(Chicago, IL) AIDS Foundation Chicago and Center on Halsted are offering free, essential health services to migrants who are finding their new home in Chicago through the HIV HUB. Established in 2020, the HIV Resource HUB is a free resource for all in need of essential health services, including housing, HIV and STI testing, HIV medication, mpox vaccines and PrEP. The HUB provides a free one-stop-shop for up-to-date sexual health services for those living with or vulnerable to HIV or those looking for LGBTQ+ related health care, provided in English and Spanish. Additional services include HIV case management, health care referrals, gender-affirming care, behavioral and mental health support, medical transportation, housing navigation and emergency financial assistance.
“The HUB is meant to be a free resource for anyone with sexual health needs or who is LGBTQ+ regardless of immigration status,” said John Peller, AFC President and CEO. “As individuals adjust to their new life in Chicago, we want them to know that the HUB is here to provide support.”
Access to healthcare is just one piece of the puzzle in providing adequate support for migrants in Chicago. AFC proudly joins its community partners in the public call for comprehensive immigration reform and increased immediate federal emergency funding to help meet the current needs of migrants.
“At a time when Chicago is increasingly a refuge for those seeking an affirming place to live, the resources offered through the HUB are more critical than ever,” said Editha Paras, Center on Halsted’s Interim Co-CEO & Chief Program Officer.
Launched in 2020, the HUB has served more than 1,500 unique clients. The HUB was one of the access points to emergency funding assistance and has supported individuals with more than $1 million in financial assistance since its inception. This HUB is funded by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Those in need of services can call the HUB at 844.482.4040, visit online at hivhub.org or in-person at the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted Street); or by emailing [email protected]. All services are confidential and free-of-charge.
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About AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC)
For more than 36 years, AFC has led the fight to create health equity and justice for people living with and disproportionately impacted by HIV and AIDS. AFC brings together service providers and funders to develop systems that meet the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS and to maximize the use of scarce resources. AFC is committed to working with policymakers and service providers to increase funding for prevention services and programs that work.
AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. AFC aspires to create a world in which people living with HIV or chronic conditions will thrive, and there will be no new HIV cases. More at: www.aidschicago.org/
About Center on Halsted
Center on Halsted advances community and secures the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people of Chicagoland. As the Midwest’s most comprehensive LGBTQ community center, the organization now also includes Center on Addison, an LGBTQ Senior Center; and Center on Cottage Grove, a space to better serve LGBTQ community members living on the South Side, especially those vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day. Learn more at www.centeronhalsted.org
