On Oct. 15, 2025, community advocates, health providers, and local leaders in Charleston will join the national observance of National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) to highlight the urgent need for HIV awareness, testing, treatment, and stigma reduction within the region’s growing Latinx community — particularly amid shifting immigration dynamics and persistent barriers to health care access.
Nationally, Hispanic and Latinx people remain disproportionately affected by HIV. In 2023, they accounted for 32% of new HIV diagnoses, despite representing about 19% of the U.S. population. While prevention tools such as PrEP are expanding, Latinx communities continue to be underrepresented among users.
Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry counties have experienced steady growth in Latinx residents, many of whom are immigrants or first-generation Americans. Challenges including language barriers, limited health literacy, lack of culturally competent services, and stigma complicate HIV prevention and care outreach. These obstacles are further intensified by ongoing debates over immigration policy, health access, and data privacy.
“We must meet people where they are, with respect, trust, and culturally responsive care,” said Bradley Childs, chief executive officer at Palmetto Community Care. “If someone is fearful of deportation, they may not seek testing or treatment. That’s precisely why we must design programs that are safe, confidential, bilingual, and rooted in community.”
This year’s national NLAAD theme, “Should I Get Tested for HIV? Yes!”, encourages individuals — especially those in Latinx communities — to make HIV testing a routine part of health care. Locally, observances will include:
- Free, confidential HIV testing in Latinx neighborhoods, clinics, churches, and community centers
- Bilingual outreach and education campaigns with Spanish-language materials and trusted community messengers
- Linkage-to-care navigation connecting individuals testing positive to antiretroviral therapy and support services
- PrEP awareness and access initiatives for those facing cost, insurance, or immigration barriers
- Partnerships with local clinics, faith groups, advocacy organizations, and media outlets to reduce stigma and misinformation
“HIV doesn’t wait, and neither should we,” said Heather Urie, medical director at Truesdale Medical Center. “By amplifying NLAAD locally, we reaffirm our commitment to health equity — especially for our Latinx neighbors who often fall through the cracks of the system.”
“Everyone deserves access to HIV prevention and care,” added Richard Reams, director of development and marketing at Palmetto Community Care. “We’re committed to ensuring Charleston’s Latinx community feels seen, respected, and supported.”