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To recognize February 7, 2020 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and to support the efforts of the African American Male Wellness Initiative, Equitas Health and NBC 4 in engaging the residents of Columbus in awareness
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WHEREAS, The first National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) was marked in 1999 as a grassroots-education effort to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in communities of color. The NBHAAD held on February 7, is a day to increase awareness about HIV among African Americans and encourage people to get involved in prevention efforts, get tested, and get treatment if they have HIV. The 2020 theme is “We’re in This, Together.”
WHEREAS, HIV diagnoses have fallen in recent years among African American women (25% decline from 2010 to 2016) and heterosexual men (26% decline). Diagnoses among young African American gay and bisexual men (aged 13 to 24) decreased 5%. This good news shows that the nation’s HIV prevention efforts are helping reduce HIV infections among some African Americans.
WHEREAS, Although the latest data show progress, we must continue our efforts. In 2017, nearly 17,000 African Americans received a new HIV diagnosis. African Americans accounted for 43% of all HIV diagnoses in the United States, despite making up 13% of the U.S. population
WHEREAS, on Friday, February 7, 2020 here in the City of Columbus, the African American Male Wellness Initiative’s health screening committee, Equitas Health, and NBC 4 have collaborated together for an evening of education, and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the black community. The event will include a panel discussion, interactive games, and raffles. Free HIV and STI screenings will be provided by Equitas Health and Columbus Public Health in an effort to ensure we continue the conversation in our community, as we work towards ending the epidemic.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby support the efforts of the African American Male Wellness Initiative, Equitas Health and NCBC 4 in engaging the residents of Columbus in HIV/AIDS awareness and recognize February 7, 2020 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day