Latino HIV Prevention Efforts California Department of Public Health Office of AIDS Catherine Lopez, M.Ed. OA Latino HIV

1. Latino HIV Prevention EffortsCalifornia Department of Public HealthOffice of AIDSCatherine Lopez, M.Ed.OA Latino HIV Program and Policy Coordinator

2. Latino Populations Response

3. Prevention • Seven LHJs provided funding for HIV prevention for Latino populations. • HIV testing in high-risk communities; social marketing to communities of color; materials development; and funding of risk reduction specialists in HIV transmission prevention programs in communities of color.

4. Prevention, continued • HIV Prevention Calling Card, 1998-2000: Tu Vida Cuenta (Your Life Matters) • Spanish Language Material Development

5. Latino Advisory Board (LAB) • Established LAB in 2001 • Provides community perspectives and recommendations in the planning and development of HIV services for the Latino community • Works with OA Latino HIV Program and Policy Coordinator

6. LAB recommendations 1. Develop and implement culturally and linguistically competent models for HIV prevention and care that identify socio-economic, geographic and cultural differences among Latinos throughout California. 2. Improve access to prevention, care, and treatment services for Latinos in California regardless of their immigration, citizenship, or insurance status. 3. Develop Latino leadership to assure that Latinos of various backgrounds are integrated into HIV planning processes; develop community organizers for mobilization. 4. Address homophobia, stigma, and silence. Expand efforts to make HIV less stigmatized and promote accurate information about HIV and AIDS in Latino communities.

7. LAB recommendations 5. Support and expand local, national, and bi-national research to address HIV/AIDS in Latino communities. 6. Assess the effectiveness of the American medical system on Latinos born outside the United States and differences in attitudes among Latinos towards health and health care. 7. Strengthen and expand international collaborations and partnerships. 8. Revise categories of analysis and service provision to reflect significant socio-economic and cultural differences throughout California.

8. Latino HIV/AIDS Prevention Initiative 2006-2009 Project Concern International • Goals: • Increase the HIV prevention/care skills and knowledge of health and social service providers that serve Latinos • Improve HIV prevention and care services for Latinos affected by HIV

9. Latino HIV/AIDS Prevention Initiative, 2006-2009 • Objectives: • Yr 1: Design and implement a statewide needs assessment • Yr 2: Develop a work plan for capacity building assistance for providers • Yr 2 & 3: Implement the work plan: training, technical assistance, and evaluation • Yr 3: Convene Latino HIV/AIDS Conference to disseminate findings

10. Needs AssessmentRecommendations 1. Make connections to improve collaboration 2. Follow-up on training needs 3. Enhance cultural competency of providers 4. Address stigma 5. Tailor prevention messages to Latino populations most at risk 6. Improve access to testing

11. Contact Information Catherine Lopez, M.Ed. Office of AIDS California Department of Public Health MS 770 PO Box 997426 Sacramento, California 95899-7426 Catherine.lopez@cdph.ca.gov (916) 552-9823