National Latinx AIDs Awareness Day is October 15th—a reminder of the importance of HIV education, prevention, testing, and treatment that centers the needs of Latinx communities. At Whittier Street Health Center, we recognize that while progress has been made in HIV prevention, Latinx individuals continue to face disproportionate rates of new HIV diagnoses and lower access to preventive medications like PrEP compared to their white peers.

According to AIDSVu, in 2021 there were only 6 Hispanic/Latinx PrEP users for every new HIV diagnosis, compared to 26 white users per new diagnosis. Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) are particularly impacted, accounting for more than 75% of new HIV infections among all Latinx people in the United States. These disparities highlight the urgent need for accessible, culturally relevant HIV prevention and treatment services.

To help close these gaps, Whittier has recently expanded our services with the addition of a dedicated PrEP Navigator and an Infectious Disease Specialist. These team members provide education, guidance, and personalized support to help patients access PrEP and other life-saving sexual health services, and stay engaged in long-term care.

In addition to PrEP support, Whittier offers free and confidential HIV testing, treatment services, and comprehensive care for patients living with HIV. Our team is committed to breaking down barriers to care, reducing health disparities, and ensuring that Boston’s Latinx community— and everyone who seeks care—  have the tools they need to live long and stay well.

To learn more about our free HIV testing services, treatment options, and Whittier’s work to end health disparities in the Latinx community, please join us for our National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day event on October 15^th. For more information about Whittier’s HIV prevention and treatment services, please visit https://www.wshc.org/infectious-disease-and-special-populations-department/.