Title
Proclamation recognizing the Educating Teens About HIV/AIDS Project in observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2007.
Body
WHEREAS, as of 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 500 new cases of the HIV/AIDS virus in youth ages 13-19; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is ranked as one of the top ten states with the highest number of reported AIDS cases; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, high school senior Kezia L. Ellison created the Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS project, with the goal of developing a community effort to assist teens in making informed decisions in order to prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus; and
WHEREAS, the Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS project has gained strength and reached thousands of teens during the past six years, including the introduction of the Youth Peer Advocate Program in 2004 and the 2005 statewide expansion of the initial project; and
WHEREAS, the Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS project is holding its Third Annual Red Ribbon Gala on December 1, 2007, coinciding with World AIDS Day;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Allegheny County Council thanks the Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS project and wishes you success as you embark on your Third Annual Red Ribbon Gala, to be held in concurrence with World AIDS Day on December 1, 2007.