PRINTER'S NO. 1496
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
294
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY HUGHES, FONTANA, MUTH, KEARNEY, BAKER, STREET,
COSTA, HAYWOOD, BROWNE, DINNIMAN, IOVINO, BREWSTER, MENSCH,
BLAKE, SCHWANK, SABATINA AND TARTAGLIONE, FEBRUARY 3, 2020
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, FEBRUARY 3, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating February 7, 2020, as "National Black HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 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 2018, African Americans comprised only 13% of the
United States population but accounted for 53% of all new HIV
infections; and
WHEREAS, In 2018, 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
WHEREAS, In 2018, African-American females were diagnosed
with AIDS 16 times the rate as Caucasian females, and African-
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American females are 15 times more likely to die from HIV/AIDS
than non-Hispanic Caucasian females; and
WHEREAS, In 2018, African Americans were 8.6 times more
likely to be diagnosed with HIV infection, as compared to the
Caucasian population; and
WHEREAS, "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" seeks to
educate African Americans about this devastating disease through
a platform emphasizing four main points which include 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, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Healthy Black Communities, Inc., known as HBC, is
serving 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, It is imperative that African Americans educate
themselves and their communities on the effects of HIV/AIDS; 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
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RESOLVED, That the Senate designate February 7, 2020, as
"National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate 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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