Rates of HIV
cases rising among New Mexico’s Latinos and youths

Workers at the Camino de Vida Center for HIV Services in Las Cruces, N.M., report seeing an increase in HIV infections among Latinos and youths. Five of the center's 185 clients died last year; already this year, five clients have died, said Martin Walker, a prevention program counselor. According to Donny Grooms, chairman of a fund-raiser held Saturday for the center, Latinos make up 54% of the center's caseload. The center's goal is to raise enough money to provide medical and psychological support, stock a food bank, and help patients pay medical bills. Walker and a colleague are developing a prevention outreach program they will take to rural communities. (AP)