WHEREAS, February 7, 2022, is the 22nd year that National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day has been commemorated and observance of this day is a nationwide effort to mobilize Black communities to increase awareness, to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated; and

WHEREAS, African Americans account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses; and

WHEREAS, not all African Americans with HIV are aware of their status and as a result too few are receiving HIV medical care and treatment that will help them live longer, healthier lives; and

WHEREAS, through HIV testing, members of the African American community can confirm their status and learn more about the benefits of receiving HIV medical care and treatments to maintain an undetectable viral load to effectively prevent the risk of transmitting HIV; and

WHEREAS, there have been significant medical advances in HIV prevention; Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescription medicine is currently available for individuals who do not have HIV to prevent them from contracting HIV, yet despite these developments, disparities in access to PrEP exist among African Americans; and

WHEREAS, partner agencies and organizations statewide are working together to increase HIV/AIDS awareness in the African American community; and

WHEREAS, February 7th is an opportunity for the Silver State to demonstrate its support for National Black HIV / AIDS Awareness Day and the State of Nevada encourages all residents to stand in solidarity in supporting those affected by HIV / AIDS and honor the resilient spirit of strength, faith, and hope in the Black community;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim February 7, 2022, as

NATIONAL BLACK HIV / AIDS AWARENESS DAY IN NEVADA