2006 Policy Priorities:
Bringing an End to AIDS

2006 State Policy Priorities

3. Address the Intersection of HIV and Incarceration: AFC calls on Illinois to implement current legislation to provide HIV prevention and care services for inmates and their families during the term of incarceration and upon release. The vast majority of people incarcerated return to community life and face enormous obstacles finding safe and affordable housing, gainful employment, essential healthcare, and other needed services. In order to reduce recidivism and prevent the spread of HIV, the state should also expand and improve community re-entry services for HIV-positive ex-prisoners.

Implement the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Act: The African-American HIV/AIDS Response Act, signed into law by Gov. Blagojevich last year, contains important provisions that merit implementation. The General Assembly should appropriate a minimum of $150,000 each to the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to pilot expanded HIV prevention services in high-traffic state offices; improve HIV services in prison facilities and their visitor centers; assist local jails to devise HIV counseling and testing programs; and convene a statewide HIV and corrections response panel to monitor progress addressing the intersection of HIV and corrections in Illinois.

Interventions for Inmates and Ex-Inmates: Public health, county jails, and IDOC officials must work together and collaborate with community agencies to improve HIV prevention and care services for inmates and ex-inmates. Without immediate social services upon release, HIV-positive ex-inmates risk dangerous treatment lapses, housing instability, and behaviors that can put others at risk for transmission. They also run the risk of landing back in jail or prison. IDPH should continue to support community re-entry services—such as case management, healthcare, addictions treatment, housing, job training, and prevention—tailored for ex-inmates with HIV/AIDS. Similar recommendations are expected later this year from the Governor’s Community Safety & Re-entry Commission, which counts as a member AFC Executive Director Mark Ishaug.

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Printable Document (PDF)

Introduction

State Policy Priorities

Treatment Access

HIV Prevention

HIV and Incarceration

Federal Policy Priorities

Healthcare for PWAs

Science-Based Prevention

Housing

Illinois Statistics

Additional Statistics