In his annual State of the State Address, Gov. Bruce Rauner discussed the accomplishments of the past year, goals for the year ahead and how lawmakers must work together. Unfortunately, we’ve heard this before. Illinois’s most vulnerable residents can’t afford another year of empty promises and battles between the governor and the General Assembly, while those in need continue...
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by Cotrell Loftin
Over the past year, it’s been a pleasure to amplify the voices of so many HIV advocates, and to be heard by thousands of readers throughout 2016. The audience has spoken —here are the ten most viewed News and Inside Story posts from 2016. Share your favorites with a friend!
1. Que No Estas Solo: Beto Comes out as an Undocumented Person Living...
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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago has debuted its first issue brief to kick off a new series covering statewide issues related to HIV prevention, education and care in Illinois.
The brief, titled "The Illinois state budget impasse and HIV services: A case of governmental dysfunction," illuminates Illinois' current fiscal landscape and examines the state’s recent...
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by Dan Frey, Director of Government Relations
Good morning everyone, I just wanted to take a moment and update you all on the developments that transpired in Springfield last week as the 99 th General Assembly (GA) came to a close and the 100 th GA got started.
Budget Update
In the Lame Duck session, there were multiple efforts to address the budget situation in each...
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Every Dec. 1 marks World AIDS Day, an annual opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV and show support for those living with and lost to HIV and AIDS-related illness. Many took to social media to voice their support and raise awareness. Check out World AIDS Day in seven posts from our friends and partners!
1. This World AIDS...
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Darren is 56 years old. He walks with the assistance of a walker – the toll that physical labor and illness has had on his wiry frame is obvious, but it does not dampen his energy. Behind his smile are years of hardships. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Darren was one of ten children. His parents divorced when he was three, after his sister was kidnapped walking home from school. As...
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Jeff Tomlinson is what you might call a “normal guy.” He was born and raised in rural Illinois; he has worked as a teacher in the U.S. and in other countries; he goes out and dates and volunteers. But he worries about things that some don’t have to worry about: as someone living with HIV who depends on vital, threatened programs like ADAP, he knows that his health care...
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Like many of you, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) was disheartened by the news earlier this week that a South Carolina jury failed to convict Michael Slager for the shooting death of Walter Scott. Cellphone video showed Slager, a police officer at the time, shoot at Scott eight times as Scott ran away during a stop for a broken brake light...
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To support Medicaid-eligible people in Illinois living with HIV make informed decisions about their health care, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has released an overview of HIV medication coverage in selected Medicaid Managed Care plans .
“Navigating the complex world of Medicaid Managed Care plans as a consumer can be confusing, frustrating, or just plain scary,”...
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By Cotrell Loftin
Alaina Kennedy is a self-proclaimed “daughter of Chicagoland” who recently joined AFC’s staff as its first-ever Manager of Health Equity. Her passion for the city of Chicago doesn’t stop at the food or the amazing architecture: Alaina wants to build up the people, especially those who face inequity in quality of life because of stigma surrounding...
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