Latino Faith Leaders in New York Respond to HIV Prevention

The Latino Commission on AIDS is a New York City-based organization founded in 1990 in response to the critical, unmet need for HIV prevention and care for Latinos. Because the Latino community has deep religious and spiritual roots, the Latino Commission on AIDS launched the Latino Religious Leadership Program (LRLP) as one of its many initiatives. HIV, hepatitis, and STDs have impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Hispanic/Latinos and their loved ones. LRLP works with spiritual leaders to take on active and visible roles in addressing these health challenges in their communities.

LRLP has provided HIV health, prevention education, and capacity building services to more than 100 churches in the New York metropolitan area by working with congregants to lead health promotion activities with local community partners. It has helped churches develop health ministries where congregants learn that they can turn to the church and its local partners for HIV education, support, and culturally responsive services.