On National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, October 15
By Marissa Willman
Get Tested Coachella Valley will offer quick, confidential and painless HIV tests and fun prizes as lead sponsor for the Mecca FRC Resource Fair.
On National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on October 15, the general public is invited to join Get Tested Coachella Valley/Hazte la Prueba Valle de Coachella for free HIV testing, giveaways and entertainment at the Mecca FRC Resource Fair from 2 to 6 p.m.
In an effort to reduce the spread of HIV in the Latino community, Get Tested Coachella Valley’s Mobile HIV Testing Clinic will offer confidential rapid oral swab HIV tests and $10 grocery gift cards for those who test, as well as fun giveaways like insulated lunch bags and water bottles for the general public. As lead sponsor for this event, Get Tested Coachella Valley will also emcee part of the on-stage program to increase public knowledge about the virus and the importance of HIV testing.
HIV is a critical public health concern in the Latino community. About 1 in 50 Latinos will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetimes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, Latinos made up about 16% of the U.S. population but accounted for 21% of new HIV infections nationally in 2010 — a rate three times that of whites. It is an especially pressing concern in the Coachella Valley, where the rate of HIV is more than double the national rate and where Latinos comprise 55% of the local population, according to the latest U.S. Census.
“We are fortunate that this year’s Mecca FRC Resource Fair falls on National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day,” said Susan Unger, Project Director of Get Tested Coachella Valley. “Our campaign is committed to making HIV testing an integral part of the healthcare picture in the Latino community – not only on this national awareness day but throughout the year. By accessing education and testing, members of the Latino community are empowered for good health.”
The Mecca FRC Resource Fair connects local families — including those of Coachella Valley farm workers — with more than 100 non-profit and public agencies in an effort to create healthy lifestyles and communities. Many of the participating agencies are Community Partners of the Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign. Between 1,500 and 2,000 people are expected to attend. The event will be held at the Mecca Family Service Center and Community Health Clinic (91-275 66th Ave., Mecca) on Wednesday, October 15 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Get Tested Coachella Valley is a three-year, $5 million public health initiative dedicated to dramatically reducing HIV infections by making voluntary HIV testing a routine standard in medical practice and ensuring linkage to care. The campaign was launched in 2014 under the leadership of Desert AIDS Project and is driven by a coalition of more than 50 Community Partners including the Riverside County Department of Public Health; the region’s major hospitals; elected officials; and leaders of community- and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and foundations. Additional information and resources are offered in both English and Spanish at www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org and www.haztelapruebavalledecoachella.org.
