By John Peller

Although summer is in full swing, Illinois health care providers have an unprecedented opportunity to re-examine their routine HIV testing practices, thanks to new regulations and information provided by the state of Illinois.
 
First, the Illinois Department of Public Health released after a nearly four-year delay final regulations implementing updates to the state's HIV testing law passed in 2007.  The regulations are the final piece needed to align state HIV testing policies with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations that providers routinely offer HIV testing to all patients ages 13-64.
 

We are excited to report victory in our efforts to fight back attempts to restrict access to lifesaving HIV medications for Medicaid recipients.  Earlier this year, the Governor and state lawmakers proposed restricting access to the most effective, one-pill a day HIV medications such as Atripla, Truvada, or Kaletra by imposing a cumbersome, arbitrary prior authorization requirement.

Updated HIV Testing Guidelines

In May 2012, the Illinois Department of Public Health revised HIV testing regulations to reflect the updated law on HIV testing in Illinois. Our latest fact sheet summarizes the current HIV testing law and regulations, and is a useful guide for clinicians.

For more on HIV testing regulations in Illinois:
See the revised Illinois HIV/AIDS Confidentiality and Testing Code here.
See the revised and compiled Illinois HIV/AIDS Confidentiality and Testing Code here.
See the Illinois AIDS Confidentiality Act here.

'Tis the season. Election season, that is! Are you ready to do your civic duty?

The Tuesday, November 6th General Election is just around the corner and important deadlines for voters are fast approaching. Without pressure from people living with HIV/AIDS and their supporters, elected officials will never take the steps necessary to end AIDS. The place to start is in the voting booth!

1. First things first…Make sure you are registered to vote!

Did you move? Change your name? Turn 18? Or are just not sure if you are registered to vote? Check out your voter registration status here.

2. Still need to register? Get your application in the mail  by Tuesday, October 9th

Chicago resident voter registration application (English) (Spanish)
Statewide voter registration application (English) (Spanish)

Not sure where to send your completed form? Find your local election authority.

3. Miss the October 9th deadline? No worries!

You can still register Wednesday, October 10th - Saturday, November 3rd in person at your local election authority.

For more information on important dates visit Illinois Board of Elections.

For more information on Illinois Voter Registration requirements go here.

Get answers to more frequently asked questions about the Elections in Illinois here.

Starting this week, $3 can win you $40,000 while you support the effort to end HIV/AIDS in Illinois! The Illinois Lottery on August 7th re-launched the popular Red Ribbon Cash game, a $3 instant scratch-off lottery ticket. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this lottery game will go toward HIV prevention and care. 

The Red Ribbon lottery was first enacted in 2007 and had been set to sunset this December. Through the hard work of community advocates including West Side HIV/AIDS providers, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and the bill’s sponsors Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), this program has been extended until 2017.

This year the General Assembly passed a devastating state budget that slashes funding for community-based HIV prevention, care and housing programs by 42%. This game provides an independent funding stream generated by the community for HIV/AIDS prevention and care in areas hardest hit by this epidemic.

Treatment is vital to preventing new HIV infections. New evidence demonstrates people with HIV who are receiving treatment reduce transmission to others by 96%. As U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently noted, an AIDS-free generation is a possibility.  

Last year alone, the Red Ribbon lottery generated $1.4 million for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care.  You can help to surpass that amount this year by spreading the word about the Red Ribbon lottery in your community.

For only $3, purchase Illinois’ ticket to an AIDS-free state with the Red Ribbon Cash instant scratch-off game.  Tickets are currently available at all participating retailers.

Learn more about the Red Ribbon campaign here.