HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-014RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 7, 2017, AS
"NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY" IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie, observes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness
Day, on February 7 To promote HIV education, testing, community engagement and
treatment in black communities where they live, work, play, learn and worship.
2. Compared with other races and ethnicities, African Americans account for a higher
proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases, those living with HIV, and those ever diagnosed
with AIDS. HIV continues to threaten the health of Americans nationwide.
3. As of December 31, 2016, St. Lucie County had an estimated 67% of all living HIV/AIDS
cases reported in Area 15 (Martin, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties).
Although St. Lucie County has made great strides in reducing our rates of HIV infection, this
is no time to let our guard down. We need to continue to address stigma and dispel myths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one out of eight Americans
in the US who have HIV do not know their status.
4. Most importantly, we must remind our residents that HIV is not over, Get the Facts and
that education, routine testing and prevention is the key. Remember - Youcannotfixwhat
you will notface. —James A. Baldwin
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board does hereby proclaim February 7, 2017 as "NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS
AWARENESS DAY" in St. Lucie County, Florida.
2. This Board further urges all St. Lucie County citizens to take part in related events and
observances to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/ AIDS as a global challenge,
recognizing the important role of joining the global effort to stop the spread of HIV/ AIDS
in St. Lucie County, Florida.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 7`h day of February, 2017.
ATTEST:
DEPUTY CLERK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIECOUNTY /
BY: G
CHAWfMANLJ
APPROVED—AS TO LEGAL FORM AND
CORRECTNE
COUNTY ATT RPiEY