house resolution no.329

Rep. Anthony offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare December 1, 2020 as HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system. While there is not yet a cure, the disease can be controlled with early detection and medical care. There are three stages of HIV: stage 1 HIV or acute HIV infection; stage 2 or chronic HIV infection; and stage 3 or symptomatic HIV infection, referred to as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by the Centers for Disease Control; and

Whereas, World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988 through partnership between the World Health Organization and the United Nations as a means of raising awareness of the disease, encouraging increased action to combat the disease, and rejecting HIV stigma. Nationwide, approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV. In January of 2019, there were 16,306 Michiganders living with an HIV infection and 8,305 living with stage 3 HIV infections; and

Whereas, Just as the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has continued to shed light on racial disparities in our health care system, time has shown that HIV has disproportionately impacted communities of color, racial and ethnic minorities, and gay and bisexual men. In 2018, Blacks/African Americans accounted for 42% of HIV diagnoses while representing only 13% of the population, with gay and bisexual men in this category accounting for 25% of HIV diagnoses. Hispanics/Latinos accounted for 27% of HIV diagnoses and 18% of the population, with gay and bisexual men in this group making up about 20% of these diagnoses. HIV rates are also disproportionately high among American Indian and Alaska Natives, Asians, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

Whereas, In Michigan, Black men are disproportionately impacted by HIV. In January 2019, Black Michigan residents accounted for 56% of reported HIV infections, but only make up 14% of the state population. In contrast, White Michigan residents are relatively less likely to have a reported HIV infection. They make up 34% of total reported HIV infections despite making up 75% of the Michigan population; and

Whereas, While the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved the outlook for those living with HIV/AIDS over time, it is estimated that one in seven people living with HIV are unaware of their infection and need testing. The CDC estimates approximately 50,000 new HIV infections occur each year, many of which stem from individuals who do not know they are HIV-positive. Increasing prevention and testing frequency will ensure everyone at high risk for HIV infection is tested so they can receive the treatment needed to avoid spreading the disease or contracting AIDS. The MI Department of Health and Human Services HIV Community Partnership and Prevention Unit works with a network of external partners to offer education, testing, and treatment services to individuals at risk of contracting HIV or developing AIDS; and

Whereas, This year especially we have seen how the COVID-19 virus has ravaged communities of color and low-income communities. The United Nations has reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has “widened the social and economic inequalities that increase the vulnerability of marginalized groups.” Federal and state efforts to address racial equity in health outcomes include the MI Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Minority HIV/AIDS Fund; and

Whereas, As we reflect on the theme of World AIDS Day 2020, this legislative body will take steps to embody the goals of “global solidarity, shared responsibility.” The state of Michigan is committed to upholding health care as a human right and ensuring everyone has equal access to care, no matter their race, socioeconomic status, gender, or sexual orientation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 1, 2020 as HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the state of Michigan. We urge all Michiganders to do their part to end the negative stigma surrounding HIV, encourage increased testing and access to treatment, and support those who are living with the disease; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the MI Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities.