Group Offers Latino Men Information on HIV and Other STDs

The Latin American Health Institute is offering a six-week course on HIV and STD prevention. The "Many Men, Many Voices Intervention" uses a combination of teaching and discussion, said Alfredo Marulanda, LHI's prevention and education case manager, who will facilitate the sessions.

The goal is not to lecture people about keeping safe, said Marulanda. "We don't want to say, 'here, you have to do this, don't do that.'We just explain to people. We just give people the tools. They decide to take it or not."

Marulanda cited statistics showing that compared to the white population, the Latino community's rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are respectively 13.2, 10.4, and 10.4 times higher.

In addition to offering prevention information, the initiative is "a good opportunity to meet people" for friendship and community, Marulanda said. LHI will provide dinner during the sessions, he said. Around eight to 12 participants are expected, though no limit has been set.

The once-a-week sessions, which run Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, will be conducted entirely in Spanish. The program will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the LHI offices, 95 Berkeley St. Participants will receive a $50 incentive if they complete all six classes. For more information, telephone 617-350-6900, ext. 174, or 617-778-1174.

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