Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee surprised us Saturday, December 1, with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for World AIDS Day. Joel Dietz from The Montrose Center Board of Directors accepted the award, along with Community Projects Specialist Sally Huffer. The speakers at the Houston Citywide World AIDS Day  Candlelight Observance included Blake Hayes from The MIX 96.5, Rev. Adam Robinson, Tori Williams on behalf of Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Thomas Giordano of Thomas Street Health Center, Stephen Williams from the City of Houston Dept. of Health & Human Services, Mayor Annise Parker, Congress Member Al Green, and poet Aaron Coleman. The Montrose Center is proud to be a participant in the candlelight observance, held every December 1 at Tranquility Park in downtown Houston.

Certificate of Congressional Recognition
Presented to
The Montrose Center
On the Occasion of
World AIDS Day 2012

WHEREAS, World AIDS Day, celebrated on December 1, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 30 million people between 1981 and 2010, and an estimated 34 million people worldwide live with HIV, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. While the world is making great strides in treating those inflicted with AIDS, last year AIDS claimed the lives of an estimated 2 million lives, of which about 270,000 were children; and

WHEREAS, The Montrose Center empowers Houston’s communities, primarily the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families, to enjoy healthier and more fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, The Montrose Center envisions a healthier society marked by permanent, positive changes in attitudes and behaviors toward the LGBT community, and the ability of all LGBT individuals to realize their fullest potential with society; and

WHEREAS, Through World AIDS Day, we must continue to stand strong in our struggle to conquer this deadly epidemic affecting Americans of all backgrounds and the global community at large. All Americans and world citizens should have access to quality and affordable healthcare as they fight to live and be healthy; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, on behalf of the constituents of the Eighteenth Congressional District of Texas, I take great pride in recognizing the Montrose Counseling Center on the occasion of World AIDS Day 2012. Your hard work in treating all patients afflicted with this deadly epidemic is most deserving of the respect, admiration and commendation of the United States Congress.

November 30, 2012

Signed
Sheila Jackson Lee
Member of Congress