LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 27, 2014, Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Gay
Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 27, 2014, Gay Men's
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; and
WHEREAS, National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a time to
reflect on the heavy toll of HIV among gay and bisexual men and acknowl-
edge the contributions they have made in the fight against HIV and AIDS;
and
WHEREAS, Since the first cases of AIDS was reported in five gay men in
1981, gay and bisexual men across the United States have been at the
center of the epidemic; and
WHEREAS, Gay and bisexual men bear the greatest burden of this
disease, accounting for almost two-thirds of all new infections in 2010;
they also, however, have been at the forefront of fighting this disease;
many have helped shape the research agenda and worked with organizations
that provide HIV services; and
WHEREAS, More than one-third of Gay and bisexual men who are HIV posi-
tive don't know it; knowing one's status and getting linked to treatment
if positive are critical to protecting personal health as well as
preventing the spread of this disease; and
WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recom-
mends anyone at high risk for HIV from sexual activity or injection drug
use be tested at least once a year; sexually active gay men may benefit
from more frequent testing, such as every 3 to 6 months; and
WHEREAS, National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will be celebrated
in cities across the United States on September 27, 2014, to educate the
public on HIV/AIDS in the gay and bisexual community, as well as to
promote regular testing and prevention methods; 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 27, 2014,
Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunc-
tion with the observance of National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.