National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day is observed annually on October 15 to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS in Hispanic/Latino communities and promote testing, prevention, and access to care.

The day also serves to highlight the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic and Latino populations in this country. According to the most recent statistics published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hispanic/Latino people accounted for 32% of the nearly 38,000 in the U.S. who received an HIV diagnosis in 2022.

Poverty, migration patterns, educational levels, language barriers, and barriers to care significantly impact some Hispanic/Latino people from seeking and receiving high-quality health care, including HIV testing, treatment, and other needed services.

In an unwavering effort to help close gaps in care, Whittier Street Health Center provides a comprehensive, integrated set of HIV/AIDS services to support prevention, testing, treatment, case management, and community wellness.

In addition to free, confidential 20-minute rapid HIV tests, one-on-one counseling, and immediate linkage to care for those who test positive, Whittier provides PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) evaluation, prescribing and ongoing monitoring through its primary care, sexual health, and LGBTQ+ clinics. Whittier’s expanded services also include emergency housing and financial assistance.

The Whittier Infectious Diseases Team offers both on-site care at the Frederica M. Williams Building at 1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury, and via the Mobile Health Team, bringing access to testing and diagnoses directly into communities.

Whittier also partners with the Boston Public Health Commission, Multicultural AIDS Coalition, MA Department of Public Health, and MA Immigrant and Refugee Assistance in its mission to stem the HIV epidemic.

Testing and Counseling services are readily available during walk-in hours at the Frederica M. Williams Building, 3rd floor, Family Medicine Green. Clients inquiring about PrEP navigation, sexual health, STD transmission, condom distribution, and/or experiencing any symptoms are strongly encouraged to walk in. Testing hours are Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

For more information feel free to stop by or schedule an appointment with our staff by calling (617) 858-2500

Our team is committed to breaking down barriers to care, reducing health disparities, and ensuring that Boston’s Latinx community— and all those who seek care— have the tools they need to live long and stay well.