Whereas, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is acquired by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes progressive deterioration of the human immune system and destroys the body’s ability to fight off illnesses; and,

Whereas, AIDS was first reported in the United States and Michigan in 1981, and the Michigan Department of Community Health estimates that 16,200 Michigan citizens are living with HIV or AIDS; and,

Whereas, Many health, social service, and educational organizations throughout Michigan are active in planning and implementing community-based prevention, outreach, counseling, testing and referral programs; and,

Whereas, The National Association of People with AIDS has declared June 27, 2005, as National HIV Test Day, selection the theme, “Take the Test, Take Control, It’s Better to Know” to motivate individuals to get tested, learn their results, assess their risk, change behaviors, and if positive, seek treatment; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 27, 2005, as HIV Test Day in Michigan and I encourage all citizens to get tested for HIV because you can live with the results.