10,000 Illinoisans Do Not Know They Are HIV-Positive

AFC Calls for Increased State Funding, Technical Assistance to Expand Voluntary HIV Testing in Healthcare Settings

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Recognizing that as many as 10,000 state residents may be unaware of their HIV-positive status, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) calls on state leaders to develop and adequately fund a new program to expand the offer of voluntary HIV testing in Illinois healthcare settings.

“Illinois needs a comprehensive testing-expansion plan that is well thought out and implemented,” said AFC Associate Director David Ernesto Munar. “In an era of life-saving HIV therapies, more must be done to help people gain access to voluntary testing, healthcare, and support services that could dramatically improve their health.”

AFC calls on Illinois lawmakers to approve a new $2 million appropriation for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to plan and implement a coordinated campaign designed to expand the offer of HIV testing in Illinois healthcare settings. The funding request, if approved, would allow IDPH to make targeted testing-expansion grants across Illinois and provide healthcare workers with training and technical assistance.

Decreasing racial and ethnic health disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS is a central goal of the proposed program.

"HIV/AIDS is a growing crisis in Illinois communities of color," said Rev. Doris Green, AFC’s director of community affairs. “By increasing the offer of voluntary testing in community clinics, doctors’ offices, and emergency rooms, we can increase the number of people who know their status and receive appropriate prevention, medical care, and other important services.”

An estimated 40,000-42,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Illinois; and approximately 10,000 of them (one in four) do not know they have HIV. As a result, these individuals lack specialized medical care that would help many to live longer, healthier lives. People of color are estimated to account for two-thirds or more of individuals with undiagnosed HIV infection.

Grassroots Support Needed

AFC calls on all Illinois organizations and individuals concerned about HIV/AIDS to lend their support by signing and faxing the petition posted here immediately and no later than Tuesday, March 13. AFC hopes to show lawmakers a long list of individuals and organizations that support these efforts.

Sign the Petition

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