Black and Latinx AIDS Project
The Black and Latinx AIDS Project (BLAIDS) is a student-run organization devoted to educating at-risk youth about sexual health, initiated in 1991 in partnership between the Black Pre-Health Organization (BPHO) and Chicanx/Latinx for Community Medicine (LCCM). BLAIDS aims to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and STD/STIs. In addition, we strive to establish a safe, non judgemental environment where people of all backgrounds can receive information and resources, while destigmatizing sexual health and HIV/AIDS, STD/STIs. We are committed to disseminating information regarding HIV/AIDS, STIs/STDs, sexual and reproductive health; primarily targeting Black and Latinx youth in the greater area of Los Angeles. Our mission is to address the high prevalence, and increasing contraction of HIV/AIDS and other STIs/STDs in the Black and Latinx communities through outreach and education.
BLAIDS holds various events intended to provide information and resources related to sexual health, placing an emphasis on the HIV/AIDS community. Our past volunteer events have included the annual LA AIDS Walk where we walk in solidarity and support the erasure of HIV/AIDS stigma, Love Carefully where we provide free HIV testing, free condoms, and informational pamphlets on sexual health related topics, high school sites where we present on sexual health related topics, and various conferences/ workshops that we take part in throughout the year to spread our mission. Aside from our volunteer events, we also provide fundraising events including Krispy Kreme fundraisers at least once a quarter to raise funds that we may need to accomplish our mission.
Directors:
Andy Garcia - Project Administrator
Jasmine Gonzalez - External Director
Maritza Campos - Risk and Research Director
Instagram: @uclablaids
Email: blaids.admn@gmail.com