Latino Commission on AIDS & 2008 Dayana Mendoza as its newest ‘Madrina’ in the Fight Against AIDS.

Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza is the newest “Madrina” of the Latino Commission on AIDS, announced Dennis deLeon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. Dayana Mendoza visited the offices of the Commission in New York on July 23rd and received a comprehensive briefing on the impact of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics in the United States and Territories.

“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.