by Megan Moran, development assistant
Not many people have sat face-to-face with Governor Bruce Rauner since his January 2015 inauguration and been offered the chance to represent their community in conversation with him. But Roy Ballesteros did — and he has done so much more on behalf of the HIV community in Springfield this spring.
Ten years ago, Ballesteros wouldn't have...
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by Lawrence Turner
Imagine: You are an 18-year-old transgender woman in America today. Your parents no longer take care of you; you need housing, a job, a community, medical care and so much more, but discrimination and ignorance is keeping you from accessing these basic human needs.
Or imagine this: You are a young woman who is sexually active, and you do not feel safe talking to...
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This article is the third in AFC’s Cuts to the Cascade series, which focuses on the people, programs and communities representing columns of the HIV treatment cascade . All of the Cuts to the Cascade subjects are under threat of losing vital state support as a result of Governor Rauner’s proposed cuts to the Illinois budget.
Behind thirty front doors...
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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) commemorated its 30th year of action in the HIV/AIDS community with a celebratory gala on Saturday, May 16, at the Hilton Chicago. The milestone event hosted 680 guests and raised significant funds for ongoing prevention, care and advocacy services in the fight against HIV epidemic nationwide. Actress Amy Landecker, of the Golden Globe award-winning series...
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Stigma: In and Out is a monthly series profiling the clients, providers and leaders of AFC's Corrections Case Management program, which helps HIV-positive people emerging from prison or jail get the support they need upon reentry.
While visiting the Austin Health Center of Cook County CBC Initiative, you may come across Derrick Burris, a volunteer peer educator working with the...
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This article is the second in AFC’s Cuts to the Cascade series, which focuses on the people, programs and communities representing columns of the HIV treatment cascade . All of the Cuts to the Cascade subjects are under threat of losing vital state support as a result of Governor Rauner’s proposed cuts to the Illinois budget.
As Illinois legislators...
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Stigma: In and Out is a monthly series profiling the clients, providers and leaders of AFC's Corrections Case Management program, which helps HIV-positive people emerging from prison or jail get the support they need upon reentry.
Larry Hill is a 50-year-old returning citizen currently residing in Chicago. Hill desires to be an advocate and speak up for those impacted by stigma,...
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This article is the first in AFC’s Cuts to the Cascade series, which focuses on the people, programs and communities representing columns of the HIV treatment cascade . All of the Cuts to the Cascade subjects are under threat of losing vital state support as a result of Governor Rauner’s proposed cuts to the Illinois budget.
If one pill could...
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by Anne Statton, PACPI Executive Director
This essay first appeared on the Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative (PACPI) website .
This year, for my birthday, I decided to give myself the gift of triathlon. Sounds funny, I know. I really enjoy competing against myself and with my friends and family.
I come from a swimming background. As a kid, I swam and competed...
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“Home” has meant many things to Nancy. It has been a space for argument, for rejection, for abuse — and when she hasn’t had a home, Nancy’s life has been even worse. But today, Nancy has a home, and it has served as the foundation for her many life goals....
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