Executive Order 19-02

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Continuing the Governor's Hiv/Aids Advisory Council

WHEREAS, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), claims a life in the United States every twenty-four minutes, and is the fifth leading cause of death for men and women between the ages 25-44; and

WHEREAS, Montana State Government has a significant interest in protecting the public health;  and

WHEREAS, Montana has both the opportunity and the obligation to provide a constructive response to this HIV epidemic;  and

WHEREAS, such a response necessarily requires the commitment and resources of all levels of government coupled with a firm partnership with the private sector in order to effectively stem the spread of this disease;  and

WHEREAS, the 1994 "Report to the Governor:  Montana Responds to HIV/AIDS" and previous AIDS advisory councils have recommended the multiplicity of issues that transcend the singular responsibility of any one state agency;  and

WHEREAS, the need for an advisory and leadership mechanism is critical for an effective and publicly supported response to a very serious public health issue.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by the authority vested in me by Article VI, Section 4 of the Montana Constitution, and Section 2-15-201, MCA, do hereby establish the Governor's HIV/AIDS Advisory Council.

I.          PURPOSE

The Council shall provide the leadership required to recommend public policy to the Governor and Department Directors concerning the initiation, coordination, promotion, implementation and evaluation of services and activities that can effectively arrest the spread of the HIV infection and provide humane treatment for those that are or become infected;  and

II.          DUTIES

  The Department of Public Health and Human Services shall organize Regional HIV Prevention Community Planning groups according to the Governor's Health Planning Districts and in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control's HIV Prevention Community Planning process guidance.  These regional planning groups shall submit recommendations for a comprehensive Montana HIV prevention plan to the Council for review and response.

The Council shall meet regularly at the call of its Chair to seek information, discuss strategies to fulfill its purpose and act in its discretion to carry out the decisions it reaches.

III.         COMPOSITION

The names and addresses of members who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor are submitted by separate letter to the Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Secretary of State.  Staff support shall be provided by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

IV.        DURATION

The Council shall exist for a period of two years from the effective date of this Order unless extended by subsequent Executive Order.

This Order is effective immediately.

	GIVEN under my hand and the GREAT SEAL of the State of Montana, this ___ day of July, 2002. JUDY MARTZ, Governor
ATTEST: BOB BROWN, Secretary of State