Title
To proclaim February 7, 2005, as "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day" in the city of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, February 7, 2005, is the fifth annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day; and
WHEREAS, this observance is a nationwide effort to mobilize the African American community to get educated, get tested and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities; and
WHEREAS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day is a project of the Community Capacity Building Coalition (CCBC) comprising national advocacy organizations and funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Minority AIDS Initiative to provide capacity building assistance to community-based organizations and stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS prevention; and
WHEREAS, African Americans make up 17.9% of the population in Franklin County, yet 32% of the people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are black; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus AIDS Taskforce is providing free OraQuick HIV Rapid Testing as they highlight the importance of HIV/AIDS education for African Americans and all concerned citizens; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that we join with these national and local groups to express our strong support for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day and the initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the African American community and provide treatment and support services to the victims of the disease; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby designate February 7, 2005, as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day in the city of Columbus and urge local residents to strongly support this day and participate in events planned to commemorate the occasion.