WHEREAS,
As of December 31, 2008, 18,171 Philadelphians are living with HIV/AIDS, of which 10,967 constituents are living with AIDS and 7,204 constituents are living with HIV; and
WHEREAS
, Philadelphia has HIV incidence rates 5 times higher than the national average, and higher than New York City; and
WHEREAS
, This epidemic is having its greatest impact in the African American and heterosexual communities, where 70% of new infections are among African Americans and 55% of new infections are among heterosexual individuals; and
WHEREAS
, The incidence of HIV infection is also impacting other Philadelphians, where new infection rates among children and young adults (ages 13-24) represent 15% of new HIV infections and women of all ages are increasingly infected and affected, including very young women and women over the age of 50; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
, That the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services hold hearings regarding the HIV/AIDS infection epidemic in Philadelphia and investigate and examine effective strategies on how to combat this crisis.
End