Title
To declare that December 1st, 2012, is World AIDS Day in Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS, and commemorate those who have died of the disease; and
WHEREAS, HIV/AIDS affects men and women, the young and the elderly, people of all races, socioeconomic classes, sexual orientations, and people from all faith traditions; and
WHEREAS, HIV/AIDS has claimed more than 25 million lives over the past three decades, and more than 34 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, including approximately 1.2 million in the United States and nearly 4,000 in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ranked Columbus 21st in the nation for new HIV infections, with 25 percent of all new HIV cases among young people between the ages of 13 and 24; and
WHEREAS, the theme for World AIDS Day 2012 is "Getting to zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.," and public health officials stress that knowing your status is the surest way to protect yourself and others; and
WHEREAS, World AIDS Day events in our community include an HIV testing event on November 28th, from 4pm to 8pm, at Columbus Public Health; an event and AIDS Quilt panel at the Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center from 11am to 2pm on December 1st; an HIV testing event from 2pm to 6pm at Stonewall Columbus on December 1st; and a silent memorial flash mob, walk, and vigil that will depart from Stonewall Columbus at 7:30pm on December 1st; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council hereby declares that December 1st, 2012, is World AIDS Day in Columbus, and reaffirms the city's commitment to a compassionate and comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS.