By Raven Feagins
“Imagine putting on multiple hats with each call you receive. Sometimes I’m the person that clients call to laugh and joke with, but oftentimes I’m the person they’re reaching out to because they’re in a crisis. Often, my team and I are the sole individuals that a caller has disclosed their HIV status to at the time of their...
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AFC joins the chorus of those speaking out against the Trump Administration’s Zero Tolerance and Family Separation policies. We are disgusted and angered by these clear, unapologetic efforts to tear families apart, and to criminalize and imprison immigrants and refugees.
We acknowledge our nation’s long history of dehumanizing people of color, and view the current administration’s...
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By Coleman Goode
On a dark May morning, I arrived at work before the sun was up fighting off nerves ahead of my first large Springfield Advocacy Day here at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). Our mission: deliver over 100 advocates to the state capitol to advocate for a positive budget with their state legislators. Our message was clear: they need to fully fund HIV programs and...
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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce the top eight Chicago-area care organizations in its HIV medical and non-medical case management network for Dec. 1, 2016 – Nov. 30, 2017. By connecting people living with HIV to case managers who help them achieve their health goals, these eight organizations support more than 711 members of AFC’s 5,869 clients. ...
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SPRINGFIELD, June 1, 2018 – Each year, May 31 marks the end of the Spring Legislative Session in Illinois. The Illinois General Assembly adjourned on Thursday, after a productive and effective Spring Session, a stark contrast to the past years.
The House and Senate passed a bi-partisan budget that received near unanimous support across the aisle and across chambers. There are high...
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By Jes Scheinpflug
I’m greeted with, “Good afternoon, ma’am. How can I help you?” as I walk into the office. “I’m here to see Judy,” I tell the receptionist as I question to myself exactly what about my appearance made her gender me with ma’am. “I have 3 o’clock appointment,” I continue, wondering if I should tell her I am...
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By Raven Feagins
When Rex Gaimari was homeless, he was constantly concerned about his safety. He was in and out of shelters for about 3 years, which was the direct result of losing the home he shared with his mom. Rex had been her caretaker for years, but when she passed away he needed to find a new place to live. He tried several times to move in with extended family, but nothing ever...
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Do you use a copay card to help pay for name-brand HIV drugs for treatment or PrEP? If you do, watch out: your insurance company might have a new policy that doesn’t let your copay card (a.k.a. your copay assistance card) help you afford your medications.
We’re talking about “copay accumulators” — policies some insurance companies are using that could make your...
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By Cris Lee
In September 2015, I started my first full time job and besides getting used to the responsibilities of my new role, my other major life task was to purchase health insurance. I found a plan that fit my needs and set up an online profile so I could track my premium, co-pays, appointments, and overall wellness.
Before I had even chosen a Primary Care Physician, I...
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By Kirstin Brockenborough
Coleman Goode is our new Community Organizer! You may have most recently seen him around Springfield serving as Chief of Staff for long-time HIV advocate State Representative Greg Harris. We’re getting into who Coleman is and how he’s tackling health inequalities.
You can get to know Coleman and his plans for turning up our advocacy...
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