Whereas, The health of Michigan citizens has steadily improved over the last decade, however Michigan's black citizens are more likely to have poor health and die early from preventable diseases and conditions; and,

Whereas, Blacks represent 14 percent of Michigan's population, yet represent 59 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS; and blacks are more than nine times as likely as whites to be infected; and,

Whereas, Black men represent only 7 percent of Michigan's population yet account for 42 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS; and,

Whereas, Black women are nearly twenty times as likely as white women to be infected with HIV/AIDS; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Community Health is committed to the health and safety of all people and must rise to the challenge of reducing all health disparities, including HIV/AIDS; and,

Whereas, Continued investment in prevention and care and awareness efforts need to be focused, relevant, and accessible to reach the goal of a Michigan without HIV/AIDS in all populations; and,

Whereas, Halting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the black community requires the support and commitment of individuals, organizations, and businesses alike; and,

Whereas, The Black AIDS Awareness Campaign provides an opportunity to fight HIV/AIDS in the black community by encouraging individuals to get education about HIV/AIDS, get tested and know their test results, get involved in advocating for resources necessary to fight this disease, and get treated if they have tested positive for HIV or been diagnosed with AIDS; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby encourage all Michigan residents to strongly support the fourth annual "Black AIDS Awareness Campaign" and to participate in the many events that are planned across the state from February 1 through March 15, 2008.