CHARLESTON, SC — On October 15, 2025, community advocates, health providers, and local leaders in Charleston will join the national observance of National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) to spotlight the urgent need for HIV awareness, testing, treatment, and stigma reduction in the growing Latinx community here — especially in a moment of shifting immigration dynamics and health access challenges.
Nationally, Hispanic/Latinx people continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV: in 2023, they accounted for 32% of new HIV diagnoses, despite comprising around 19% of the U.S. population. While prevention tools like PrEP are expanding, Latinx communities remain underrepresented among users.
Local context matters. Over recent years, Charleston and its surrounding counties have experienced growth in Latinx residents, many of whom are immigrants or first-generation immigrants. Barriers, including language, limited health literacy, lack of culturally competent services, and stigma, complicate HIV prevention and care outreach. In the current national environment — with debates surrounding immigration policy, changing healthcare access, and concerns over data privacy — these challenges are exacerbated.
“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, efforts will emphasize:
- Free, confidential HIV testing events in Latinx neighborhoods, clinics, churches, and community centers
- Bilingual outreach and education campaigns, including Spanish-language materials and trusted messengers
- Linkage-to-care navigation to connect individuals testing positive to antiretroviral therapy and support services
- PrEP awareness and access support, especially for those facing insurance, immigration, or cost barriers
- Partnerships with local clinics, faith groups, advocacy organizations, and media to reduce stigma and misinformation
“HIV doesn’t wait, and neither should we,” added 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,” said 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.”
About Palmetto Community Care:
Palmetto Community Care provides comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and support services to individuals and families across the Lowcountry. Learn more at palmettocare.org.
