CUIDANDO LO NUESTRO: DECEMBER IS AIDS AWARENESS MONTH

As the calendar turns to December, Laredo unites in a powerful wave of awareness and advocacy. December awareness shines the spotlight on vital causes, bringing the community together to educate, support and inspire change. 

This is a time to raise awareness and reflect on the impact that this epidemic has had on our community and the world. The United States has made enormous strides in HIV treatment, care and prevention since the epidemic began 40 years ago.

What are HIV and AIDS? 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. There is no cure, but it is treatable with medicine. 

AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. In the U.S., most people with HIV don’t develop AIDS because taking HIV medicine as prescribed stops the progression of the disease. 

HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED 

HIV is spread by contact with certain body fluids of a person with HIV most commonly unprotected sex or through sharing drug injection equipment. You can only get HIV by coming into direct contact with the following body fluids from a person with a detectable level of HIV: a) Blood, b) Semen and pre-seminal fluid, c) Rectal Fluids, d) Vaginal fluids, e) Breast milk. The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists.

So, once you have HIV, you have it for life. Fortunately, however, effective treatment with HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) is available. If taken as prescribed, ART can suppress HIV replication and reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to a very low and even indictable level. Without HIV medicine, people with aids typically survive three years. 

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) identifies the following priority populations as disproportionately impacted by HIV: 1) Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in particular, Black Latino and Native American men, 2) Black women, 3) Transgender women, 4) Youth ages 13-24, and 5) People who inject drugs. 

There are several symptoms of HIV and not everyone will have the same ones. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. You can’t rely on symptoms to tell whether you have HIV. Locally, PILLAR provides free anonymous and confidential HIV testing. For more information contact [email protected]. The City of Laredo also has the LETS program (Laredo Education and Testing Services). For more information on the City of Laredo LETS program on HIV/AIDS/STD, please call 956.795.4905. 

As Laredo continues to raise awareness and promote education, the community stands united in the fight against HIV. With ongoing support and compassion, we can ensure a healthier, more informed future for all.

Mark Your Calendars

CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER: 28TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOY TEA 

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County Board of Directors cordially invites you to their Christmas Toy Tea on Wednesday, December 10th from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Polly Adams located at 7718 McPherson Rd. Suite #7. Kindly donate 2 unwrapped Christmas gifts for more information visit them of Facebook or at www.caclaredo.org

IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Join us for the AEP Free Family Fun Night on Friday, December 12th from 4-8 pm at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956.728.0404. 

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: LAREDO 

Wreaths Across America’s mission is to remember the fallen military veterans, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. The City of Laredo will be placing wreaths on Saturday, December 13th. For more information on how to participate in the event or to sponsor a wreath visit www.wreathsaccrossamerica.org or call Lynette Mead at 956.701.0354 

LAREDO MAIN STREET: FARMERS MARKET

Tis the Season for Bingo! The next Farmer’s Market will be happening on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo! Each month features a unique theme, seasonal activities and exciting workshops. Every visit is a new and memorable experience. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients, supporting local artisans, ore enjoying live entertainment, the Farmers Market is the place to be. For more information email: [email protected].

UNITED WAY OF LAREDO, INC: POP-UP VENDORS FOR CHRISTMAS FEST 

Calling all vendors! Be part of one of Laredo’s most festive holiday markets — the Christmas Fest Pop-Up Shop at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo! The event will be on Saturday, December 13th from 11 AM – 4 PM. For more information, email [email protected]. 

IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: HEB FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT 

Join us for the HEB Free Family Fun Night on Friday, December 19th from 4-8 pm at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956.728.0404. 

VITA VOLUNTEERS: CATHOLIC CHARITIES & UNITED WAY OF LAREDO 

Catholic Charities and United Way are partnering to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for the upcoming tax season. If you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer for the VITA program, please contact Edgar Martinez at Catholic Charities 956.722.2443 or Elizabeth Luna at 956.723.9113 by December 17th to register for the trainings.

LAREDO CRIME STOPPERS: 30TH ANNUAL MENUDO BOWL XXX 

Save the date! Saturday, January 24th, 2026. For more information on how to get involved, sponsor, participate, and volunteer reach out by calling 956.724.1876 or sending an email to [email protected].

If you have an upcoming community event or information on a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email me at [email protected] 

2025-12-07T14:25:34Z