Together Continuing 30 Years of Action to Change the Story of HIV

In advance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, 2015, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce a community outreach partnership with Harmony Health Plan of Illinois, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. The campaign, “Together Continuing 30 Years of Action to Change the Story of HIV,” aims to build awareness of HIV testing, care and holistic health services in Chicago communities.

“Harmony is very excited to partner with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Step Up. Get Tested. in June to heighten awareness around National HIV Testing Day,” said Dr. Robert Hilliard Jr., president of Harmony Health Plan of Illinois.  “Additionally, this partnership will promote holistic health and wellness by providing routine testing and screenings for hypertension, hepatitis and diabetes. The goal of our partnership with AFC is to meet people where they are in their health care needs to positively affect their quality of life and provide sustainable support and services for communities.”

WellCare coordinates health care services for people eligible for government-sponsored coverage, such as Medicaid and Medicare. The plan focuses on vulnerable populations, such as those who are elderly, low income, disabled as well as people with complex medical issues. The overall goal is to help them lead better, healthier lives.

The AFC and Harmony campaign will launch in conjunction with a Harmony sponsorship of Step Up. Get Tested., which is a Chicagoland HIV Testing Collaborative—a group of 34 community and public health organizations that have joined forces to promote HIV testing in the city’s most vulnerable communities since 2012.

During the month of June, Harmony’s sponsorship of Step Up. Get Tested. will support an HIV testing and linkage to care campaign for Cook County residents. The campaign goal is to test over 5,000 community members.

“AFC is thrilled to be partnering with Harmony to build awareness of HIV testing and care. In our 30th year of action, we have an unprecedented opportunity to prevent new cases of HIV and provide even greater support to those living with and vulnerable to HIV,” John Peller, AFC’s President/CEO, said. “Harmony’s partnership will help support our efforts to realize this opportunity.”

The initiative will include bus shelter, print and radio advertisements that feature a collaborative campaign message and call-to-action to drive HIV testing and participation in targeted communities.

About the AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is a local, national and international leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy. To learn more, visit www.aidschicago.org. .

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs.  The Company serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of March 31, 2015. For more information about WellCare, please visit the Company’s website at www.wellcare.com or view the company’s videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.