HIV/ADS takes a disproportionate toll on black and Hispanic/Latino communities.
Carlos Vega, of Springfield, holds candles as he takes part in a 2006 AIDS awareness march on Main Street in Springfield.
By LUCILA J. SANTANA
lsantana@repub.com
At some point in their lives, one out of every 36 Hispanic men will be diagnosed with HIV, and one out of every 106 Hispanic women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Oct. 13, the Gandara Center will host its 13th annual vigil to raise awareness in the Latino community about HIV/AIDS.
The vigil will take place in Springfield’s North End neighborhood were the majority of the population is of Hispanic descend.
“We will walk through the community with candles and pleneros (folkloric musicians) singing about health,” said Luz Aponte, case manager for Gandara that has offices in several area locations.
“This vigil is to raise awareness among the Latino community and to remember those who have died.”
In 2008 Hispanics accounted for more than 19 percent of the 42,439 newly diagnosed HIV infections in the 37 states and 5 jurisdictions of the United States.
“The percentage among Latinos is high,” said Nereida Rodriguez, program director and case manager for Gandara.
“This is for many reasons because of the stigma, myths among Latinos, this is something that is not spoken of. You do not talk about sex and drugs and those are among the most common ways to get infected. “
Children, youth, adults and pleneros will march through Main Street in the North End of Springfield singing “Let’s walk together towards the light of hope,” a chant they sing every year.
Some of the most common ways the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV can be contracted are by having unprotected sex with an infected person, having contact with the blood of an infected person, through the needles used for drugs and can be transmitted during pregnancy.
The symptoms of HIV can be as simple as the flu or a rash and sometimes people infected with the virus can live for years without being aware they are infected.
HIV/AIDS takes a disproportionate toll on the black and Hispanic/Latino communities, accounting for over half (54 percent) of the estimated number of those living with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts, according to figures published by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of HIV/AIDS.
Black residents make up 6 percent of the state’s population, but represent some 29 percent of Massachusetts residents living with HIV/AIDS, while Hispanic/Latino individuals make up 8 percent of the total Massachusetts population, but represent 25 percent of Massachusetts residents living with HIV/AIDS.
The walk begins at 6 p.m. starting from Bancroft and Main Streets in in the North End. After crossing Main Street, it will culminate in the North End Youth Center with a ceremony with community leaders, experts in HIV and refreshments.
“We want to invite everyone to support the community and to be educated so they can educate others,” Aponte said.
For more information about the vigil or the Project Health: HIV/AIDS Case Management you may visit offices at 85 St. George Road, Springfield or call (413) 732-2120, Ext.-217 or Ext. 215