By Dale Madison
Stephen Fallon, the Executive Director of Latinos Salud, knows his way around an HIV/AIDS service organization, having worked in that niche of the non-profit industry since 1995. In 2000, he began working with gay and minority-based agencies and clinics that wanted to expand their HIV prevention and support services. “I’ve met some great people, helping agencies in 40 states through my consultancy,” says Fallon.
Fallon, a Broward County native, recounts that he was made aware in 2008 of a sudden gap in HIV prevention service for gay Latinos. (Fallon reminds us, too, that the Greater Fort Lauderdale area now ranks second in the nation in its rate of both new HIV infections and new AIDS diagnoses: “I can’t think of a better place to devote my energies in the HIV field.”) He says that Latinos Salud’s mission is to “provide client-centered, culturally competent health education and integrated preventive health services to Broward County’s Latino residents in order to reduce the burden of communicable diseases.” 
The non-profit has a range of programs it offers to clients, all of which focus on HIV: prevention workshops, counseling for both HIVnegative Latino men and for persons living with HIV/AIDS. They have also recently added HIV rapid testing. Says Fallon: “Latinos Salud has a unique model for all of our services. We don’t preach, lecture, or tell our visitors to take a number. Instead, all of our services take place in a communitybuilding context.”
The organization focuses on individual needs, rather than taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach. “We have networking dinners that teach Latino guys to become leaders,” says Fallon. “We help guys one-on-one if they want to develop their resumes, practice interviewing skills, or plan their next steps in a relationship. We also host fun events at the agency and off-site, where young guys find support and take pride in pulling an event together.”
Fallon and his team conduct educational sessions and meetings to reach their target audience. “Our SOMOS program offers a monthly workshop that covers everything from dating vs. hooking up, to the mechanics of safer sex, to special monthly themes of interest to Latino guys, ages 18 to 30,” says Fallon.
“Our JUNTOS Popular Opinion Leader program offers a foursession leadership development series each month, that empowers Latino guys 25 to 44 to create solutions in their community, all while having a great time.” To familiarize the Latino community with its work, Latinos Salud has a number of upcoming events open to the public, including a barbecue on April 28 at their 2330 Wilton Drive office, which will be open to Latino guys age 18 to 30. On May 12, the group will host a community leaders’ reunion event, open to Latinos and others.
And on May 18, Fallon invites the community to their pre-AIDS Walk launch party, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and prizes. In spite of economic challenges, and a dwindling federal budget to support many worthwhile programs, the lights are on late at Latinos Salud’s office, with staff onsite Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and sometimes later. “Any Latino gay guy can come in,” Fallon says.
“You don’t have to have an appointment, or even a clear idea of what you want to do here. You’re welcome to use our guest computers, our Wi-Fi, and visit.” Fallon says that despite an apparent focus on a narrow segment, the work of Latinos Salud (which means “Healthy Latinos” in Spanish) has a far-reaching impact.
“Latino guys are part of your community: one-in-five Broward residents is Latino, even if your friends do not speak to you in Spanish.” For more information, visit latinossalud.org.
