Whereas, The Latino community is one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in Michigan, enhancing life in our community through dedication to family, work and cultural richness; and,

Whereas, A Kaiser Family Foundation survey revealed almost half (46 percent) of Latinos say they think AIDS is a more urgent problem in their community than it was a few years ago; and,

Whereas, Latinos have an AIDS prevalence rate of 165 per 100,000; and,

Whereas, Misconception about HIV transmission contributes to the increasing rate of new HIV diagnosis within the Latino community which make it critical to raise awareness of the potential for HIV infection in the Latino community; and,

Whereas, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day is intended to promote effective HIV prevention efforts that are culturally and linguistically appropriate in the Latino community; and,

Whereas, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day supports efforts to overcome the stigma and discrimination that often accompany the disease; and,

Whereas, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day provides an opportunity to increase awareness, support those living with HIV, commemorate those we have lost, and bring leaders together to promote greater services and community involvement in fighting this pandemic; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Community Health has a long-standing commitment to prevent the spread of HIV infections in all communities of color and ensuring the provision of compassionate care to those infected; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2007, as Latino AIDS Awareness Day in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, activitie and ceremonies supporting this year's theme, "Despierta!  Toma control!  Hazte la Prueba de VIH!  Wake Up!  Take Control!  Take the HIV Test!"