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WHEREAS, the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide effort to acknowledge the impact of HIV on Black communities and work to overcome structural barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment; and,
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WHEREAS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was first observed February 7, 1999, and serves to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people; and,
WHEREAS, factors such as racism, discrimination, lack of health insurance, lower median income, and mistrust in the health care system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services; and,
WHEREAS, these issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care; and,
WHEREAS, more options than ever are available to prevent HIV, including PrEP and HIV self-tests, yet in the United States, PrEP is prescribed at a lower rate for Black people; and,
WHEREAS, to continue to reduce the burden of HIV and other health risks, people need adequate housing and transportation, employment, access to culturally competent health services that are free of stigma and discrimination, and more; and,
WHEREAS, according to 2022 Allegheny County HIV Data, provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the incidence rate of HIV/AIDS is 10 times higher in Black individuals compared to white individuals in Allegheny County; and,
WHEREAS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is directed, planned and strategically overseen by organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to mobilize community based organizations and stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the City of Pittsburgh joins with these local, national and international groups to express its strong support for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and the initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Black communiti...
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