SR0098 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0098 LRB097 11061 KXB 52105 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue that affects almost 280,000 women in the United States; while men account for most HIV/AIDS cases, the impact on women is growing; women also face gaps in access to health care when compared to men; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Foundation for Aids Research, women account for more than one in four new HIV/AIDS diagnoses and deaths caused by AIDS, and the proportion of AIDS diagnoses reported among women has more than tripled since 1985; and

WHEREAS, HIV/AIDS has a disproportionate affect on women in ethnic minorities; African-Americans and Hispanics represent a quarter of all women in the United States, but they account for over 80 percent of AIDS cases among women; African-Americans constituted 61 percent of women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Girls represented 43 percent of AIDS cases reported among people aged 13 to 19; and

WHEREAS, Education is one of the most effective tools in preventing HIV infections, and is especially important for girls so that they are able to make informed decisions about their sexual lives; and

WHEREAS, Eradicating the stigma of HIV/AIDS through education can decrease the vulnerability of a group that may be at high risk for HIV infection; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the month of March, organizations across the country will come together to offer support, promote discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage AIDS; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health has designated March 10, 2011 as "National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day", a nationwide observance that encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate March 10, 2011 as "Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of Illinois"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage State and local organizations in their efforts to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and education to women of all ages; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health in appreciation of their ongoing effort to promote awareness of women's health issues.