Latino Commission on AIDS Welcomes Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza as its Newest 'Madrina' in the Fight Against AIDS

"It is important to me, and the Miss Universe Organization to show our commitment and solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS," said Dayana Mendoza. "I will spend my reign advocating all individuals to take the HIV test and encouraging safe sex."

"The needs of prevention and access to care of Latinos are complex and diverse and get more challenging every year," said Dennis deLeon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. "I am honored that Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza is taking action and joining our cause to promote the HIV test as an important step for prevention and education."

"We celebrate our partnership with Miss Universe Organization for AIDS awareness in our communities," stated Guillermo Chacon, Vice President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. "Dayana Mendoza is committed to the fight against AIDS and a vital supporter, Dayana is a beacon of hope for a future without AIDS. It is an honor for us to name her as our 'first Venezuelan Madrina.'"

Madrinas and Padrinos of the organization are those individuals that commit themselves to promote prevention and education related to HIV/AIDS. The role of Madrina/Padrino in the Latino/Hispanic culture is an extended and important family member on whom a family relies for support.

ABOUT THE LATINO COMMISSION ON AIDS

The Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990 dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino/Hispanic communities. The Commission is the leading national Latino AIDS organization coordinating National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and other prevention and advocacy programs in more than 40 States andPuerto Rico. For more information visit: www.latinoaids.org or www.nlaad.org. UNIDOS PODEMOS / UNITED WE CAN

ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

The MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, God's Love We Deliver, APICHA and Gay Men's Health Crisis, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today. For more information visit: www.missuniverse.com.

SOURCE Latino Commission on AIDS

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