AIDS Foundation of Chicago Funds
Faith-based HIV Prevention Initiative

CHICAGO—The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) announced today the award of $120,000 to 12 churches and faith-based organizations as part of the its new Faith in Prevention initiative, which aims to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS on the health of African-American men and women in Chicago. The U.S. Office of Minority Health is funding the initiative as part of a special grant secured by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).

"Faith-based organizations can be a powerful force in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and confronting the stigma attached to this disease," said Rev. Doris Green, who is heading up the initiative for AFC. "We were thrilled by the number of churches that submitted grant applications. It was an incredible testament to the growing commitment in the African American community to address HIV prevention and care issues."

According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, African Americans in Chicago accounted for more than half (57%) of new HIV infections among adults and adolescents diagnosed between 2001-2002 - the most recent year for which data is available.

AFC created the Faith in Prevention initiative to help foster leadership and collaboration among faith-based organizations and promote prevention education and awareness in communities most affected by the epidemic. The funded organizations include: AIDS Pastoral Care Network, Church of the Open Door/Open Door Center for Community Change, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Fernwood United Methodist (P.E.N. Ministries), Hyde Park Union Church, Learning Center Gospel Chapel/Results Plus Ministries, Liberty Baptist Church, Martin Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Mount Carmel Community Development Corporation, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, and West Side Pastor's Coalition for AIDS.

Each of the funded organizations is receiving a leadership grant of $10,000 to support a variety of activities, including HIV outreach and education, HIV prevention ministries, support groups, and awareness events.

"Prevention programs are the best defense we have against HIV today. They're cost effective and have been proven successful. This new initiative responds to the great need for more HIV prevention education in African-American communities," said Senator Durbin.

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Established in 1985 to provide central leadership in the fight against the epidemic, 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.

AFC Awards $1.3 Million to Local HIV/AIDS Programs