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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RAISING HIV/AIDS AWARENESS YEAR-ROUND
WHEREAS, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens a person's immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection, and
WHEREAS, even though there is currently no effective cure for HIV, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled, and
WHEREAS, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV remains a persistent public health problem in the United States where an estimated 1,189,700 people had HIV at the end of 2019, the most recent year for which this information is available, and
WHEREAS, Black/African American people are most affected by HIV. In 2020, Black/African American people accounted for 42% (12,827) of all new HIV diagnoses. Additionally, Hispanic/Latino people are also strongly affected. They accounted for 27% (8,285) of all new HIV diagnoses, and
WHEREAS, young people aged 13 to 24 are especially affected by HIV. In 2020, young people accounted for 20% (6,135) of all new HIV diagnoses, and
WHEREAS, HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with HIV, who often develop a negative self-image. People with HIV may fear they will be discriminated against or judged negatively if their HIV status is revealed, and
WHEREAS, HIV stigma is rooted in ideas about HIV coming from the HIV images that first appeared in the early 1980s, which created misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted and what it means to live with HIV today, and
WHEREAS, the lack of information and awareness combined with outdated beliefs lead people to fear getting HIV. Additionally, many people think of HIV as a disease that only certain groups get. This leads to negative value judgements about people who are living with HIV, and
WHEREAS, talking openly about HIV can help normalize the subject. It also provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about HIV, and
WHEREAS, the CDC ...
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