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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing December 1, 2017 as World AIDS Day (Supervisor Hannigan)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing December 1, 2017 as World AIDS Day.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Joint United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS) has declared December 1 annually, and across the world, as World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS, commemorate those who have lost their battle with HIV/AIDS, and applaud the advancements that are allowing more people to live longer and healthier lives. This year’s theme is “Hands Up for HIV Prevention” and the resolution will recognize that all citizens of Solano County can help to take steps towards ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2017 is “Hands Up for HIV Prevention” and focuses on reinvigorating the world to stay on track for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. UNAIDS recognizes that the decline in new HIV infections among adults has stalled. An estimated 1.9 million adults have become infected with HIV every year for at least the past five years and the number of new HIV infections is rising in some regions. HIV prevention efforts must be evaluated and improved in order to help identify HIV-positive individuals early, link them to medical care and supportive services, and decrease the spread of HIV in the community.
Solano County’s H&SS AIDS Community Education Program (ACEP), the local lead agency for HIV/AIDS prevention and HIV testing activities that occur in the County, recognizes that the spread of HIV/AIDS can only be controlled through: education and prevention activities; HIV testing that identifies infected individuals and links them to care; and access to health care services and treatment for those already infected. Confidential HIV testing is available year round and is offered to everyone through an on demand testing program. Clients may call or text to make an appointment for a free, rapid, and confidential test. H&SS estimates that ACEP will provide outreach services for HIV testing and education to approximately 2,000 individuals this year.
In support of the UNAIDS theme, the following events will be held on December 1st: Solano AIDS Coalition will hold an event with speakers, education, and a candlelight vigil to honor those we have lost to HIV/AIDS. The event is open to the public and will be located on Georgia Street in Vallejo. Solano County Public Health will offer education and outreach services at this event. Solano Community College will host World AIDS Day activities throughout the day, including displaying the Solano County AIDS quilt.
FINANcial impact:
There is no additional impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution recognizing December 1, 2017 as World AIDS Day. This is not recommended because it encourages residents to increase their awareness of the risk of HIV/AIDS for themselves, their partners and their children and to recognize the importance of HIV testing.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
H&SS would like to recognize the work of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGBTQ) Alliance, The Solano Pride Center, Planned Parenthood of Northern California, Community Medical Centers, and the Solano AIDS Coalition for partnering with the County for World AIDS Day activities.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION