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When a caregiver cares for herself, too

December 20, 2017

By Raven Feagins Veronica* is the loving matriarch of her Chicago-area family. When she’s not taking care of two of her grandchildren, her mom and her aunt, she works as a talented seamstress. She’s open with her family about most things - except her own health status. Veronica is living with HIV and has for the past 20 years. Most of her family, except her husband, don’t...
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Can equitable access to employment end the HIV epidemic?

December 18, 2017

By Raven Feagins Imagine a world where the people from communities most affected by HIV are leading the HIV workforce to end the epidemic. That’s the world Anthony Betori, Youth Program Manager at Chicago House and Social Service Agency, is striving to create with their new Community Health Apprenticeship program (CHAP). This 8-week training helps committed young people get their...
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Undetectable = Untransmittable – The Noise, the Joys and the Nuances

December 7, 2017

By Jim Pickett On Sept. 22, 2017, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the world’s foremost health authority, released one of the most important paragraphs they’ve ever written: "Scientific advances have shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) preserves the health of people living with HIV . We also have strong evidence of the prevention effectiveness...
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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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5 things you didn’t know about aging with HIV

November 17, 2017

Thirty years ago, getting into your 50s or 60s – let alone 70s or 80s – wasn’t seen as possible for people living with HIV. Thanks to powerful HIV medications, people with the virus are living longer and longer. That doesn’t make the aging process any easier, though — in some ways, aging with HIV is different than for people who are HIV-negative. Recently,...
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Stonewall Strong (excerpt) By John-Manuel Andriote

November 8, 2017

This post is an excerpt from John-Manual Andriote’s recently published book Stonewall Strong: Gay Men’s Heroic Fight for Resilience, Good Health, and a Strong Community . The walls of Jim Pickett’s office at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago display the set of posters created for a new campaign aimed at promoting PrEP use by the gay men and women, including transgender...
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How your clinic can resist unlawful ICE activity

November 1, 2017

Edited by Ashley Slupski Adapted from the National Immigration Law Center Hospitals, clinic and other health care settings have a role to play in protecting undocumented communities.  Here’s what health care administrators should do to provide the best environment to protect the rights of patients and providers: Establish a written policy designating...
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Family love overcomes HIV stigma [VIDEO]

October 25, 2017

Jessica Glaspie, 32, is a mom and an advocate living in Lake County. She sat down with her mom, Rosita, to discuss her HIV diagnosis at just 22 years old and her choice to become an outspoken advocate in her community.    
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Get ready for Health Insurance Open Enrollment: 6 things to do before you enroll

October 19, 2017

Despite what you may have heard (or not heard) from the White House, you can still get a health insurance plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment begins on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017 and ends on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017. Make sure you get the best health plan for you by taking the following steps before you enroll: Pay off any balances on your current health...
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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 ....
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