World AIDS Day

WHEREAS, HIV disease, including AIDS, continues to have a global impact, with an estimated 35 million people living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2015. More than 39 million people have died worldwide since the beginning of the epidemic; and

WHEREAS, AIDS and HIV disease continue to be a priority health concern in the United States, with 1.2 million Americans living with HIV infection, and an estimated 12.8% being unaware of their HIV status; and

WHEREAS, in Arlington, 1,289 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS and 1,002 people have died of HIV/AIDS since 1982; and

WHEREAS, Arlington is committed to expanding and strengthening the countywide effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, support those affected by this illness, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives; and

WHEREAS, the fight against HIV/ AIDS will only be won through increased advances in, and equal access to, HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care; and Arlingtonians are encouraged to educate themselves about the risks of HIV, know their HIV status through testing, get care if infected, and demonstrate compassion for those infected with HIV and AIDS;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board in Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2016 as

WORLD AIDS DAY

in Arlington County, and urge all residents to take part in activities and observances designed to reduce the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS.

Libby Garvey, Chair