic/Latinx population of the U.S. It is a day to draw attention to the disproportionate impact that exists in the Latinx community when it comes to HIV.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, the Hispanic/Latinx community makes up 13% of the total population in Washington but accounts for 21% of new HIV diagnoses in the state. 82% of those new HIV diagnoses in the Latinx community are among men who have sex with men (MSM). In addition, according to the CDC, 1 in 6 Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas with HIV are unaware they are living with it.

Why do these disparities exist?

Members of the Latinx community encounter significant barriers that prevent access to HIV testing and care. Mistrust of the health care system and/or fear of disclosing their immigration status are among the primary reasons why members of the Latinx community do not seek care or testing. Also, language barriers, stigma, fear, homophobia, and discrimination negatively impact the Latinx community and prolong the existence of these disparities.

CAP SW WA’s Integrated Program is devoted to better serving the Latinx community.

CAP SW Washington has recently staffed a role that integrates both HIV Prevention and Care services hoping to decrease the disparities highlighted above in the Latinx community. The SW WA Latino Services Navigator serves Latinx community members living with and affected by HIV. Services provided include free, confidential HIV/STI testing, PrEP navigation, health insurance (Medicaid) navigation, connection to medical care, and more. All these services are provided in Spanish. Creating this role is just one more step that CAP has taken to offer wraparound services and support to the Latinx community throughout Southwest Washington.

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day helps create a great opportunity to take notice, come together, and continue to work on a common goal - to promote HIV testing and provide HIV prevention information and access to care for a community in need.

For more information about CAP SW WA and their work with the Latinx community, please contact Mafe Gonzalez at mgonzalez@capnw.org.

About Cascade AIDS Project

Founded in 1985 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is now the oldest and largest HIV-services and LGBTQ+ health provider in Oregon and southwest Washington, with more than 100 employees working across four locations. Our organization seeks to prevents new HIV infections; support low-income people living with HIV; and provide safe, welcoming, and knowledgeable healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. Through our vital health, housing, and other social services, we help ensure the well-being of more than 15,000 people each year. More information can be found at www.capnw.org