HIV/AIDS Aging Awareness Day

Senate Resolution No. 2963 BY: Senator COMRIE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 18, 2017, as HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious public health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 18, 2017, as HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day; and WHEREAS, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is hosted by the AIDS Institute and focuses on the challenging issues facing the aging population with regard to HIV prevention, testing, care and treatment; and WHEREAS, In addition, there is an increased need for prevention, research, and data targeting the aging population, as well as medical understanding of the aging process and its impact on HIV/AIDS; and WHEREAS, The AIDS Institute is a national non-profit organization which promotes action for social change through public policy research, advocacy and education; and WHEREAS, The campaign targets individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are aging with the disease or who were already over the age of 50 at the time of their initial diagnosis, as well as the increasing number of grandparents becoming the primary guardians for children who have lost their parent(s) to HIV/AIDS; and WHEREAS, In an effort to continually expand awareness about HIV/AIDS among the aging population, organizations and community members are invited to develop, implement and participate in awareness activities and events throughout cities across the United States on September 18,

2017; and WHEREAS, During National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, the AIDS Institute will host a free HIV screening event, encourage and promote HIV testing among older adults, provide HIV prevention and education messages, organize health fairs which focus on HIV/AIDS and healthcare in older adults, and encourage older adults to practice safer methods to prevent HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious public health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 18, 2017, as HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.