Whereas, The observance of Community HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is to help bring local awareness to these diseases, to increase local compassion for persons affected, and to help strengthen the local effort to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS; and,

Whereas, It is estimated that AIDS claimed the lives of over 2 million people in 2008, and over 2.5 million people are estimated to be newly infected with the virus; and,

Whereas, In Michigan, more than 14,000 people are living with HIV or AIDS, and the rate of new diagnoses has increased among teen and young adults ages 13-24 and adults ages 40-49; and,

Whereas, Michigan remains a national leader in its commitment to prevention strategies and compassionate care to those living with HIV or AIDS;

Now, Therefore be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do herby proclaim March 5, 2009, Community HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Michigan.  I encourage citizens to increase their awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS and to help prevent the further spread of these diseases.