April 30, 2010- The interest on the impact of HIV/AIDS in the Latino Community continues to increase, as it was evident by the participation of members of Congress and the White House at BIENESTAR’s 5^thCongressional Briefing. In conjunction with Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, community activists and policymakers such as Jeffrey Crowley, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), gathered to discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS in the Latino Community and to provide an update on the National AIDS Strategy. This event took place on April 27, 2010 in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, DC.

“This is a crucial moment for the HIV/AIDS movement on account of the increase of HIV cases in the Latino community, but I am hopeful that the National AIDS Strategy will provide a framework, coordinate efforts and identify resources to curtail new HIV infections, as well as to increase access to care and reduce HIV related health disparities,” said Oscar De La O, President & CEO of BIENESTAR. However, Mr. De La O mentioned that in order to accomplish these goals it is imperative that we work together and call on all our elected officials to support this new initiative.

Discussion topics included an update on the National AIDS Strategy, an overview of the model “Testing, Linkages to Care +” (TLC+), and ADAP & Drug Pricing. Guest speakers included Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Jeffrey Crowley, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), David Munar, Vice President of AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Joseph Terril, Domestic Testing Manager, AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

“BIENESTAR’s work in Los Angeles is critical to the health and well-being of Latino and other underserved communities that are in need of culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS services. As a leader in bringing HIV testing, counseling and treatment to hard-to-reach populations, BIENESTAR is a beacon of hope and comfort to HIV positive individuals and their families throughout Southern California,” said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, who is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Care Task Force.

“I thank Mr. De La O and BIENESTAR for bringing us together each year to evaluate our journey, refocus our direction, and develop 
the most effective HIV/AIDS strategies for the next 12 months,” concluded Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.

BIENESTAR is committed to enhancing the well-being of the Latino Community and other underserved communities. BIENESTAR accomplishes this through community education, prevention, mobilization, advocacy and the provision of direct services.

For more information, please visit: www.BIENESTAR.org or www.house.gov/roybal-allard/