I look forward to this conference as a tool to spotlight ways to address the growing AIDS epidemic in the Hispanic and African American communities. A thorough effort to curb HIV infection is one of the most pressing issues in minority health today. The fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, the Hispanic community faces the greatest obstacles in access to quality health care. One fourth of the total population of uninsured Americans is Hispanic. We must address the issue of health coverage and access to appropriate care and services.
Silence is deadly.
The tragedy is doubled in these situations. Those who are unknowingly infected with HIV lose precious time in treating the AIDS-causing virus and the disease has a much higher probability of spreading. Education and early intervention works. We can help overcome the AIDS epidemic by promoting education and prevention efforts in our communities and encouraging individuals who are at risk to get tested. The October 19th HIV and AIDS Conference is open to the general public.