The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) stands in solidarity with individuals and organizations in strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive orders. These orders aim to erode health care for 20 million people, including hundreds of thousands living with and vulnerable to HIV, and create an environment of prejudice and discrimination against people of color, immigrants, Muslims,...
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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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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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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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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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People who are HIV-negative and vulnerable to HIV infection can take a medication to help prevent HIV. Currently, only one medication, Truvada, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of HIV. It is also recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health.
The AIDS Foundation of...
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Joseph Varisco, Program Coordinator for Art AIDS America Chicago , writes about the first exhibition to explore how the AIDS crisis forever changed American art
Four years ago, I was diagnosed HIV+. Since that time, I have been working across communities with one vital directive: create productive, powerful and engaging interactions. As a performing arts curator and producer, I use...
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The mission of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is to mobilize communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a local and national leader in HIV/AIDS policy, as well as prevention, care and housing.
In the U.S., HIV and community...
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What do you do when you’re 15 years old and your good friend comes out to you as HIV-positive?
Alfredo Flores (now 21) knows how it feels. After he came out as gay in his teens, Flores joined Mpowerment , an HIV prevention program for young gay and bisexual men. Mpowerment runs programs across Chicago to help people stand up to the stigma around HIV.
“When I first...
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AFC has submitted comments to the state of Illinois on their proposed 1115 Medicaid Waiver. The federal government allows states to submit these waivers that, if approved, allow states to experiment with the Medicaid program in their state to try things not normally allowed under federal law.
Through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) more people living with and vulnerable to HIV...
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