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ACTION=LIFE: Fighting
AIDS Must be a Statewide Priority
The
number of new infections in Illinois remains unacceptably high, and complacency
about HIV/AIDS and risk-reduction remains a formidable challenge. Many
Illinoisans do not know their HIV status, and others at-risk lack adequate
education and support to prevent new infections. Without additional resources,
HIV infections will increase and people living with HIV will be denied
services.
The
state government should aggressively combat AIDS in Illinois by doing
the following:
- Appropriate
no less than $3 million for HIV prevention services in communities
of color to respond to the AIDS crisis among African Americans
and Latinos.
- Increase
funding by $6 million for the AIDS
Drug Assistance Program in order to provide uninsured and
low-income Illinoisans with uninterrupted access to lifesaving
HIV medications that prevent disability and help individuals remain
independent and productive.
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ADAP
Needs $6M Increase:
Enrollment is growing—
Illinois ADAP helped 11% more people last year than
the year before.
Drug costs are sky-rocketing—The cost of
medications to ADAP increased 12% last year alone.
The need for ADAP is rising—New federal
testing initiatives will result in more people knowing
their HIV-positive status and needing medication assistance.
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- Pass
legislation to:
- Increase
HIV prevention and care services in diverse settings, including
correctional facilities.
- Prevent
housing discrimination based on a person's source of income.
- Improve
the state's stand-by guardianship program, which helps terminally
ill parents plan for the future care of their children.
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Regulatory
Advocacy
AFC and
its statewide allies will work closely with the Blagojevich administration
to advance several regulatory issues:
- Create
new regulations to make new, same-day "rapid" testing technology available
statewide.
- Develop
a federal waiver application to extend
Medicaid to HIV-positive, non-disabled people.
- Strengthen
the capacity of local health departments to conduct HIV testing, disease
surveillance, and public education.
Read
the next page
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Printable
Document
(PDF)
Introduction
Federal Priorities
Statewide Priorities
Community Priorities
HIV/AIDS in Illinois
Back
to main Policy Priorities page
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