Application of the Critical Race and Latino Critical Theories to Explore Social Innovation in Nonprofit Services Addressing HIV/AIDS Issues in Texas

Abstract

The nonprofit sector is an essential and valuable resource in the United States for aiding marginalized populations. This study focuses on how nonprofit health organizations provide and innovate HIV services, and how they can overcome barriers in delivering quality services for HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and treatment to Latinos in Texas. Nonprofit organizations are on the front lines of the HIV/AIDS fight, through their outreach in the areas of education, prevention, and testing. Nonprofit organizations are examined for barriers and innovations in service delivery as it applies to the Latino community. This study also examines how the integration of Critical Race and Latino Critical Theory principles can create knowledge and understanding of marginalized groups, which can lead to more well informed innovation and practice. There are currently fifty-four million Latinos living in the United States, which makes it the largest ethnic and racial minority group in the country. In the United States, education, outreach, and treatment for HIV/AIDS focuses on all groups as the virus transcends barriers of race and sexuality, but Latinos face significant issues related to culture and immigration status that require nuanced and informed approaches to gain the community’s trust and deliver services. A critical approach to innovation can lead to the development of new programs and foster trust between the Latino community and nonprofit organizations.