The HIV Resource Coordination HUB (the HUB) is Chicago’s one-stop shop for comprehensive healthcare, regardless of HIV status, and last month marked five years of operation for the HUB. You might have seen HUB ads on public transit or social media that say, “Navigating healthcare sucks,” – the HIV Hub is helping to change that.
The HUB is funded by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and their partnership and support has lessened barriers for clients managing and navigating healthcare outside of case management. The HUB is a community partnership between AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) and the Center on Halsted, founded to expand access and reduce the friction of linkage to health care, housing, and support services in the Chicago area. Since launching in February 2020, the HUB has provided comprehensive information, direct connections to HIV and housing services, and emergency financial assistance to over 1,300 individuals living with and vulnerable to HIV. Over $200k has been disbursed to prevent homelessness or evictions. In the last year, HUB staff provided over 6,000 customer service interactions to clients to help them connect or stay connected to health care.
To expand awareness of this vital resource in the South and West side communities, the HUB’s campaign “Navigating Healthcare Sucks” is on and in CTA buses, trains and stations citywide. Made possible with support from CDPH and GILEAD Sciences, this bilingual campaign can be seen prominently at 21 “L” train stations on the Red, Green, Pink, and Orange lines and 200+ train cars and bus banners in South and West Side neighborhoods. In 2024, this campaign gained an additional 7 million impressions. Additionally, the HUB increased its presence and reach by participating in 30+ community activations including 2024’s Spring THAW, PrEP and Prevention Summit, Chicago Pride events, and the De-Siloing Aging, HIV and LGBTQ+ Services Summit.
You can spread awareness of the HUB too - tell your friends and family, and share this article on social media with the hashtag #HIVhub!
How do I connect to the HUB?
-Call 1-844-HUB-4040 to connect you to the Center on Halsted HIV/ STI Call & PrEP center to reach a rapid response team to support you in connected with services that you need. For general questions, please email [email protected].
-Visit hivhub.org to access the latest updates and annoucements on what’s happening at the HUB.
We now offer quarterly HUB 101 Presentations that provide an understanding of the services offered, client enrollments, and special activities. Need a more team centered presentation? To schedule a virtual session or for questions on accessing care, reach out to:
Ana Garcia, HIV Resource Coordination HUB Manager at [email protected]
Melanie Cross, Senior Manager, Care Systems Management at [email protected]
