Acknowledging and deploring the critical state of emergency of HIV Infection in Philadelphia, and petitioning state and federal officials for full reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act.

WHEREAS, An HIV state of emergency exists in the City of Philadelphia disproportionately affecting minority communities; and

WHEREAS, HIV is a communicable disease and CARE Act funded treatment programs have had an important effect in preventing new infections; and

WHEREAS, The Ryan White Care Act is the largest and most important source of funds for health care and support services for people living with HIV and AIDS; and

WHEREAS, Reduction of death rates and success of HIV/AIDS programs in Philadelphia have been largely due to the establishment of a continuum of care throughout the spectrum of HIV disease, made possible by the Ryan White CARE Act which has provided access to advances in the treatment of HIV infection; and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, the CARE Act provides nearly $30 million for serving over 6000 persons living with HIV which facilitates access to primary medical care and keeps people healthy longer; and

WHEREAS, CARE Act funded programs in Philadelphia have contributed to the prevention of perinatal transmission rates through successful interventions that encourage early voluntary testing of pregnant women; and

WHEREAS, The CARE Act provides poor people with essential support services such as housing and transportation to help facilitate access to primary medical care services; and

WHEREAS, The City Council of Philadelphia proposes increasing Ryan White dollars in areas where the epidemic is growing faster rather than penalizing places that are effective in their prevention and health maintenance work that stabilize the number of AIDS cases; now therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes and deplores the state of emergency in Philadelphia with regard to HIV disease and its effect on the citizens of Philadelphia.

RESOLVED FURTHER, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Endorses and supports the full reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Pennsylvania state and federal officials.

End