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Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State value their health and the health of their families and fellow New Yorkers, and toward that end, support observances that increase communication, education, and awareness of public health issues such as HIV/AIDS, so as to help stop further spread of this disease; and

Whereas, in New York State, more than 172,000 people have been diagnosed with AIDS and an additional 42,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV, and given that the only cure for AIDS is the prevention of HIV infection, this year's World AIDS Day focus is on affirming a community-wide commitment to prevent HIV infection; and

Whereas, tragically, HIV infection is on the rise among young people and women in New York State, and also disproportionately affects people of color, therefore, it is important for all New Yorkers to do their part to reduce the spread of HIV and to lend support for those affected with HIV/AIDS; and

Whereas, HIV testing is especially important for pregnant women, because medicine is available that can reduce the risk of maternal/child HIV transmission, and mothers who know they are HIV positive are also advised against breast-feeding, in order to decrease the possibility of transmitting the infection to her child; and

Whereas, New York State - a leader in all areas of public healthcare - has some of the strongest confidentiality protections in place for people living with HIV/AIDS in the nation, and individuals who wish to get tested to learn their HIV/AIDS status are encouraged to do so; and

Whereas, we stand with communities across the Nation and throughout the world in recognizing the need to expand and strengthen the international effort to stop the spread of this horrible disease that has reached epidemic proportions and to promote testing and early treatment, as the benefits are numerous and may help individuals stay healthier for longer; and

Whereas, World AIDS Day places global focus on a critical health issue that deserves recognition and this observance highlights education, testing and early treatment as the best forms of prevention, and we take this opportunity to remember those who have died from AIDS and those who courageously continue to battle this disease, and we also recognize those individuals who are dedicated to providing care as well as finding new methods of treatment and possible cures;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2007 as World Aids Day in the Empire State.

Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this fourteenth day of November in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor