Rep. Sanchez Recognizes National Latino AIDS Awareness Day  

WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Loretta Sanchez made the following floor statement in recognition of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day on Oct. 15, 2006:

I rise today to honor the fourth annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day which will be October 15^th.  

This day is a call to action to all Latinos to protect their lives and the lives of those they love by learning about HIV and getting tested. 

Latinos continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, comprising over 20 percent of HIV/AIDS cases nationwide. 

We all must work together to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in our families, communities, cities, states, nation, and around the world.  

In my district, the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County is a critical resource that works to prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS.   

They offer invaluable services to our community by providing food, transportation, housing, emergency financial assistance, kids and family programs, counseling, education and prevention services. 

In honor of National Latino AIDS Day, all of us need to renew our commitment to the fight to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.