PRINTER'S NO. 2945
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
663
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY WHEATLEY, READSHAW, BULLOCK, DAVIDSON, THOMAS,
NEILSON, KIRKLAND, DiGIROLAMO, DEAN, MILLARD, WARD, KINSEY,
DRISCOLL, BIZZARRO, CALTAGIRONE, J. HARRIS, DAVIS, RABB,
SCHLOSSBERG, HILL-EVANS, D. COSTA, McCLINTON, JOZWIAK, MURT,
M. QUINN, SCHWEYER, MEHAFFIE, WATSON, SIMS, DeLUCA, GOODMAN
AND ROEBUCK, JANUARY 29, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JANUARY 29, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 7, 2018, as "National Black HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), HIV/AIDS affect African Americans at alarming
rates; and
WHEREAS, Of all the racial and ethnic groups within the
United States, African Americans are the most affected by
HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, African Americans comprised only 13% of the
United States population but accounted for 44% of all new HIV
infections; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, African-American males were diagnosed with
AIDS approximately 7.8 times the rate as Caucasian males,
and African-American males are 7 times more likely to die from
HIV/AIDS than Non-Hispanic Caucasian males; and
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WHEREAS, In 2011, African-American females were diagnosed
with AIDS 23 times the rate as Caucasian females, and African-
American females are 15 times more likely to die from HIV/AIDS
than Non-Hispanic Caucasian females; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, African-American males were nearly 8 times
more likely to be diagnosed with an HIV infection, as compared
to Caucasian males; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, African-American females were 16 times more
likely to be diagnosed with an HIV infection, as compared to
Caucasian females; and
WHEREAS, According to the CDC, in 2016, African Americans
comprised 12% of the United States population but accounted for
44% of all new HIV infections; and
WHEREAS, In addition, African Americans have the highest
rates of new HIV infections and new AIDS diagnoses of any racial
and ethnic group; and
WHEREAS, "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" seeks to
educate African Americans about this devastating disease through
a platform emphasizing four main points: education, testing,
involvement and treatment; and
WHEREAS, "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" began in
2000 as five organizations worked collectively to assist in the
effort to decrease and ultimately eradicate HIV/AIDS in the
African-American community; and
WHEREAS, The five organizations included: Concerned Black
Men, Inc., of Philadelphia, Health Watch Information and
Promotion Services, Inc., Jackson State University - Mississippi
Urban Research Center, the National Black Alcoholism and
Addictions Council and the National Black Leadership Commission
on AIDS; and
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WHEREAS, Healthy Black Communities, Inc., (HBC) will serve as
the leading organization ensuring the initiative is carried out
annually; and
WHEREAS, HBC maintains an active Internet presence promoting
awareness of the importance of educating communities on the
effects of HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, HBC attempts to decrease and ultimately eradicate
HIV/AIDS in the African-American community by utilizing a four-
point strategy, including education, testing, involvement and
treatment; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that African Americans educate
themselves and their communities on the effects of HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, This year's observance of "National Black HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day" marks the 17th anniversary of the cause; and
WHEREAS, African Americans should be tested to learn their
HIV/AIDS status because education and early detection are
critical in saving lives; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
February 7, 2018, as "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives annually
recognize "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" to increase
education, promote inclusion and emphasize the importance of
testing and HIV/AIDS treatment.
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