Latinos make up around 16 percent of the U.S. population and more than 25 percent of the country’s AIDS cases.
In Pima County the statistics are similar. Tomorrow's event is in honor of National Latino AIDS Awareness day, and the Pima County Health Department will host an evening of educational programs to better inform the community.
Health officials say the biggest barrier to fighting AIDS in the Latino community is late testing. The sooner it's diagnosed, the better the chances are for survival. But studies have found that in the Latino community, the stigma keeps many from getting tested.
Another concern is aimed at recent immigrants or those whose primary language is Spanish. Community outreach and information in Spanish is lacking.
The event will take place in Lost Barrio at 200 South Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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