Posted: | January 9, 2017 10:10 AM |
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From: | Representative Jake Wheatley, Jr. |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Pennsylvania |
In the near future, I intend to introduce a resolution recognizing February 7, 2017, as “National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. In 2011, African American males were 7.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV infection, as compared to Caucasian males and African American females were 23 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV infection than Caucasian females. In addition, African Americans have the highest rates of new HIV infections and new AIDS diagnoses of any racial and ethnic group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2010, African Americans comprised 13% of the United States population, but 44% of all new HIV infections. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is organized by Healthy Black Communities (HBC), a national nonprofit organization, and attempts to decrease and ultimately eradicate HIV/AIDS in the Black community by utilizing a four point strategy including: education, testing, involvement, and treatment. This year’s observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day marks the 17th year of the cause. Please consider joining me in supporting this resolution and raising awareness to the plight of those who suffer from this terrible disease. |
Introduced as HR68