News

All News

Providers Unite: Protect the Undocumented Community

October 5, 2017

Edited by Ashley Slupski Adapted from the National Immigration Law Center The increased threat of deportation causes many immigrants to go without necessary medical services. Here’s how health care providers can protect undocumented patients according to the law: Want more information? Visit National Immigration Law Center’s hub for health care providers ....
Read more...

ViiV Healthcare and AFC partner to improve women’s health

October 2, 2017

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce that we were recently awarded a grant from ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action for Women (PAFW) initiative. Continuing our dedication to supporting cisgender and transgender women of color, AFC will be partnering with Chicago Women’s AIDS Project, Affinity Community Services, Stroger Hospital and other Chicago leaders to develop...
Read more...

Surviving a personal tsunami

September 28, 2017

by Raven Feagins Michelle Hennigan is a compassionate mother of one who lives in the small village of Johnsburg – just over an hour and a half outside of Chicago. Michelle loved providing a comfortable lifestyle for her and her daughter, but in 1999 – just as she was moving up in her career – Michelle became extremely ill with no sign of recovery. "I...
Read more...

What you need to know about Getting to Zero in Illinois

September 20, 2017

By Sara Semelka  Illinois is making dramatic progress against HIV  New HIV cases have dropped by 28% from 2006 to 2015. Mother-to-child HIV transmission is nearly eliminated. In Chicago, there were fewer than 1,000 cases a year. Because of this, it’s possible to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Illinois.   Illinois has what it takes.  With health...
Read more...

After homework, a young fundraiser fights for her communities

September 15, 2017

By Ashley Brown  Lillian Weir is a natural activist, whose strong beliefs and voice rise up to fight for what is right. For years she has marched in the Chicago Pride Parade, right in the thick of the crowd, waiving a flag and dancing in support of the rights of marginalized communities nationwide. She’s also loaned her innate activism to the Chicago Teacher’s Union,...
Read more...

Five ways to take control of your love life

September 13, 2017

by Nick Villarreal and Beto Soberanis  It’s impossible to know everything about sex. But learning to talk about sex and navigate HIV helps you take the reins of your sex life and your sexual health. Take a look at these ways to take control of your sex life.  1. Communicate with your partner. It’s the sexiest thing you can do.  It can be pretty...
Read more...

How much can your public health knowledge expand in 5 days?

September 7, 2017

Although most universities and schools were closed in August, 11 public health professionals didn’t let that stop them from cultivating their skills and building networks. They attended the ninth annual Public Health Boot Camp, an intensive one-week educational program provided by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and the Institute of Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM), the nexus for...
Read more...

Advocacy organizations celebrate results as UnitedHealthcare swiftly reverses discriminatory PrEP practices

August 8, 2017

Fourteen health and social justice organizations from across the U.S. wish to celebrate the people-powered effort behind UnitedHealthcare responding so swiftly to demands that they improve access to the HIV drug Truvada for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medical intervention that prevents HIV infection. On Friday, Aug. 4, UnitedHealthcare received a joint letter from this coalition objecting...
Read more...

United Healthcare discriminates against vulnerable populations by denying PrEP access

August 4, 2017

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago and partners demand United Healthcare halt their practices and policies that discriminate against the LGBTQ community. Earlier this year, United Health Care began to send members letters denying access to Truvada prescribed for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP. The reason for denial? According to the letter, shown in full below or click here to view ,...
Read more...

Soaring into stability with people who care

August 3, 2017

by Raven Feagins Millions of people across the country are unable to work most jobs and earn an income due to disability or other challenges. For these folks, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are available to help supplement, but the application process is known for being nearly impossible to navigate. This inspired the creation of the...
Read more...