Meet FLAS Fundación Latinoamericana de Accion Social: A non-profit organization

We had the good fortune of connecting with FLAS Fundación Latinoamericana de Accion Social and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi FLAS, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your organization?
Elia Chinó (founder) I have called Houston home for over 33 years. During that time I Have focused on advocating for health and wellness. working to educate people about preventable diseases, behavioral health and mental illness. After losing many close friends to HIV/AIDS, I decided to take action. I wanted to help end the devastation brought by this disease in the Latino community that’s how the Fundación Latino Americana Contra el Sida was founded in 1994, and in 2013 was renamed to Fundación Latinoamericana de Accion Social. today FLAS helps assist with prevention and testing services, behavioral and health services, Court Mandated Services, and Emergency assistance program. and while our main focus is the LGBTQIA+ latino community, everyone is welcome at FLAS

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Jay T. Cruz (MR. Flas 2021) Since its inception in 1994, FLAS has provided education, HIV/STD’s counseling & testing, treatment referrals for Latinos. FLAS has hosted over 3000 educational events and health fairs, distributed over 5 minion condoms and provided testing for over 2500 people. FLAS learned that more assistance was needed and has expanded its services specially in difficult times like the current covid-19 pandemic now FLAS has also referred over 3500 for other social services such as primary care, immigration, housing, domestic violence assistance , emergency assistance and health insurance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ms.Elia Chino We want to invite people to come to FLAS . our offices are located 6666 Harwin Dr., Suite 370 Houston, TX 77036 and we are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am till 5:00pm due to the current pandemic we strongly recommend for you to call ahead of time to (713) 772-2366 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Guanders (MISS. FLAS 2021) I want to give a shotout to MS.Elia chino and all of her hard work to help the latin LGBTQIA+ of Houston. A Michoacán-born immigrant, Ms. Chinó has been recognized repeatedly for her tremendous efforts in working to create a healthier environment for members of the Latino Community. Every year de last week of November a MISS. and a MR. FLAS are chosen in a pageant. our job is to continue the efforts to reach out to the community and to promote the services that FLAS offers. We want people to come to FLAS offices and to take advantage of these services. to promote the importance of knowing your status FLAS has free and confidential test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C. FLAS will also reach out to you as education seminars and health fairs are hosted at a variety of locations, including churches, civic organizations, consulates and even on-street corners. that’s why I will like to send a shotout to the amazing team of experts and volunteers and their efforts as they go anywhere they are needed in order to provide the education and preventive services among Latinos in the Greater Houston Area.

Website: http://flasinc.org
Instagram: ganders_the_dragqueen – jayz713 -Flasinc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLASINC

Image Credits
we will like to thank Seferino Garcia for the photo Ig: seferinogphoto www.facebook.com/seferinogphoto, Isaac Reyes