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WHEREAS, founded in 1988, World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st, and is an opportunity for people throughout the world to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for those living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses; and,
WHEREAS, an estimated 36.7 million people currently live with the virus worldwide, of those, 1.2 million reside in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, in Allegheny County there are approximately 3,000 people living with HIV, and many living unaware and without access to education, testing or treatment; and,
WHEREAS, while the illness does not discriminate among its victims, it does disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men, as well as young African American men; and,
WHEREAS, the stigma that surrounds AIDS, due in part to homophobia and fear, has over the years led to workplace discrimination, denial of social security benefits and services, students being turned away from schools, people evicted from their homes, and many ostracized from their families because they were sick and dying; and,
WHEREAS, while both nationally and locally we have made great strides in educating the public, raising awareness, combatting stigma as well as discrimination, we are a long way from achieving our goals, which is why we must continue to fight; and,
WHEREAS, this day reminds us, the public and the government, that HIV affects us and our loved ones and any gains we have made should encourage us to strive to achieve more; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and celebrate all those who work tirelessly to make the changes we wish to see in our community; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Friday, December 1st to be “World AIDS Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.