Hello Folks!
Governor Granholm recently recognized the 6th Annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign. Here is the official copy.
On behalf of the citizens of Michigan, I, Jennifer M. Granholm
hereby recognize the
6th Annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign
WHEREAS, the health of Michigan citizens has steadily improved over the last decade, however Michigan’s Black citizens are more likely to have poor health and die early from preventable diseases and conditions; and
WHEREAS, the percentage of racial and ethnic minorities continues to grow in Michigan, with Michigan’s Black citizens experiencing a 7% increase since 1980; and
WHEREAS, Blacks represent 14% of Michigan’s population yet 59% of those living with HIV/AIDS; and Blacks are more than nine times as likely to be infected with HIV/AIDS than whites; and
WHEREAS Michigan’s Surgeon General has called upon various stakeholders to identify populations with disparate health care and outcomes and develop ways to reduce disparities in these populations, and
WHEREAS, Blacks are less likely to receive early care, treatment and appropriate medications and die sooner from HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, The Michigan Department of Community Health is committed to the health and safety of all people and must rise to the challenge of reducing all health disparities, including HIV/AIDS, in communities of color; and
WHEREAS, Continued investment in prevention, care and awareness efforts need to be focused, relevant, and accessible to reach the goal of a Michigan without HIV/AIDS in all populations; and
WHEREAS, The Black AIDS Awareness Campaign provides an opportunity to fight HIV/AIDS in the Black community by encouraging individuals to get educated about HIV/AIDS, get tested and know their test results, get involved in advocating for resources necessary to fight this disease, and get treated if you have tested positive for HIV or been diagnosed with AIDS;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby encourage all Michigan residents to strongly support the “6th ANNUAL BLACK AIDS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN” and urge all Michigan residents to strongly support this campaign and participate in events that are planned across the State from February 1 – March 15, 2010.
