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WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently more than 1 million Americans living with HIV and/or AIDS, with the CDC anticipating another 40,000 new cases of HIV to be reported in each coming year; and
WHEREAS, the Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition (SWPAPC), the umbrella agency for HIV/AIDS services, planning and programming in Southwestern Pennsylvania, is paying tribute to National HIV Testing Day 2007 by reaching out to communities in the Pittsburgh area and across Southwestern Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS in order to break the silence and stigma surrounding the diseases of HIV and AIDS, the SWPAPC is encouraging people to take control, get tested, and know their HIV status; and
WHEREAS, in commemoration of National HIV Testing Day 2007, state and local health departments, community-based HIV/AIDS service providers, and faith-based organizations have joined with the SWPAPC in order to plan a variety of activities and events across the 11 counties that the Coalition presently services; and
WHEREAS these activities will include free HIV testing and counseling at many of the testing sites, along with local health fairs, community and media outreach events, and extended operating hours for many local testing centers and clinics.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby wish to commend the Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition and all of its collaborating agencies for creating and implementing successful public health campaigns that succeed in educating people regarding HIV/AIDS, which in turn has led to increased awareness and healthier communities.