Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies). Nominees should be 30 years or younger as of June 30, 2024, and should have made substantial contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in the fields of entertainment, politics, health, activism, academics, sports or other areas.
The awards ceremony will take place Thursday, June 5.
The deadline to nominate individuals is Friday, April 11.
Hundreds of people have been honored by the paper in the 20 years since the awards were established. Many honorees have gone on to great success in their professional and educational endeavors. One past honoree became the mayor of a major U.S. city, and many others have achieved success in the arts, law, academia and other areas.
Individuals, organizations, co-workers, etc. can nominate a person by emailing Windy City Times Senior Writer Andrew Davis at [email protected]. (Be sure to put “30 Under 30” in the email’s heading and to include the nominee’s contact information.) People are welcome to nominate themselves.
The nomination should be 100 words or fewer, and should state what achievements or contributions the nominee has made. Nominators should include their own names and contact information as well as the contact information and the age of the nominee.
Note: Following the policy instituted in 2005, individuals can only win once. Past winners are ineligible.
Windy City Times, AIDS Foundation Chicago and Pride Action Tank are sponsoring the event. Those individuals and corporations interested in sponsoring should contact August Spree at [email protected].
Last year, Windy City Times revived the Awards after a four-year hiatus.
Honorees will be notified in May.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, AIDS Foundation Chicago learned from national partners that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under President Trump’s directive to cut federal spending, are considering eliminating all funding for the Division of HIV Prevention (DHP) at CDC. This narrow-sighted and misguided action would have dangerous outcomes for our communities and would roll back decades of progress we have made to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and Illinois by the year 2030.
Not only would eliminating DHP funding violate appropriations law, it also runs counter to decades of bipartisan support for HIV prevention across presidential administrations, including President Trump who during his first term established the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative (EHE) to inject new funding for HIV prevention in 57 highest-need jurisdictions. Cook County is one of those 57 jurisdictions. Since its establishment in 2019, the EHE initiative at the CDC has resulted in a 21% reduction in HIV incidence in EHE jurisdictions, far above the national average over that same period.
AFC was proud to be one of 155 organizations that signed a letter from the Federal AIDS Policy Partnership (FAPP) to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in defense of HIV prevention funding at CDC. AFC was also an endorsing organization in a Congressional letter to President Trump opposing the funding cuts to HIV prevention that was co-led by Illinois’ own Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), along with Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Jeffrey A. Merkley (OR). The following Members of Congress from the Illinois delegation signed onto the letter to President Trump:
Senator Richard Durbin
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) [Co-Lead with Rep. Pocan]
Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03)
Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04)
Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05)
Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06)
Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07)
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08)
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)
Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10)
Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11)
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
We applaud these 14 Members of Congress from the Illinois delegation for their commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois, and for their rapid response to push back against this harmful policy. We thank them for standing up for their constituents who are vulnerable to HIV and who depend on HIV prevention funding for HIV testing and counseling, linkage to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), access to condoms to prevent HIV and STIs, and more.
AFC is committed to protecting HIV treatment and prevention funding, and ensuring that we have dedicated and separate funding for each, because people who are HIV-positive and HIV-negative have distinct needs. We look forward to working with our elected officials at all levels of government to ensure that these funding streams are protected. We urge you to call your federal representatives to let them know you support life-saving HIV prevention services. AIDS United has created an action alert that includes a sample script, and PrEP4All is leading a petition you can sign.
Longtime HIV champion and Congresswoman for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District Robin Kelly is standing up for global HIV funding. Rep. Kelly, with Congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin (WI-02), led 109 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month. The letter demands action to stop the Trump Administration’s unlawful pause of global HIV and AIDS programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. Also signing on from Illinois were Reps. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Sean Casten (IL-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Bill Foster (IL-11).
“[A] halt in these services threatens millions of lives, undermines decades of progress, and diminishes U.S. leadership in global health security and diplomacy,” the letter states.
Rep. Kelly has been a champion of HIV services and of communities most impacted by HIV, supporting federal funding for HIV through the Ryan White and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs, engaging with her LGBTQ+ constituents through regular LGBTQ+ community roundtables, and promoting initiatives to address disparities in health outcomes for Black women and girls. Rep. Kelly has worked to improve HIV funding and policy since her days in the Illinois General Assembly as a state representative from 2002-2007.
“Representative Kelly consistently shows up for our communities. Her steadfast leadership will be a tremendous asset in the fight to protect and reauthorize PEPFAR. We cannot end the HIV epidemic domestically if we don’t address it globally as well,” said Omar Martinez Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy for AIDS Foundation Chicago.
PEPFAR has been a cornerstone of the global response to the HIV epidemic. According to the State Department, which administers the program, PEPFAR has saved 26 million lives since its inception in 2003, and has prevented perinatal transmission of HIV for 7.8 million babies. Across 55 countries, PEPFAR served 20.6 million people as of September 2024, including over 550,000 children. 83.8 million people received HIV testing services in 2024 due to PEPFAR, which also provides access to HIV care and medication, and PrEP for HIV prevention. Among people connected to care through PEPFAR, 95% of adults and 89% of children are virally suppressed. In 2024 alone, 2.5 million new people were enrolled in PrEP prescriptions through the PEPFAR program. PEPFAR supports 90% of PrEP prescriptions globally. In countries served by PEPFAR in 2023 as compared to 2010 data, HIV transmission has decreased 56%, and HIV-related deaths have decreased by 59%.
PEPFAR supports hundreds of thousands of global healthcare workers and has protected global health through its successful response to prevention and treatment of HIV. This bolsters economies and diplomatic ties across countries and continents. As noted in the letter from Kelly and Pocan, PEPFAR is a prime example of the United States’ “soft power,” a way of showing global leadership through humanitarian causes and economic development that results in strengthened relationships for the U.S. worldwide. For decades, the United States has led the world through exercising soft power with programs like PEPFAR and USAID, initiatives that have long enjoyed strong bipartisan support both for their life-saving outcomes and for the goodwill they engender. The United States’ global impact on the HIV epidemic has been immense, and the country should not abdicate its primacy of leadership in that fight.
In an inextricably interconnected and globalized world, a failure to combat HIV abroad will translate to increased transmission worldwide, leading to needless deaths, including here in the U.S. Relinquishing its global leadership role will not only worsen health outcomes and mortality rates, including among pregnant women, children, and newborns, but will signify a diminishment in stature for the United States as a global actor and diplomatic force.
AIDS Foundation Chicago thanks Congresswoman Kelly and all those fighting to protect and reauthorize PEPFAR. It is an essential, lifesaving program that brings us closer to ending the HIV epidemic, creates a safer and healthier world, and epitomizes America’s global leadership.
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]
The House is set to vote on their budget resolution today, which includes massive cuts to Medicaid. Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans will lose their access to health care if this budget resolution passes. Help us flood Rep. Bost, LaHood, and Miller’s phones TODAY to say NO to this budget resolution, and NO to Medicaid cuts! Use the phone numbers and sample language below to get started.
Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12)
Office Phone: (202) 225-5661
Sample Language: “I’m calling to ask Rep. Bost to stand with his 218,129 constituents who rely on Medicaid for lifesaving medical care by voting NO on the Republican budget resolution that would slash this vital safety net program. ANY cuts to Medicaid are nonstarters. Thank you for your time.”
Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15)
Office Phone: (202) 225-5271
Sample Language: “I’m calling to ask Rep. Miller to stand with her 190,635 constituents who rely on Medicaid for lifesaving medical care by voting NO on the Republican budget resolution that would slash this vital safety net program. ANY cuts to Medicaid are nonstarters. Thank you for your time."
Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16)
Office Phone: (202) 225-6201
Sample Language: “I’m calling to ask Rep. LaHood to stand with his 150,344 constituents who rely on Medicaid for lifesaving medical care by voting NO on the Republican budget resolution that would slash this vital safety net program. ANY cuts to Medicaid are nonstarters. Thank you for your time."
Facing another year of fiscal challenges, Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) proposal outlines a $55.2 billion state budget with essential investments in healthcare, education, and economic stability. While we recognize the Governor’s office efforts to maintain a balanced budget given concerns of the state’s budget deficit and funding cut threats looming from the federal government, we are concerned that all HIV-related funding remains flat-funded, despite ongoing and emerging public health needs. We are also deeply concerned that the Governor’s proposed budget includes defunding the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program. Defunding HBIA and flat-funding HIV services will work against our shared goal to end the HIV epidemic in our state by 2030.
There will be a devastating impact if the state eliminates the HBIA program, which provides state-funded Medicaid-like coverage for a specific population of immigrants, including people living with HIV. AFC has proudly worked with the Healthy Illinois Campaign and community partners to protect and expand these efforts. The decision to zero-out funding for the program will drive further health inequities, increase preventable hospitalizations, and raise uncompensated care costs for providers. AFC urges the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly to restore funding for the HBIA program and ensure that Illinois provides quality, affordable healthcare coverage for all.
In addition, we must go further to address persistent gaps in HIV prevention, treatment, and housing support. AFC is proud to partner with Senator Mike Simmons and Representative Hoan Huynh to protect and advocate for HIV state funding. This session, we will advocate to secure an additional $2 million in the HIV Lump Sum, which funds vital services including HIV testing, education, treatment, and prevention services. Our budget advocacy will also include $2.8 million in funding for Permanent Supportive Housing for people living with HIV, a critical resource for people living with HIV who face housing instability. With this investment of $2.8 million, Illinois will be able to create 140 new housing subsidies specifically dedicated to people living with HIV, coupled with the necessary supportive services.
AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) remains steadfast in its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois through the Getting to Zero Illinois Plan 2.0, which prioritizes racial health equity, expanding access to care, and addressing social determinants of health. However, without new state investments and preservation of current funding streams – like Health Benefits For Immigrant Adults – achieving these goals will be significantly more difficult. State funding must reflect the urgency of ending the HIV epidemic and addressing the unmet housing needs of people living with and vulnerable to HIV.
AFC’s 2025 Legislative Advocacy Agenda continues to advance the goals of the GTZ-IL Plan 2.0, prioritizing health equity, harm reduction, and ending homelessness. We remain committed to working with lawmakers, community organizations, and advocates to ensure that Illinois makes real progress toward ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
We cannot do this work alone. We urge advocates across Illinois to join our Mobile Action Network and support our advocacy efforts. Together, we can ensure that HIV funding, housing support, and healthcare access remain top priorities in Illinois.
On Wednesday, February 19, AIDS Foundation Chicago, the National Urban League, and the National Fair Housing Alliance sued the Trump administration over three executive orders related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and transgender people. The lawsuit was filed by Lambda Legal and the Legal Defense Fund (LDF). Read more about the case on Lambda Legal's website, or explore the full complaint.
According to the official press release, "The three executive orders being challenged terminate equity-related grants, and forbid federally-funded entities from engaging in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs, and from recognizing the existence of transgender people. Together, these orders reverse decades of civil rights progress and pose an existential threat to the organizations that advocate for the civil rights of transgender people, and provide them shelter, services, and support."
An AFC client, Will, submitted a statement in support of the lawsuit, and AFC President & CEO John Peller provided comments during a media call.
“As a Black man living with HIV who has experienced homelessness, for years, I have relied on the lifesaving services of organizations like AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC), who understood my intersectional identities. Now, as I work in the HIV field, I am deeply concerned about the threat these orders represent to AFC’s ability to serve our communities if they can’t even name the issues our people are facing.” said Will, an AIDS Foundation Chicago program participant.
Peller's remarks to the media emphasized that the HIV epidemic cannot end without a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement with transgender communities. His full statement is below.
"I am the President & CEO of AIDS Foundation Chicago, a position I have held for over ten years. I have been an advocate in the HIV sector for over two decades. AIDS Foundation Chicago has been serving the HIV community for 40 years. Since long before the term DEI emerged, AIDS Foundation Chicago has known that culturally competent care is our best tool in the fight to end the HIV epidemic. Because HIV disproportionately impacts Black men, Latine men, transgender people, and Black women, we must be able to prioritize these populations in our work - through outreach and engagement initiatives, staff training, and allocation of resources. The HIV epidemic is fueled by structural inequity - including lack of access to medical care and prevention, and lack of access to housing, due to structural racism and gender bias - the same inequity that DEI work aims to address. We cannot end the HIV epidemic without addressing inequity specifically for Black, Latine, and LGBTQ+ people, including transgender women. For many years, our work has received bipartisan support and federal funding that has led to breakthroughs in combating the HIV epidemic. In fact, we are now at a point where we can realistically end the HIV epidemic in Illinois within the next handful of years. We can do that precisely because we have been able to prioritize populations most impacted by HIV and successfully advocate for policies that support health equity. It would be a devastating loss to be unable to prioritize people most impacted by HIV, and that would make our goal, which is finally in our sights after 40 years, unattainable. Yet, these executive orders deny the HIV sector that ability and put our clients’ health and our broader community’s health at risk. The executive orders jeopardize the decades of progress we have made toward ending the HIV epidemic through culturally competent care and the pursuit of health equity."
Media inquiries about AFC's involvement in the case can be sent to Patty Conway, Director of Communications: [email protected].
As part of the celebration at our 40th year gala on Saturday, April 5th, AFC is honoring ITW with the Corporate Impact Award. ITW is a Fortune 300 global multi-industrial manufacturing leader with 45,000 dedicated colleagues who thrive in the company's decentralized, entrepreneurial culture.
As a member of AFC's Corporate Partnership Program, ITW provides over $25,000 annually through sponsorship of World of Chocolate, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, and a generous employee gift matching benefit, which provides eligible employees a 3 to 1 match for up to $5,000 to qualified organizations.
Recently, ITW's inclusive workplace culture was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, who awarded them the #Equality100 Award for a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index.
‘They’re great to work with and care deeply about the mission of AFC,” said Edward Wagner, Chief External Relations Officer at AFC. “ITW is one of the most generous companies I know with a 3 to 1 match for employee donations. This match not only shows ITW’s corporate generosity but also mobilizes their employees to give each year. It also demonstrates the belief ITW has in their employees and the causes they’re passionate about.”
We talked with ITW about what receiving the Corporate Impact Award means to them.
What does it mean to ITW to be recognized for the Corporate Impact Award?
On behalf of ITW, we are incredibly honored to receive this Corporate Impact Award. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. This award is not just a reflection of our company’s values but also of the incredible employees, partners, and community members who share our vision and passion for giving back and empowering the LGBTQ+ community. We extend our sincere thanks to AIDS Foundation Chicago for this recognition. This honor inspires us to further strengthen our commitment to supporting and advancing the LGBTQ+ community.
ITW does an outstanding job supporting and advancing the LGBTQ+ community. What drives this work? Why is it important for ITW to support this community?
At ITW, we believe that a business is only as strong as the community it serves. Our success is deeply connected to the well-being of the people and places around us, and we are committed to making a meaningful, lasting impact as a result. Giving back is not just a responsibility—it’s part of who we are as a company. Whether through volunteering, charitable donations, event sponsorships, we strive to support the causes that matter most to our employees. We know that when communities thrive, businesses thrive, and we are proud to play our role in creating positive change.
When did ITW’s relationship and commitment with AFC begin?
ITW’s relationship with AIDS Foundation Chicago has been unwavering for several years and through ITW’s 3 to 1 company match on employee charitable contributions, the company has been able to serve as a valuable financial partner throughout the recent years. In the summer of 2020, during the difficult and uncertain times of a global pandemic, a grassroots effort was initiated by employees of ITW to launch an employee resource group for the LGBTQ+ community and supportive allies. As a result of the formation of the group, AFC was selected as a community partner for the organization and ITW further enhanced their support of the organization through active participation and support of the galas and impactful events held by AFC throughout the year.
AFC is thankful for the steadfast support ITW has shown our community and our cause. Their generosity enables us to provide critical services to achieve our mission and advance our progress toward ending the HIV epidemic. ITW is a role model for corporate leadership in giving for the HIV sector and LGBTQ+ community. It is with great pride and deep gratitude that AFC will preset ITW the Corporate Impact Award at AFC40 on Saturday, April 5. Learn more about AFC40 and get tickets today at aidschicago.org/afc40.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2025, the Trump administration continued its campaign of hate and erasure of transgender people by issuing an executive order that seeks to severely restrict gender affirming care for people under 19 years of age.
This is a blatant and mean-spirited attack on a group of people who are estimated to be less than 1% of the overall US population, with 1.43% of youth 13 – 17 identifying as transgender. It should be noted that having a transgender identity does not require that a person undergo surgery or other gender affirming care. Nonetheless, that decision should be left to the youth, their parent or guardian, and their medical provider.
Let’s be clear, transgender people are real people and have been our loved ones since humans have been on this planet. This latest executive order is an attempt to negate the medical advice of the American Medical Association, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH),and many other medical groups that agree that gender affirming care is effective, beneficial and medically necessary.
The executive order, which is filled with incendiary, scientifically false and harmful language, calls for restrictions on medical institutions that receive federal funding from providing such care as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery. The executive order would have a large negative impact on transgender youth and others. Historically, gender affirming care has been a needed and even lifesaving option for cisgender youth, youth with disabilities, and transgender youth alike. For instance, puberty blockers are used by a wide range of minors—not just transgender individuals—and are only meant to block progression into puberty while the medication is being taken. As soon as the medication is stopped, puberty resumes. Gender-affirming surgery on minors is rare.
The order also infringes on the rights of parents to make private medical decisions about their children with the guidance of their clinicians, and threatens medical providers and vital federally qualified health centers and hospital systems with prosecution. Furthermore, this executive order stokes the fires of the divisiveness that has been a hallmark of Trump’s presidential campaigns by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with the Attorney General to “issue new guidance protecting whistleblowers” whose actions ensure compliance with this order.
Thanks to equity-focused advocates, elected representatives and other policymakers in Illinois, our state is a leader in expanding access to science-based, patient-centered health care whether individuals have private insurance or utilize Medicaid or other healthcare coverage options. As of January 2020, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services reimburses insurance providers for gender-affirming surgeries and services that are deemed to be a medical necessity and have prior authorization.
But we cannot rest on our laurels as we bear witness to the targeted discriminatory actions that the Trump administration is attempting to normalize. Pride Action Tank, a project of AIDS Foundation Chicago, is and will continue to be a co-conspirator for “good trouble” with our transgender siblings by working in solidarity with them and others to ensure that Illinois remains a safe haven and that we fight back the harmful policies being put forth at the federal level.
Get in “good trouble” with us: Text AFC to 40649 to get updates and alerts on how you can take action to stand up for our communities and fight back against the harmful policies of the Trump administration.
CHICAGO – On Monday evening, January 27, AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) and other agencies across Illinois and the nation were blocked without notice from accessing federal housing funding that pays for rents and services for people living with HIV and who have experienced homelessness. The Trump administration has frozen all federal grants, a freeze that poses an immediate and dire threat to vital services for people living with HIV and previous experience of homelessness, including over 8,000 people a year served by AFC.Back to top
UPDATE: As of around 12 noon on January 29, the Trump administration rescinded the memo ordering the broad freeze. We are thankful to the nearly 500 advocates who took action through our campaign to contact elected officials and urge them to oppose the freeze. However, harmful Executive Orders from the Trump Administration that justified the freeze remain in effect. While AFC and other agencies are now able to access federal funding, and we celebrate this as a win, we know this will not be the last attempt by the Trump administration to cut funding that supports vital services for our communities, and we know there are many more fights to come. Text AFC to 40649 to subscribe to text alerts so you can take action when the next need arises.
AFC provides housing to over 1,300 households, including over 1,000 people living with HIV. In addition, AFC provides case management to over 6,000 people a year living with HIV to connect them to services, including life-saving HIV medications, medical care, housing, mental health and substance use treatment.
We ask you to stand with us and urge your members of Congress to fight this unconstitutional power grab through our campaign here.
“AFC will do everything in our power to stand up to these bullying tactics,” said John Peller, President & CEO. “Our February rent payments have already gone to landlords, but AFC pays over $1 million a month in rents for clients. Without access to promised reimbursement from our federal funders, we cannot afford to pay rents for long.”
“This order is likely illegal and is sure to be challenged in court,” continued Peller. “The president cannot unilaterally suspend programs or funding that Congress has enacted. This is another attempt by Donald Trump and his allies to distract us while he works on his true aim – dismantling federal programs like Medicaid that provide life-saving health services for people who are poor, living with chronic health conditions, children and seniors in order to provide tax cuts for the ultra rich.”
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and the Ryan White program are essential federally funded public health program for people living with HIV. These programs provide access to lifesaving services including housing and case management that enable people living with HIV to remain connected to care, which allows them to live long, healthy lives, and reduces transmission of HIV. Without access to care and HIV medications, people living with HIV will see their viral load spike, leading to hospitalizations and serious health conditions. People with HIV with uncontrolled viral loads are more likely to transmit HIV to their sex partners, leading to an increase in HIV cases in the community. Without HOPWA and the Ryan White program, people will lose their homes, and hospitals and crisis systems will see increased strain and incur greater costs as people become forced to rely on emergency medical services. This funding is not only critical to ensuring the health and safety of people living with HIV, but contributes to the health and safety of our wider community.
Beyond the impact to people living with and vulnerable to HIV, President Trump’s freeze usurps Congress’ constitutional power of the purse, and stands to hurt all districts, Republican and Democratic alike. All members of Congress must stand up and protect our communities from irreparable harm.
Take action here.
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