NEW YORK,NY(SM—PHILANTHROPY,05.21.19)-The Latino Commission on AIDS proudly kicked-off its countdown to the 2019 Annual Cielo Gala today at a media reception hosted at The Bryant Hotel, where Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was formally introduced or inducted as the newest 2019 Madrina (Ambassador) of the organization.

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The Latino Commission on AIDS (Commission) is a non-profit organization founded in 1990, dedicated to meet the health challenges and address the impact of HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and health disparities in the latino communities.

 

"We need partners to Design a World without AID. We seek partners to share their passion and commitment to promote education and erase stigma around HIV and AIDS in our communities ," said Guillermo Chacon, President of the  Latino Commission on AIDS. " We welcome Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS. We will work together to achieve a world without AIDS."

 

"I'm humbled and honored to be named a Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS," said Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. " Since 2006, the Miss Universe Organization has stood side by side with the Latino Commission to promote awareness, prevention, testing and access to care campaigns that reach Hispanic/Latinx audiences here, across U.S. and around the world. I will do everything I can to support these important efforts."

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Over 254,000 Latinos in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are living with HIV/AIDS and as the largest  ethnic group in the U.S., Latinos constitute 18% of the U.S. population but account for over 23%

of the HIV/AIDS cases. Since 1995, the Commission has streadily expanded its services and partnerships outside New York to more than 40 States and Puerto Rico, in order to mobilize an effective Latino community response to the health crisis created by HIV/AIDS. 

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The Commission is counting down to its annual Cielo Benefit Gala on Friday, June 07, 2019 at Cipriani's Wall Street, which continues the theme, " Designing a World Without AIDS," and promises to be a special night of fashion, entertainment, music, celebrity appearances  and recognition of inspiring leaders in the fight against AIDS.

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