By Ella Shapiro
Even though Women’s History Month has come to an end, AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) wanted to continue the celebration of impactful women by recognizing a local advocate who has devoted herself to supporting other women for almost 30 years. Dr. Cynthia Tucker, AFC’s Vice President of Prevention and Community Partnerships, has spent decades helping cisgender...
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On March 29, 13-year-old Adam Toledo was fatally shot by a police officer during a foot pursuit in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Despite outcry from both the community and his family, the City of Chicago has not released full details surrounding his death. AIDS Foundation Chicago stands with Enlace Chicago , ACLU-IL and other organizations in demanding a full and transparent investigation...
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By Ella Shapiro
Working as a server can be incredibly stressful. During my shifts I am constantly multitasking: running food, taking orders and calming upset customers. I prepare each day by stocking extra plates and silverware, making sure I know the daily specials and fluffing the cushions on each chair. I prepare like this in the hopes my shift will run more smoothly. But being...
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Revised March 29, 2021
1. Safety
The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. No steps have been skipped during the rigorous and highly regulated development process. All COVID-19 vaccines were thoroughly reviewed and approved for use by the U.S. FDA.
2. How COVID-19 vaccines work
All three vaccines –Johnson & Johnson (J&J),...
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By Ella Shapiro
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Milani Varela, 33, used to take the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) twice a week to a clinic where she attended individual and group therapy sessions. When her clinic closed to support social distancing, Milani's therapy sessions moved to Zoom. This let Milani sleep in later, save money on transportation and reduce her risk of exposure...
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Español abajo
AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) staff, board and partners deeply grieve the death of Román Buenrostro, who passed away on March 25, 2021, from complications of cancer. Román, who most recently served as AFC’s Director of Special Projects, is survived by his husband, Daniel Skelton, and many friends and family members.
Román’s...
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Over a year into the pandemic, equitable progress has not been made to address the racial disparities in health outcomes that have existed and been exacerbated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, systemic racism made Black, Indigenous and Latinx/e communities deeply vulnerable to increased risk of illness, and as a result, we have seen disproportionate numbers of deaths from COVID-19 complications...
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By Mia Caballero
I started my social media internship at AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) in January of 2020, a few months before most staff started working remotely. I am extremely grateful to have had two months to get to know some staff and attend in-person meetings like the Annual Meeting. Because a lot of the work I do is online, it wasn’t too hard to transition to working...
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By Ella Shapiro
For 35-year-old Chicago-based community activist Jo MaMa, attending their doctor appointments used to be a nightmare. At the time, Jo wasn’t comfortable with their HIV status being public. When Jo went to the doctor in-person, they felt they ran the risk of seeing someone they knew and compromising their privacy. As a result, Jo would experience severe anxiety...
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Update: On March 17, 2021, the City of Chicago announced anyone 16 and older who is living with HIV will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines after Monday, March 29. The supply of vaccines will remain limited, and it may be challenging for people living with HIV to get an appointment. AFC recommends that people who are eligible contact their primary care provider if they have one. Residents can...
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