WHEREAS, HIV infection, including AIDS, continues to have a global impact: and
WHEREAS, an estimated 34 million people, 3.4 million of them children, live with HIV/AIDS, and over 30 million people have died worldwide, and
WHEREAS, AIDS and HIV infection continues to be a priority health concern in the United States, with over 1 million Americans living with HIV infection and an estimated 50,000 new HIV infections occurring yearly, and
WHEREAS, In Arlington, 1,551 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS and 936 people have died of AIDS since 1982, and
WHEREAS, Arlington is committed to expanding and strengthening the countywide effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, supporting persons affected by this illness, and paying tribute to those who have lost their lives, and
WHEREAS, the fight against HIV infection and AIDS will only be won through increased advances and equal access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care; and Arlingtonians are encouraged to educate themselves about the risks of HIV, know their HIV status through testing, get care if infected, and demonstrate compassion for those infected with HIV and AIDS;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Fisette, Chair of the Arlington County Board, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2014 as WORLD AIDS DAY in Arlington County, and urge all residents to take part in activities and observances designed to reduce the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS.