AL HJR183

Recognizes March 7, 2018, as Alabama HIV Awareness Day to combat HIV stigma and discrimination.

Notes that Alabama has 14,042 citizens living with HIV and an estimated 2,340 additional residents who may be unaware of their HIV status.

Identifies Alabama as having the 15th highest new HIV diagnosis rate nationally and the 9th highest AIDS-related death rate.

Encourages all Alabamians to increase awareness and understanding of HIV, participate in prevention efforts, and offer support to those impacted by the disease.

Calls for promoting treatment as prevention, expanding access to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), strengthening the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), and establishing syringe exchange programs.