NLAAN APPLAUDS THE APPOINTMENT OF THE 24 NEW MEMEMBRS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HIV/AIDS
WASHINGTONDC, February 3, 2019 –The National Latino AIDS Action Network (NLAAN) congratulates all new members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). We are confident that these distinguished individuals will effectively represent the needs of all communities affected by HIV and AIDS. NLAAN applauds President Obama for selecting leaders who not only represent communities but individuals who have worked tirelessly on behalf of a diverse community, including Latinos/Hispanics living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and its territories. We know that PACHA members will be tasked with an important role and challenge to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially domestically. While all members deserve mention of their appointment, we especially want to recognize five Latino leaders who were chosen to serve:
" Humberto Cruz, MS, Director, AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health, New York, NY
" Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH, Director, Women's HIV Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
" Mario J. Pérez, Director, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, Los Angeles, CA
" Rosie Pérez, Actor, Choreographer, and Director, New York, NY
" Sandra Torres-Rivera, Executive Director, Bill's Kitchen, San Juan, PR
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Latinos/Hispanics are disproportionately affected by HIV. Latinos/Hispanics represent approximately 16 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 19 percent of all new HIV infections in the United States each year. The overall HIV infection rate for Hispanics is three times as high as that of whites (29.3 per 100,000 versus 11.5). Estimated AIDS prevalence among Latinos increased by 26% between 2003 and 2007, compared to an 18% increase among whites, underscoring late testing and diagnosis and a lack of access to health care.
The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) is sworn in and holds its initial meeting. PACHA provides advice, information, and recommendations to the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services on domestic and global HIV/AIDS policy issues.
About NLAAN: The National Latino Hispanic AIDS Action Network (NLAAN) was developed in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis within Latino communities and is a participatory and collaborative network of concerned Latinos, community leaders, health and service providers, advocates and representatives of state and local health departments. NLAAN identifies and prioritizes the key needs of Latinos in the United States and its territories regarding HIV/AIDS care and prevention, sets specific federal policy recommendations, mobilizes Latino leadership and increases access to services and resources.
The Latino/Hispanic AIDS Action Agenda wishes to acknowledge the generous support from Abbott Laboratories that made possible organizing the National Latino AIDS Leadership Summit and the development of the Latino AIDS Action Agenda.
