TITLE: Recognizing March 20, 2019, as HIV Advocacy Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 20, 2019, as HIV Advocacy Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition is gathering in Austin on March 20, 2019, for the fifth biennial HIV Advocacy Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, This event is a statewide effort to bring together Texans living with or affected by HIV and AIDS in order to promote awareness and visibility of this health epidemic; and WHEREAS, The Department of State Health Services estimates that Texas is currently home to more than 86,000 people with HIV, a reality with incalculable public health, social, and financial consequences; and WHEREAS, While there have been enormous medical and scientific advancements to assist those suffering from HIV, there is still more to be done to combat the social factors that impede efforts to end the HIV epidemic; and WHEREAS, In Texas, the significant challenges posed by the spread of HIV have led to the formation of the Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition, which is composed of partner organizations and advocates from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other communities; and WHEREAS, Every legislative session, HIV Advocacy Day provides concerned citizens from all walks of life with the opportunity to meet with state lawmakers and make their voices heard on this critical public health issue, and all those taking part in this vital initiative are to be commended for their contributions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize March 20, 2019, as HIV Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and commend the Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition for its invaluable work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the coalition as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate. Miles President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 20, 2019.