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News: Illinois

Six reasons work requirements are a bad idea for Medicaid

March 2, 2018

By Andrea Callow, Associate Director of Medicaid Initiatives at Families USA HHS has issued its first two approvals for state Medicaid waivers that make a person's health coverage contingent on their work status. Kentucky and Indiana are the first states to get approval for waivers that tie coverage to work. Other states that are seeking approval for similar waivers include New Hampshire,...
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AIDS Foundation of Chicago Applauds Gov. Rauner’s Proposal for Level HIV Funding in FY19 Budget, Advocates for Increased Funding

February 15, 2018

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) applauds Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposed $25 million HIV funding allocation in the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Illinois state budget.  “We thank Gov. Rauner for his leadership in not cutting HIV funding,” said John Peller, AFC president/CEO. “Earlier this month, AFC expressed disappointment with Gov. Rauner and the Illinois Department...
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AFC disappointed in Rauner administration’s withholding almost $10M of approved HIV funds

February 9, 2018

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is deeply concerned by the Rauner Administration’s unilateral decision to not spend $9.7 million in approved HIV funding that was appropriated by the Illinois state legislature in FY 18, without any public disclosure or notification of this decision. In its response to a recent Freedom of Information Act request filed by AFC, the Illinois Department...
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AFC announces 2018 Ryan White award recipients

February 2, 2018

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is proud to announce the 12 organizations selected to receive non-medical case management funding to serve people living with HIV throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Organizations will be receiving funding through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, which distributes $2.3 billion nationwide to fund services specifically for people living with HIV. This funding...
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[UPDATED] State health department refuses to release HIV spending information

January 29, 2018

Update: IDPH released budget information and responded to AFC's FOIA request. Click here to read our findings. How has the Illinois Department of Public Health spent the $25 million in state funds budgeted for HIV services in FY18? The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) doesn’t know, and we’re disappointed in this  lack of transparency regarding taxpayer dollars...
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Solving one challenge for people leaving jail or prison: connecting to HIV health care

January 26, 2018

Helping people leaving Illinois’ jails and prisons thrive is at the core of the Safe & Sound Return Partnership (SSRP), a three-year program that started in October that will connect 215 returning citizens Led by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and funded by a $900,000 federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), SSRP will also partner with and train...
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Chicago is ready to get to zero

January 18, 2018

By Raven Feagins Dec. 13, 2017 was a cold night on the west side of Chicago, but just over 30 community members from across the city made the trip to gather at Malcom X College for the first Getting to Zero Illinois town hall . Getting to Zero is a state-wide initiative that will end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by implementing a statewide plan that is informed by communities most affected...
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Your voice matters! Join our Board in 2018

January 10, 2018

Are you interested in creating equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases? If the answer is yes, we have just the volunteer opportunity for you! The AIDS Foundation of Chicago is seeking candidates for board membership. Please apply by Wednesday, Feb. 28. We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about creating...
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2017 Policy and Legislative Victories

January 3, 2018

By Raven Feagins As advocates, we work hard to ensure the rights of our communities are protected. Despite the whirlwind that was 2017 (a.k.a. the year that made me question my faith in humanity), together we did have some wins.  Below are six major victories we've achieved this year. 1. The ACA is still the law! One of the biggest challenges this year has...
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What does Getting to Zero mean?

November 29, 2017

by Raven Feagins Illinois is #GettingtoZero to put an end to the HIV epidemic in our state. Below, our community members and staff shared their thoughts on this new initiative and what getting to zero new cases of HIV in Illinois means for them.    Want to join us in #GettingtoZero? RSVP for our first town hall on Wednesday, Dec. 13 to share your hopes...
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