health crisis for African Americans; and

WHEREAS, at all stages of HIV/AIDS – from infection with HIV to death with AIDS –

blacks (including African Americans) are disproportionately affected compared with members

of other races and ethnicities; and

WHEREAS, as the impact of the epidemic among African American communities has

grown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of

Health, county and municipal health departments, community based organizations, and

African American communities have stepped up efforts to address the crisis; and

WHEREAS, NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY is a coordinated,

annual effort centered on motivating individuals to get tested and know their HIV status, and

on educating the entire community about the importance of HIV prevention, early detection

and treatment; and

WHEREAS, HIV awareness and testing events will provide Pennsylvania’s African

American communities with important information they need to protect their health, protect

their loved ones, and get involved; and

WHEREAS, collective action by everyone affected or infected by HIV is one of our

most powerful weapons against this epidemic. Start today by calling the Pennsylvania

Department of Health AIDS Factline at 1-800-662-6080 or visiting