Protesters, Aldermen Voice Need
for Increased HIV Prevention Funds

Chicago—As 30 AIDS activists picketed outside City Hall, the issue of funding for HIV prevention dominated discussions at a City Council budget hearing.

During testimony from the health department, Aldermen Walter Burnett, Jr. (27th Ward), Freddrenna Lyle (6th Ward), Emma Mitts (37th Ward), Ed Smith (28th Ward), Arenda Troutman (20th Ward), and Tom Tunney (44th Ward) grilled Dr. John Wilhem, commissioner for the Chicago Department for Public Health, on the status of HIV/AIDS in Chicago. "There is a need and there is a case that can be made for increased HIV prevention funding…but we're facing difficult economic times," Wilhelm said in response to questions from the aldermen.

The six aldermen voiced concern that the amount of money budgeted for HIV prevention is not enough to keep pace with the rising number of new cases. Since 1997, the number of reported AIDS cases in Chicago has increased by 32%, yet in that same time period, the city's funding for HIV prevention programs decreased 8%. This funding gap leaves many people at risk for HIV without access to vital education and information.

"This is an issue near and dear to my heart," said Alderman Tunney, whose 44th Ward encompasses an area hard hit by the AIDS epidemic. Tunney urged his colleagues to increase funding for HIV prevention services. "Where there's a will, there's a way," he stated.

"When we can only get so much funding from the federal government, we need to step up to the plate," said Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. "With HIV and AIDS devastating minority communities and with deaths increasing, we need to do more."

"Mayor Daley's proposed increase of $100,000 for city HIV prevention funding does not adequately address Chicago's growing need for HIV education and prevention services," said David Munar, associate director of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. "AFC and partner organizations are asking aldermen to instead support a $1 million increase in HIV prevention funds, which will help curb the growing number of Chicagoans who contract the incurable disease."

Over the next six weeks, City Council will determine how to appropriate Chicago's proposed $6 billion annual budget for 2004. The following fifteen aldermen have pledged to support a $1 million increase in prevention funds: Carrie Austin, Walter Burnett, Jr., Rey Colón, Manuel Flores, Leslie Hairston, Emma Mitts, Joe Moore, Pat O'Connor, Frank Olivo, Toni Preckwinkle, Helen Shiller, Ed Smith, Mary Ann Smith, Arenda Troutman, and Tom Tunney.

Established in 1985 to provide central leadership in the fight against the epidemic, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) promotes sound HIV/AIDS public policy, funds HIV/AIDS prevention and care projects, and through its Service Providers Council, helps to coordinate the delivery of essential HIV/AIDS services. For more information on AFC, visit www.aidschicago.org.

City funding campaign