SR0048enr 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

09800SR0048 Enrolled LRB098 08047 GRL 38138 r

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 48

WHEREAS, The date of February 7, 2013, marks the 12th annual commemoration and observance of National African-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, This observance is a nationwide effort to mobilize African-American communities to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated for HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate African-American communities; and

WHEREAS, National African-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is directed, planned, and strategically implemented by HIV/AIDS organizations to mobilize community-based organizations and stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 35,000 residents of Illinois are living with HIV; 51% of people diagnosed with HIV are African-American; and

WHEREAS, African-American gay men under the age of 30 in Chicago have an infection rate 3 times greater than their white counterparts; and

WHEREAS, Over two-thirds of women diagnosed with HIV in the United States are African-American; and

WHEREAS, Among African-Americans ages 25-44, HIV was the 4th leading cause of death for men and 3rd leading cause of death for women, higher than any other racial group; and

WHEREAS, Numerous organizations, faith-based institutions, public health entities, and impacted citizens are hosting community events to recognize this day and its importance to African-Americans and all concerned citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting that we join with these local, national, and international groups to express our strong support for National African-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and the initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in African-American communities and provide access to and utilization of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support services to those affected by HIV/AIDS; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the date of February 7, 2013, as National African-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of Illinois and encourage the citizens of this State to strongly support this day and participate in events planned to commemorate the occasion.