LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 8, 2014, Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Carib-
bean American 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 June 8, 2014, Caribbean Ameri-
can HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day;
and
WHEREAS, The annual Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was
created to provide Caribbean Americans with resources, HIV/AIDS health
education, evaluation, and opportunities for involvement; the goal is to
ensure that the Caribbean Regions cultivate a health conscious atmos-
phere within their communities; and
WHEREAS, On June 8th, cities around the United States will sponsor
diverse activities to create awareness of the state of HIV/AIDS and the
health status of Caribbean Americans within their specific communities;
and
WHEREAS, This day is a part of a National effort to ensure Caribbean
Americans get educated, evaluated, treated and involved with their
health decisions, as HIV/AIDS continues to negatively affect the Carib-
bean population; and
WHEREAS, A 2008 study found that an estimated 240,000 people are
living with HIV in the Caribbean region, while an estimated 20,000
people newly infected and some 12,000 died of AIDS-related illnesses;
and
WHEREAS, The Caribbean has been more heavily affected by HIV than any
region outside sub-Saharan Africa and has the second highest level of
adult HIV prevalence; the Caribbean has a mix of generalized and concen-
trated epidemics, and women account for about half of all infections in
the Caribbean; HIV prevalence is especially high among young women; and
WHEREAS, National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will be
directed, planned and organized by a working group of national organiza-
tions in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; the goal of this partnership is to mobilize communities and
address specific issues in regard to local epidemics, health disparities
and best practices that are science based and will influence the course
of HIV in Caribbean American communities across our nation; 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 June 8, 2014, Caribbean
American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Caribbean American 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.