Whereas, The health of Michigan citizens has steadily improved over the last decade, while Michigan's African American citizens still have poor health and die early from preventable diseases and conditions; and,

Whereas, African Americans are almost nine times more likely to be infected with HIV and AIDS than whites; and,

Whereas, African Americans represent 14 percent of Michigan's population and of that, 57 percent are currently living with HIV and AIDS; and,

Whereas, African Americans are less likely to seek early care, treatment, and appropriate medications to control HIV and AIDS; and,

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

Whereas, Misconceptions about HIV transmission contribute to the increasing rate of new HIV diagnosis within the African American community; and,

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

Whereas, The Black AIDS Awareness Campaign provides an opportunity to fight HIV and AIDS in the African American community by encouraging education, prevention, testing and treatment if tested positive for HIV or diagnosed with AIDS;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby observe the 5th Annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign from February 1 through March 13, 2009, and ask citizens to support this year's theme, "Black Life is Worth Saving," by participating in events that are planned across the state.