Milestones
2018: AFC and the city and state departments of public health launched the draft plan for Getting to Zero Illinois, an ambitious project to end new HIV transmissions in the state by 2030.
2017: Nearly 800 advocates from across the nation made 1,000 calls and 900 social media posts opposing legislation that would have drastically compromised health care through AFC’s digital advocacy system and outreach efforts.
2016: In collaboration with the Chicago PrEP Working Group and Egalite, AFC launched PrEP4Love, a CTA and digital campaign that raises awareness of PrEP among prioirty populations in Chicago.
2015: AFC activated more than 2,700 advocates through in-person and online opportunities to rally against the budget impasse in Illinois.
2014: The successful In-Person Counselor program, along with new medical benefits coordinators, helped 3,422 people enroll in Medicaid or Illinois health insurance marketplace plans.
2013: Thanks to bold advocacy in Springfield, AFC persuaded state lawmakers to restore $3.25 million in funding reductions slated for the state’s HIV budget. AFC also co-led the advocacy campaign that prevailed in securing legislative support for Medicaid expansion in Illinois. We also championed legislation that ensures that school children receive medically accurate, comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual education.
2012: Tens of thousands of people descended upon Washington, D.C. for the International AIDS Conference, where AFC played a major role organizing thousands for AIDS response march, leading a networking zone for HIV prevention advocates, and speaking on an array of important topics. For example, openly HIV-positive AFC Board member Rev. Charles Straight gave a moving invocation to more than 30,000 conference attendees.
2011: AFC launched a multi-year advertising campaign called “Change My Story” to promote the benefits of HIV testing and health care services. The campaign included bus shelter ads, publicity events, and a dedicated website and social media campaign with referrals information.
2007: AFC collaborates with state lawmakers to pass legislation expanding voluntary HIV testing while preserving patient rights to informed consent. The bill also allows for a more streamlined approach to HIV testing in medical settings.
2006: AFC works in partnership with the Chicago City Council to increase HIV prevention funding by $500,000 as part of the 2007 city budget.
2005: The AIDS Foundation of Chicago commemorates its 20th year of service in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
2004: AFC launches a cutting-edge public awareness campaign developed pro bono by the advertising firm Chicago Creative Partnership.
2003: AFC works with legislators and community organizations to help pass landmark HIV prevention legislation allowing adults to purchase and possess syringes without a prescription. The bill is signed into law by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on July 25.
2002: AFC is selected to lead a three-year housing and research partnership for people who are chronically ill, including those with HIV/AIDS.
2001: AFC launches a new prevention program for people living with HIV, and expands evaluation and research programs linking local universities and community-based organizations.
2000: AFC passes landmark HIV prevention legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives that will allow adults to purchase sterile syringes at pharmacies without a prescription.
1999: AFC funds new case management initiative that links HIV-positive individuals returning to the community from correctional settings with integrated health care and support services.
1998: AFC leads a successful fight against mandatory name reporting of people with HIV.
1997: AFC saves the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program from collapse by convincing Governor Edgar and the Illinois General Assembly to increase state funding by $8 million.
1996: AFC awards more than $1 million to 55 agencies.
1995: AFC publishes the city’s first-ever AIDS housing strategic plan, resulting in increased housing units for people living with HIV and improved coordination and collaboration among local providers.
1994: AFC extends its case management and related services to beyond the city and suburban Cook County to McHenry, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, Grundy and Will Counties.
1993: AFC leads an eight-month effort to double the State of Illinois AIDS budget from $3.5 million to $7 million.
1992: AFC leads a successful campaign to prevent the state from closing a critical Medicaid program for hundreds of persons living with AIDS.
1991: AFC receives Ryan White CARE Act funds for case management and other critical support services.
1990: Art Against AIDS/Chicago raises $500,000 for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
1989: AFC establishes the Northeastern Illinois HIV/AIDS Case Management Cooperative, a network of community agencies providing case management services to people with HIV/AIDS. AFC’s Service Providers Council grows from 15 to 75 agencies.
1988: AFC launches its private grantmaking program and awards $200,000 to local community organizations.
1987: Marshall Field’s hosts Show of Concern and raises more than $500,000 for AFC’s grantmaking program.
1986: AFC creates the Service Providers Council to bring together community agencies in the fight against AIDS.
1985: AFC is founded by local visionaries, including Dr. Ron Sable, Dr. Renslow Sherer, Judy Carter and William Young.