Who among us doesn’t think it took too long to pass civil unions into law and end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell? Why is our community still fighting for funding scraps to end the HIV epidemic?  How long will we wait for marriage equality?

This is why you should care about redistricting!  Uh, yes, you read that correctly.  What is this “redistricting” and how does it relate to the numerous issues outlined above?  The answer is simple.  Redistricting equals representation!  The process determines who represents us, how well they represent, what laws get passed, and ultimately, the very society we live in.

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) submitted on July 1, 2011 comments to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) on the vital role HIV case management and housing can play in a Medicaid coordinated care environment.   HFS requested the stakeholder input as the agency works to meet the goal of having half of all enrollees in some form of coordinated care by 2015, as required by the Medicaid reform law passed in early 2011. 

Read AFC’s comments

Visit the HFC Coordinated Care Forum website

On June 24, 2011, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) in conjunction with the Howard Brown Health Center and Equality Illinois hosted a pride themed webinar that detailed the latest information on LGBTQ health developments and legislation impacting the community. 

To learn more and view the webinar presentation materials .

On June 16, 2011, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) hosted a webinar detailing the impact that the state budget will have on HIV/AIDS funding and highlighting bills that AFC either spearheaded or collaborated on during the 2011 Illinois General Assembly spring session.  The webinar was presented by John Peller and Ramon Gardenhire of the AFC Policy Department and provides a comprehensive analysis of legislation and budget issues that will effect persons living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. 

To learn more and view the webinar presentation materials click here .

AFC on June 13, 2011 sent a letter to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn with recommendations on how to implement the state FY 2012 budget, which begins July 1.  The recommendations include implementing a Medicaid expansion for people with HIV and leveraging the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and touch on issues related to expanding accountability and transparency for state-funded HIV programs.