Hundreds of Illinois ‘Super Heroes’ Rally at Capitol for
Increased HIV/AIDS Funding and Healthcare Expansion
at 7th Annual HIV/AIDS Lobby Day

(Springfield, IL) Clad in ‘Super Hero’ t-shirts and armed with personal stories, more than 150 AIDS advocates gathered at the State Capitol today to endorse Governor Blagojevich’s healthcare expansion plan and demand increased state funding for HIV prevention and treatment services. The rally was part of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Seventh Annual Illinois HIV/AIDS Lobby Day.

“For people living with HIV/AIDS, access to healthcare is priority number one. Healthcare access saves lives, saves money, and helps slow the spread of the epidemic,” said Mark Ishaug, executive director of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. “At the same time, voluntary testing with informed, written consent is a key component in the fight against the disease. If we can increase the number of people who know their status, we can help them get the medical care they need to live longer and healthier lives. We can’t have one piece without the other. That’s why we are calling on the General Assembly today to pass the Governor’s Illinois Covered plan and increase funding for HIV testing and prevention services.”

Of the estimated 40,000-42,000 Illinoisans living with HIV/AIDS, approximately 10,000 do not know they are infected with the virus. And of those aware of their status, an estimated 20,000 are uninsured or lack adequate insurance to meet their healthcare needs.

Advocates urged legislators to be “Super-Heroes” and appropriate $4 million to expand voluntary HIV testing in
emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, and community clinics; and to increase HIV prevention funding to help curb the spread of the disease.

Joining advocates at the rally were Illinois State Representatives Greg Harris (D-Chicago), Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Connie Howard (D-Chicago), as well as Michael T. McRaith, Director of the Illinois Division of Insurance, who spoke on behalf of Governor Blagojevich.

“Healthcare is a basic human right,” said McRaith, “Expanding coverage to the uninsured and underinsured is a priority for this administration.”

Martese Thomas, who has been living with HIV for the past 15 years, also spoke at the rally about her personal struggle without health insurance. Unemployed because of a work-related injury that left her back in constant pain, Thomas said she is barely scraping by and paying for healthcare is the biggest stress in her life.

“I always hear politicians talking about the problem but our Governor has stood up and offered a solution. I hope people will listen and support this plan. No one should have to go without the healthcare they need,” said Thomas.

Illinois HIV/AIDS Lobby Day is organized by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and sponsored by Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chicago Department of Public Health, Carolyn Grisko & Associates, C&M Pharmacy, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer Inc.

Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.

View Lobby Day materials