Whereas, The health of Michigan citizens has steadily improved over the last decade, however Michigan's black citizens are more likely to have poor health and die early from preventable diseases and conditions; and,

Whereas, The percentage of racial and ethnic minorities in Michigan continues to grow, with our black citizens experiencing a 7 percent increase since 1980; and,

Whereas, Blacks represent 14 percent of Michigan's population yet represent 59 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS; and blacks are more than nine times as likely to be infected with HIV/ AIDS than whites; and,

Whereas, Michigan's Surgeon General has called upon various stakeholders to identify populations with disparate health care and outcomes and develop ways to reduce disparities in these populations; and,

Whereas, Blacks are less likely to receive early care, treatment, and appropriate medications from HIV/AIDS; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Community Health is committed to the health and safety of all people and must rise to the challenge of reducing all health disparities, including HIV/AIDS; and,

Whereas, Continued investment in prevention and care and awareness efforts need to be focused, relevant, and accessible to reach the goal of a Michigan without HIV/AIDS in all populations; and,

Whereas, The Black AIDS Awareness Campaign provides an opportunity to fight HIV/AIDS in the black community by encouraging individuals to get education about HIV/AIDS, get tested and know their test results, get involved in advocating for resources necessary to fight this disease, and get treated if they have tested positive for HIV or been diagnosed with AIDS; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby encourage all Michigan residents to strongly support the third annual "Black AIDS Awareness Campaign" and participate in the many events that are planned across the state from February 1 through March 18, 2007.