HIV and Corrections

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in correctional settings is believed to be 14 times greater than the rate of HIV/AIDS in the general population. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 2% of inmates in state prisons are estimated to be HIV-positive. Advocates are concerned that increases in the number of HIV-positive African-Americans may be linked to the disproportionate incarceration of African-American men and women.

2007 Condoms in Prison Update

Condom distribution in prisons is a pragmatic public health response to the emerging threat of HIV in correctional settings. State Rep. Monique Davis’ (D-Chicago) moved to enact such a response with the proposal of HB 686, a bill which would provide condoms to inmates in state prisons. Unfortunately, the bill failed to be called for a vote by the House Judiciary II Criminal Law Committee before the March 23, 2007 deadline. Despite this, an encouraging show of support by community members, including testimony by AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) Rev. Doris Green, proved that this issue will continue to be discussed in the future.

Fact Sheet on HB 686 (PDF)

Bill Text HB 686 (PDF)

March 15, 2007 House Committee Roll Call (PDF)

Chicago Tribune article on Committee Hearing (3/17/07) (PDF)

AFC’s Rev. Doris Green’s testimony (3/15/07)

Human Rights Watch Report (March 2007) (PDF)

Editorials

HIV and Corrections Overview:

San Francisco AIDS Foundation/Center for Health Justice Forum: Preventing HIV in Prisons and Jails (September 2007)

2005 Policy Priorities - Intersection of HIV and Prisons (PDF)

African-American HIV/AIDS Response Act (P.L. 94-0629)
Fact Sheet (PDF)

"Gov. Blagojevich Signs legislation to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS among African-Americans" (Press Release)

Illinois Legislature Approves New HIV/AIDS Funding (PDF)

2005 State Legislative News (PDF)

HRSA/CDC HIV & corrections demonstration project (2000-2004)

Recommendations to Improve Illinois Peer-Based HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Program (PDF)

Best Practices:

"Collaborative Research to Prevent HIV Among Prisoners and Their Families", Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (PDF)

"What Is the Role of Prisons in HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention?" Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (PDF)

News/Editorials on HIV and Corrections:

"Fighting AIDS Behind Bars",
New York Times, 7/18/07 (PDF)

"A Simple Way to Fight HIV and AIDS",
New York Times, 4/29/05 (PDF)

"Fighting AIDS Behind Bars",
New York Times, 6/10/05 (PDF)

"Fighting AIDS Behind Bars",
New York Times, 7/22/05 (PDF)

"New Law to Focus on HIV in Blacks",
Chicago Tribune, 8/19/05 (PDF)

Harm Reduction:

"Status Paper on Prisons, Drugs and Harm Reduction", World Health Organization (PDF)

New Statewide Ex-Offender Website:

The Chicago Jobs Council and the Illinois Department of Employment Security have launched a new statewide website dedicated to ex-offender employment issues.  The resources found on the website are intended to assist service providers on the frontline to better understand their clients, work more effectively with employers, and help their clients access all the supports they will need to be successful in the workplace.

Check our this great new online resource at: http://www.ides.state.il.us/ExOffenders/