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.