Latinos Salud is turning 15! The organization is marking the event with two galas — one in Broward and the other in Miami. There's plenty to celebrate. Latinos Salud has grown exponentially over the last decade and a half as it provides health education, preventive, and screening services throughout South Florida to reduce communicable diseases and improve health outcomes.
Latinos Salud is now a full-service community clinic serving over 10,000 LGBTQ community members annually. Executive Director Stephen Fallon said that the agency's scope of services has been expanding.
"We opened our doors in 2009 with safer sex workshops and health education. Today, we're offering everything from testing and screening to PrEP and vaccines," he said.
Latinos Salud continues to evolve based on the needs of those it serves.
"The biggest differences are that many people with HIV can now get a bi-monthly shot instead of taking a daily pill to treat HIV," Fallon said. "And the pill that prevents HIV, PrEP, is also available as a monthly shot. Whether pills or injections, HIV treatments are also just so much more effective than they used to be, too."
Latinos Salud's two gala events will commemorate these efforts while celebrating the community.
The Broward event's theme colors will be pink, traditional for a Quinceañera, and crystal, the gem for a 15th anniversary. Attendees are invited to come dressed in crystal, pink, or both.
The fun will start on Jan. 13, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. VIP ticket holders will mingle on the rooftop for a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. The main event will open in the Las Olas Ballroom at 7 p.m., with live music, a delicious plated dinner, an open bar, a silent auction, and surprises.
The Miami gala is on Feb. 10. This event is called “The Reveal” because the location will be made public later. While the street address is a mystery for now, it will be at Latinos Salud's new, upgraded space in southwest Miami.
"The Reveal" will feature passed hors d'oeuvres, live music, dancing, and a front-row chance to tour the new space and meet the agency's growing staff.
You can go to both if you need help deciding which gala to attend. Latinos Salud offers $50 off ticket prices to its Broward Quinceañera for guests who first book their ticket to "The Reveal."
For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit http://www.gala.lsalud.org/.
