Governor Increases Funding for ADAP, HIV Prevention

SPRINGFIELD, IL-The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) applauds Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich for including a $3.1 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and a $1 million increase for HIV/AIDS prevention programs targeting minority communities in his fiscal year 2005 budget proposal.

"With these increases, Governor Blagojevich has shown true leadership in the fight against AIDS," said Mark Ishaug, AFC executive director. "Today's budget proposal ensures that thousands of people living with HIV will continue to have access to life-saving medications and that people at risk for HIV will have the education and support they need to prevent the spread of the epidemic."

The additional funding for ADAP, combined with an estimated $2.4 million in new federal funds, means that Illinois will continue to provide one of the most comprehensive ADAP programs in the country. Currently 15 states have capped enrollment or implemented program restrictions, and nationwide this year, thousands of people will likely be on ADAP waiting lists. ADAP has been widely lauded for reducing AIDS-related deaths by helping to keep low-income, HIV-positive individuals healthy and productive.

Of the $3.1 million ADAP increase, Governor Blagojevich earmarked $1.6 million for program expansion, allowing ADAP clients access to psychotropic drugs and other therapies needed to manage HIV. "Adding these classes of drugs to ADAP significantly increases our ability to address the comprehensive health needs of people living with HIV/AIDS," said Ishaug.

Fulfilling his 2003 World AIDS Day pledge, Governor Blagojevich also increased funding for HIV prevention programs targeting communities of color by $1 million. The additional funds bring the total request for minority-specific prevention dollars to $3 million.

In 2002, people of color represented 70% of Illinois AIDS cases. Although African Americans represent only 16% of the state's population, they make up 56.2% of recently diagnosed HIV cases.

AFC also commends the governor for including a $47.5 million increase for home services for the disabled, which assist approximately 1,400 people with AIDS, and expanding Medicaid benefits for working parents through the Family Care program. AFC estimates that hundreds of uninsured parents with HIV could receive healthcare coverage under the Family Care expansion.

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Founded 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 care and prevention projects, and through its Service Providers Council, helps to coordinate the delivery of essential HIV/AIDS services.