The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) applauds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on their announcement today eliminating the outdated lifetime blood-donation ban for gay and bisexual men, enacting instead a rule that bans men who have had sex with men within the past year from donating blood. While the removal of the lifetime ban is a critical step forward, this one-year deferral period continues...
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After five years of brave leadership for the city of Chicago — and, in particular, the estimated 25,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in the city — Dr. Bechara Choucair announced today that he is stepping down from his role as the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) commissioner.
Dr. Choucair has been a strong ally in the fight to prevent new HIV infections in Chicago,...
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This week, Ramon Gardenhire walked through the doors leading to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC)’s headquarters on Jackson Blvd. It’s something he has done many times for years, but today things are different: AFC has a new president/CEO, a new office floor, many new staff members — and now, a new leader of its Policy team.
Gardenhire, who served as AFC’s...
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The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) released in late November a concept paper describing how Medicaid Health Homes might be implemented in Illinois. Health Homes are authorized under the Affordable Care Act to provide care coordination to people with two or more chronic diseases, or one chronic disease and increased vulnerability for another one.
The federal...
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For 25 years, Northern Trust has been a steadfast supporter of the fight to end the HIV epidemic — and support those living with the virus. Ever since making its first charitable contribution to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) in 1989, Northern Trust has demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of life of people living with and vulnerable to HIV in communities across Chicago...
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More than 1,100 sweet and savory enthusiasts indulged in a night of tasty creations at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) 13 th annual World of Chocolate gala, Dec. 4 at Union Station. The one-of-a-kind celebration featured 22 of Chicagoland’s top chocolatiers, chefs and caterers. Held annually in commemoration of World AIDS Day, this year’s event raised approximately $134,000...
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For some people living with HIV and AIDS, staying afloat each day is no easy task. But when they have a counselor and peer in the water with them, it can make treading water that much easier.
As a health educator for Project VIDA, John Dawkins is one of those people who jumps in the water with his clients and tread the waters with them.
He’s been in the water by himself —...
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The Illinois health insurance marketplace open enrollment period ends on Feb. 15, 2015, and it is crucial that people living with HIV and AIDS have complete information to choose a marketplace plan.
Today, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is releasing information on HIV medication coverage for each marketplace plan giving examples of what a person with HIV might pay for HIV medications...
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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce 18 award recipients of its 2014 Challenge Grants — a legacy program that awards financial support to organizations that are making a difference in the HIV epidemic and the lives of people living with the virus in Illinois. A combined total of $220,000 was awarded among the receiving organizations.
This year, funding was determined...
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Each year, Dec. 1 offers the world an opportunity to ponder the HIV epidemic and remember the millions who have died from HIV-related complications over the last 30 years. On World AIDS Day, people around the globe will take a moment to consider the impact this virus has had on the course of human history — and look ahead to the future and a world without new HIV transmissions.
The...
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