OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL MAYOR
July 6, 2011
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
1 transmit herewith a congratulatory resolution concerning David E. Munar. Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Mayor
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RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, This month marks the 30th year of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Since June 5, 1981, when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first identified this horrific' disease, HIV/AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 25 million people worldwide, including 600,000 Americans, and has become one of the most destructive diseases in recorded history; and
WHEREAS, To honor Americans who have dedicated themselves to ending the scourge of HIV/AIDS, President Barack Obama recently recognized David Ernesto Munar of the Aids Foundation of Chicago ("AFC") as one of nine "Champions of Change" in the battle to defeat this deadly disease; and
WHEREAS, "Champions of Change" is a weekly White House initiative that profiles ordinary Americans whose extraordinary contributions to the community are helping our Nation meet the challenges of the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Munar was named a "Champion of Change" for his outstanding work in formulating innovative responses to the HIV/AIDS crisis and in managing the AFC's $16 million portfolio of care, prevention, and policy programs and services; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Northwestern University, Mr. Munar has worked for the AFC since 1991. In February of 2011, he was appointed president and chief executive officer of the AFC, a position which he holds today; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career at the AFC, Mr. Munar has collaborated with colleagues locally and nationally to spur advocacy and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, including the Minnesota AIDS Project, the Southern REACH Initiative, the Treatment Access Expansion Project, CHAMP and SisterLove; and
WHEREAS, An advocate for expanded, voluntary HIV testing programs providing the highest level of quality and patient protections, Mr. Munar worked tirelessly with legal professionals to develop Guiding Principles for HIV Testing Expansion. These principles have been endorsed by more than 75 organizations nationwide; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Mr. Munar helped to found the Coalition for a National AIDS Strategy, which mobilized thousands of people and organizations across the Country to advocate for a national plan of action against HIV/AIDS. Thanks in large part to this grassroots effort, President Obama unveiled in 2010 the Nation's first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy to chart a course of action against HIV/AIDS. Mr. Munar is now working with government officials to ensure full implementation of this ambitious plan; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Munar has served on numerous advisory boards for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources Services Administration and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and on the governing boards of the Association of
Latino Men in Action, Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief Coalition, Harm Reduction Coalition, National Association of People with AIDS and AIDS Action Council, where he chaired the Policy Committee from 2008 to 2010. He currently serves on the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program Advisory Board, the Illinois Intergovernmental HIV/AIDS Task Force, and on the board of directors of the Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative. In 2011, the International AIDS Society selected Mr. Munar to serve on the 2012 International AIDS Conference Coordinating Committee; POZ Magazine named him one of its 100 most influential AIDS advocates; and the City of Chicago inducted Mr. Munar into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Due in large part to the sustained efforts of advocates such as David Ernesto Munar, and to Mr. Munar's own excellent stewardship of the AFC's trailblazing work, our Nation is on the cusp of groundbreaking advances in treating HIV/AIDS that hold out the hope of eradicating this insidious disease during our lifetime; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this sixth day of July, 2011, do hereby congratulate David Ernesto Munar for being recognized as a "Champion of Change" and extend to him our best wishes for continued success; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to David Ernesto Munar as a token of our appreciation and esteem.