World AIDS Day Resolution
December 1, 2006

Whereas,
Of the 57 counties in New York State, excluding New York City, Westchester County has the 2nd highest AIDS case rate, the 4th highest HIV case rate and the most people living with HIV and AIDS in New York State; and

Whereas,
Nationwide, there are an estimated 1.2 million Americans living with HIV and AIDS, 25% of whom are unaware that they are HIV-infected and may be spreading the virus unknowingly; and

Whereas,
Testing for HIV is a life-saving action that individuals can take to learn about their HIV status, to increase awareness and to reduce the conduct of behaviors that are conducive to transmission of the virus, and to seek medical treatment that can help prolong and increase the quality of life among infected persons; and

Whereas,
HIV and AIDS continue to have devastating consequences for the health, well-being and quality of life of infected individuals and affected communities worldwide and in our communities in Westchester County; now therefore be it

Resolved,
That the Westchester County Board of Legislators recognizes this 1st day of December 2006 as World AIDS Day in Westchester County in order to raise awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS in Westchester communities, in New York State and worldwide; and be it further

Resolved,
That the Board urges all residents of Westchester County to get the test for HIV to help stem the tide of the HIV epidemic in our communities.