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A resolution recognizing February 7, 2025, as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed on February 7 to increase awareness and mobilize community involvement in combatting HIV among Black people; and
WHEREAS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day recognizes the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities, as individuals, organizations, and policymakers work to promote HIV education, testing, and treatment in Black communities across the country; and
WHEREAS, since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by the disease; and
WHEREAS, African Americans are diagnosed with HIV later than their White counterparts, are confronted with greater barriers in accessing care and treatment, and face higher morbidity and mortality outcomes; and
WHEREAS, African Americans account for nearly half of all those with AIDS who have died in the United States since the beginning of the epidemic; and
WHEREAS, Black people still account for the highest proportion of Americans living with HIV. In 2021, Black people were 14 percent of the U.S. population but 40 percent of HIV diagnoses; and
WHEREAS, signs of real progress exist, as estimated HIV infections decreased by 18 percent among Black people; and
WHEREAS, antiretroviral drugs can reduce the amount of virus to undetectable levels, effectively resulting in no risk of transmission of HIV. Preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission for HIV-negative people by up to 99 percent; and
WHEREAS, the negative impact of HIV/AIDS in Black communities can be further addressed by getting tested, connecting to care, and disrupting the stigma of the disease by talking about HIV and AIDS without fear, shame, or judgment; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and commend those working to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing February 7, 2025 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.