2007 Policy Priorities: Time to Deliver
Mobilizing Science, Programs, and Resources to Stop New Infections

6. Expand Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing in Correctional Settings.

CHALLENGE: Thanks to State Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago) and State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois enacted in 2005 the African American HIV/AIDS Response Act (P.L. 94-0629). Among other important provisions, the law requires county jails to offer detainees HIV information and testing options, and creates a state commission on HIV and corrections. Unfortunately, no funding was appropriated to implement these trailblazing policies, or to expand HIV testing in prisons.

SOLUTION: Illinois must appropriate the funds necessary to begin implementing all provisions contained in the African American HIV/AIDS Response Act. Funding for these activities should not be diverted from other important public health and safety programs.

7. Provide HIV Treatment and Services to All Who Need Them.

CHALLENGE: Currently 1.4 million people in the U.S. are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS, yet an estimated 42 – 59% of those people are not in regular HIV care. Research indicates that individuals with a reduced viral load from antiretroviral therapies are less infectious than those with high viral loads. Essential services such as uninterrupted HIV care and treatment, substance abuse treatment, supportive housing, STD screening and treatment, and mental health services can address contributing factors for HIV transmission among vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, these programs and services are under-funded.

SOLUTION: Congress and President George W. Bush must:

• fully fund the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program, the newly reauthorized Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Act, and HIV prevention programs coordinated through the CDC;

• help HIV-positive Medicare beneficiaries afford the Part D prescription drug program by ending the coverage gap (also known as the “donut hole”) and allowing AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) expenditures to count toward out-of-pocket spending requirements; and

• pass the Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA) to enable states to provide Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive people prior to becoming disabled, when treatment is likely to reap the greatest health and societal benefits.

8. Expand Hepatitis Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment.

CHALLENGE: With at least 3.8 million Americans infected, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne infection in the U.S. The prevalence of HCV may be as high as 30% among people living with HIV/AIDS and 90% among those who contracted HIV through injection drug use. In Illinois, an estimated 229,000 residents—disproportionately people of color—are living with HCV. Many HCV infections among people living with HIV/AIDS remain undiagnosed and many co-infected individuals have never received hepatitis counseling and education. In fact, end-stage liver disease associated with HCV is now a major cause of death among people with HIV/AIDS.

SOLUTION: State and federal officials must fund viral hepatitis services and lead efforts to decrease hepatitis-related deaths. In Illinois, the state should fund the statewide hepatitis awareness program and advisory council created by P.L. 94-0406, which was passed in 2005 by Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe (R-Chicago).

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Printable Document (PDF)

Introduction

Ten Steps to Prevent New HIV Infections

Federal and State Legislative Agenda

The Comprehensive Agenda

Illinois HIV/AIDS Statistics