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A Resolution recognizing December 1, 2021 as World AIDS Day in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, World AIDS Day is recognized annually on December 1, to reflect on the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and its impact on friends and families, to remember those we have lost, and to acknowledge that with access to medication and stigma-free services, the goal of eradicating HIV from our city is realistic; and
WHEREAS, it is especially important to recognize World AIDS Day this year, when the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted so many, similar to the early stages of the fight against AIDS; and
WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Caucus and the Minority Caucus of the Metropolitan Council understand that even while those living with medically-managed HIV experience good health and a high-quality of life, stark inequities in outcomes persist and require an intentional, community-driven approach in order to improve HIV outcomes for all, regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance; and
WHEREAS, there were 156 new diagnoses of HIV in Davidson County in 2019, with more than 3,500 residents living with diagnosed HIV, and an estimated 720 additional residents living with HIV but unaware of their status; and
WHEREAS, more than 120 stakeholders dedicated their time and energy to a year-long community planning process that culminated in the February 2019 release of the “Nashville Ending the HIV Epidemic Plan” with five-year goals to:
• Ensure that 90% of residents living with HIV know their serostatus
• Decrease by 2/3rds the number of residents with newly acquired HIV
• Link 90% of those diagnosed with HIV to care within one month of diagnosis
• Engage 90% of people with HIV in care
• Ensure that 90% of those engaged in care will achieve viral suppression
• Eliminate disparities in HIV outcomes among all populations; and
WHEREAS, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that prevents exposure to HIV, is now available at the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD), the first health department in the state to have a clinic dedicated to offering the antiretroviral medication; and
WHEREAS, the Nashville Board of Health and MPHD strongly support the Prevention Access Campaign’s national Undetectable = Untransmittable public information campaign to raise awareness and educate the public that a person living with HIV who is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex; and
WHEREAS, all Davidson County residents are urged to talk to their doctor about HIV, including unsafe sex and injection drug risks and, as appropriate, to seek HIV testing services; and
WHEREAS, medical and other healthcare providers in Davidson County are encouraged to discuss HIV risk factors and protective interventions, testing information, and treatment options with patients at a high risk of HIV exposure.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as officially recognizing December 1, 2021 as World AIDS Day in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.