DC Crystal Meth Working Group Raises Awareness about Crystal Meth and HIV Among Latinos in Washington DC

The DC Crystal Meth Working Group is hoping to raise awareness about the prevalence of crystal meth and HIV within the Latino community by unveiling a new website and outreach materials, the group announced today.

To commemorate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, which is October 15, the DC Crystal Meth Working Group is debuting a Spanish version of its website. The site contains basic information about crystal meth, its effects and where to go to seek treatment or harm reduction services. The new Spanish language site can be found at www.hablemosdelcristal.org.

“This new website is part of our ongoing efforts to reach out to the Latino community,” said Michael Sessa, chairperson of the DC Crystal Meth Working Group. “We are still learning the extent of crystal meth use within this population, but to the extent that there may be use at all, we want to provide resources and referrals.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latino Americans and African-Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Crystal meth use has been tied to an increase in HIV rates among some populations.

In addition to the new website, the DC Crystal Meth Working Group has transcribed its brochure and palm card into Spanish to reach more people within the community. On September 28, the group participated in Fiesta DC, a Latino cultural festival in Adams Morgan.

The DC Crystal Meth Working Group consists of individual members of the local community and local organizations dedicated to providing information and resources that help people make informed choices about crystal meth. The group also collects data about crystal meth use and provides referral information for treatment and recovery. To learn more about the group visit www.letstalkaboutmeth.org.