A Call to Action: 2003 Illinois HIV/AIDS Policy Priorities

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has prepared this report to inform Illinois awmakers, community advocates, and the general public of the policies Illinois should pursue in order to adequately respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in our state.

Making progress against HIV/AIDS is a public health imperative. Since 1981, HIV/AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 15,000 Illinoisans, and as many as 35,000 Illinoisans are believed to be living with the disease. The crisis has most severely affected African Americans and Latinos who account for just 27% of the state's population but more than 60% of all reported AIDS cases. The epidemic will continue unabated unless swift actions are taken to curb new infections and help those living with and affected by the disease.

In A Call to Action AFC describes a package of state policy reforms and funding provisions designed to dramatically reduce new HIV infections and improve the health, well being, and productivity of Illinoisans living with HIV/AIDS. Endorsing the reforms AFC recommends is a sound and cost-effective investment in Illinois's future; the returns will be measured in HIV infections averted, in lives saved, and in future healthcare costs reduced.

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to members of our Statewide Advocacy Network and Policy/Advocacy Committee for providing input in the development of AFC's 2003 state policy priorities. This document was prepared and released in January 2003.

Printable Document (PDF)

Executive Summary

HIV Prevention Priorities

HIV Care Priorities

Prevention Background