North Carolina: HIV Message Designed for Latinos

This summer, a Mecklenburg County Health Department program aimed at Latinos helped to spread the word that HIV/AIDS and other STDs are a growing threat to the Hispanic community. Infectious-disease educators Jorge Patino and Mayra Rodriguez took this message to Latinos, especially young people, in community centers, churches, jails, and other places. They discussed abstinence, condoms, and the need for those who have STD symptoms or have engaged in risky sexual behavior to seek testing.

"We don't have firm numbers, but we think about 10 percent of the HIV cases in Mecklenburg are Latinos -- and that population is growing," said Rodriguez, who with Patino believes cultural behavior and legal issues contribute to the spread of the virus among Latinos.

"In our culture, drinking alcohol is a normal way of relaxing, especially at the end of a work week," Rodriguez explained. "And, of course, drinking is a behavior that puts people at risk of contracting STDs." Patino said another problem is "Latino male macho behavior." "We advise them to use condoms, but a lot of Latino men, for some reason, see that as not being macho," he said.

Immigration issues are another problem. Some Latinos who are in the United States illegally are concerned that testing for HIV and other STDs will bring them to the attention of immigration officials, said Rodriguez. "Their privacy is maintained," she assured. "We're interested in preventing [STDs] and treating those who are infected."

The health department offers free educational sessions to any interested organizations. For information about these sessions or places to get tested, telephone 704-432-4251 or 704-432-3024.

Back to other news for September 16, 2005