Mayor Jackie Biskupski will issue her first proclamation on Tuesday, March 29, declaring it “Kristen Ries and Maggie Snyder Day” in Salt Lake City. The ceremony will honor the two women who provided pioneering and compassionate health care for people with HIV/AIDS during the early years of the epidemic in Salt Lake City and County.

The Mayor and Salt Lake City Council will also recognize a joint resolution supporting the United Nations-sponsored Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination (CEDAW).

Both actions are in recognition of Women’s History Month. Salt Lake City Council Members Stan Penfold, Erin Mendenhall, and Lisa Adams will also participate in the events.

“There are many people in Salt Lake City, including myself, who consider Dr. Kristen Ries and Maggie Snyder heroes,” said Mayor Biskupski. “There are people in our city and around the state who will tell you they are alive today because of the compassion, courage, and intelligence of these two incredible women.”

Beginning in 1981, and for many decades after, Dr. Kristin Ries and Maggie Snyder provided care to people with HIV/AIDS, even as many other medical professionals in Salt Lake City turned them away. Their efforts were instrumental in helping to shatter myths about the virus, as well as developing comprehensive care efforts, like the services provided at Clinic 1A.

The CEDAW resolution supports a global U.N. campaign to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls, and empowering them to succeed in society.

“Our participation in this important campaign will help promote human rights and opportunities for all women and girls in Salt Lake City,” said Yolanda Francisco-Nez, Coordinator for Diversity and Human Rights for the Mayor’s Office.”We are pleased to join with other cities across the country to engage in a national dialogue about advancing equality for women.”