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{{Short description|Non-profit organization}}
{{Inappropriate tone|date=December 2007}}{{Refimprove|date=August 2007}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = AIDS Foundation of Chicago
| abbreviation = AFC
| location = 200 W Monroe St STE 1150
| location2 = Chicago, IL 60606
| leader_title = President/CEO
| leader_name = John Peller
| website = https://www.aidschicago.org/
}}


'''AIDS Foundation of Chicago''' is a locally based, non-profit organization that advocates for [[HIV/AIDS]] prevention as well as serves as a general resource for the HIV/AIDS community. Founded in 1985,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://chicagolgbthalloffame.org/aids-foundation-of-chicago/|title=AIDS FOUNDATION OF CHICAGO – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> some of their better-known accomplishments include hosting fundraisers to support the distribution of HIV/AIDS related medications in the city, funding the Open Door Health Center,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191212/changes-at-open-door-health-center-in-elgin-alarm-some-staff-members|title=Changes at Open Door Health Center in Elgin alarm some staff members|last=Ferrarin|first=Elena|date=2019-12-12|website=Daily Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> and launching their “Getting to Zero” plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wjbc.com/2019/05/15/fighting-aids-getting-to-zero-goal-of-house-majority-leader/|title=Fighting AIDS: 'Getting to Zero' goal of House Majority Leader|date=2019-05-15|website=WJBC AM 1230|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> Their cause seeks to increase the amount of resources available to the HIV/AIDS community as resources are too few and far between. Similar to other city organizations focused on sexual health such as [[Howard Brown Health]], AFC makes getting access to treatment easier for all patients, decreases the stigma around treatment, and promotes the awareness and acceptance of those who live with HIV and/or AIDS.
The mission of the [http://www.aidschicago.org/home/index.php AIDS Foundation of Chicago] (AFC) is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic.


==History==
Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AFC is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We collaborate with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago was founded in 1985.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aidschicago.org/about-afc/milestones |title=Milestones |first= |last= |work=aidschicago.org |year=2011 |accessdate=17 November 2011}}</ref> In 2012, the organization established community-based HIV testing and set up partnerships with medical homes to initiate care within 72 hours for individuals found to be HIV positive.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality |url=https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/foundation-develops-community-based-hiv-testing-and-partnerships-medical-homes-leading-more |title=Foundation Develops Community-Based HIV Testing and Partnerships With Medical Homes, Leading to More Timely Linkages to Care for Newly Diagnosed Patients |date=2014-02-26 | accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref>


== Projects ==
'''Advocacy'''


=== Getting to Zero Illinois Plan ===
AFC works in Chicago, Springfield, and Washington, DC to improve services for, and protect the rights of, those living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. AFC pursues its [http://www.aidschicago.org/advocacy/ policy and advocacy work] in partnership with people living with HIV/AIDS, local service providers, statewide partners, and members of our Policy/Advocacy Committee.
The AIDS Foundation Chicago, [[Chicago Department of Public Health]], and [[Illinois Department of Public Health]] have come up with a five-year plan designed to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS while providing a continuum of needed health services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/state-illinois-city-chicago-and-aids-foundation-chicago-announce-getting-zero-illinois-hiv-plan|title=Get to Zero Plan Illinois HIV plan|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> On May 14, 2019 Governor [[J. B. Pritzker]] announced the Getting to Zero Illinois initiative. The plan exponentially increases the number of health and public workforce to meet the constant challenges of those who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The increase workforce will target the hardest hit areas of Illinois that lack the resources to address HIV/AIDS. Improving communications between state health groups organizations and community groups allows for a continued focus on lowering the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Together the groups will monitor progress of their plan to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gtzillinois.hiv/the-plan/|title=GETTING TO ZERO ILLINOIS PLAN :Getting to Zero Illinois|website=gtzillinois.hiv|date=25 March 2019|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>


=== Pride Action Tank ===
'''Case Management'''
The Pride Action Tank is a project initiated by the AFC, in collaboration with Howard Brown Health. The purpose of the Pride Action Tank, is to provide resources to LGBTQ+ communities living within Chicago's Southside, who lack the resources necessary to fight HIV and AIDS.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-howard-brown-lgbtq-health-care-chicago-expansion-20200219-b3cnk3yy3jhpzaebjwak756ejm-story.html|title='There's always been a dearth of resources for the LGBTQ community on the South Side.' Now, Howard Brown Health has a multimillion-dollar plan to change that.|last=Schencker|first=Lisa|website=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>


=== AIDS Garden Chicago ===
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago oversees the [http://www.aidschicago.org/care/ case management system] for the Chicago Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA), which includes Chicago, Suburban Cook County and Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Will, Grundy, Dekalb and Kendall Counties. In this section, you will find information on case management- what it is, how to find a case manager, how different types of case management can benefit individuals living with HIV, and how the Chicago case management system differs from systems in other EMAs.
[[AIDS Garden Chicago|The AIDS Garden Chicago]] is a series of public monuments located within a 2.5-acre area along [[Lake Michigan]]. The AIDS Garden Chicago is a collaboration effort between the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Chicago Park Foundation. This garden is meant to recognize and remember the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS as well as to commemorate and empower those who are still fighting the disease.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/New-AIDS-Garden-Chicago-to-unveil-30-foot-sculpture-Self-Portrait/67453.html|title=New AIDS Garden Chicago to unveil 30-foot sculpture, Self-Portrait - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive|website=Windy City Times|date=14 November 2019|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>


== Events ==
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) was established in 1985 to coordinate the local response to the AIDS epidemic in the Chicago area. In 1989, AFC was awarded a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) demonstration grant to establish a coordinated system of case management services for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), which became known as the Northeastern Illinois HIV/AIDS Case Management Cooperative. With full participation of case management agencies in establishing common expectations and policies and procedures for case management services, the Northeastern Illinois HIV/AIDS Case Management Cooperative now consists of nearly 160 case managers at 55 agencies, and is funded primarily through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act (Ryan White) Parts A and B and through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). The philosophy of the Cooperative is to provide comprehensive case management services to empower people living with HIV/AIDS to live healthy and independent lives.


=== AIDS Run and Walk ===
Case Management:assists clients in applying for benefits; facilitates access to emergency funds; identifies medical and social service needs; facilitates appropriate referrals to meet service needs; and acts as a broker between clients and services. Currently, AFC has the only coordinated case management system in the United States. This means that each client has only one case manager and that their case manager assists the client in accessing resources to meet their needs. Through a coordinated system, AFC ensures: seamless and continuous care throughout a client’s periods of health and illness; non-duplication of services; standardized policies and procedures across all sites; consistent quality throughout all regions of the EMA through standardized training and technical assistance; and direct data entry of client-level reporting, allowing for consistent and timely data collection.
The AIDS Run and Walk is an annual event that takes place at [[Soldier Field]] in Chicago with the overall goal of raising money for the AFC. This event takes place every fall and has raised over $100,000 in the past.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wgnradio.com/dean-richards-sunday-morning/dean-richards-sunday-morning-september-8th-2019-aids-foundation-of-chicago-ceo-john-peller-cast-of-paramount-theatre-newsies/|title=Dean Richards' Sunday Morning {{!}} September 8th, 2019 {{!}} AIDS Foundation of Chicago CEO, John Peller, Cast of Paramount Theatre Newsies|date=2019-09-08|website=WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>


=== World of Chocolate ===
'''Housing'''
World of Chocolate is an annual event put on by the AFC. This event is put on in order to further advance efforts to end HIV/AIDS. – and to also advance efforts. This event takes place every December at Revel Fulton Market, in Chicago's West Loop area. World of Chocolate invites/encourages various restaurants, bakeries and other vendors in Chicago to attend this event. In previous years, the World of Chocolate event has raised over $200,000 from event sponsors, vendors and individual donors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/candid-candace/ct-life-candid-candace-0105-20191212-3pfthdposjgxjcxixnvxco5o2q-story.html|title=World of Chocolate's cocktails in an 'igloo' and 1940s ocean liner vibe help raise money for AIDS Foundation of Chicago|last=Jordan|first=Candace|website=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>


== Services ==
AFC is taking a leadership role in promoting strategies to improve the availability of safe and affordable [http://www.aidschicago.org/housing/ housing] for low-income people with HIV. AFC's work in housing includes: promoting public and private efforts to increase the stock of affordable housing for people with disabilities, including those living with HIV; convening AIDS housing advocates and organizing efforts to assess and improve the housing continuum; providing research on the state of Chicago-area housing environment; and managing a network of regional AIDS housing advocates and coordinating the delivery of AIDS rental subsidies among other housing programs for low-income people with AIDS.


The AIDS Foundation of Chicago offers testing, financial assistance, medication, and housing. HIV, [[Hepatitis C virus|HCV]] and other types of [[Sexually transmitted infection|STI]] testing are available through the AFC; along with HIV education for those who are diagnosed and in need of assistance handling their symptoms and diagnosis. Medication for those who are not diagnosed with HIV, but wish to prevent the infection is available as well; in the form of [[Pre-exposure prophylaxis]], commonly referred to as PrEP. Financial Assistance for those with HIV or other disabilities is also offered, through case management. In the most extreme cases, the AFC also provides permanent and temporary housing to those who are homeless and diagnosed with HIV, AIDS, or another disability.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicago.gov/content/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/housing-opportunities-for-persons-with-aids.html|title=Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)|website=www.chicago.gov|language=en|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>
'''Grantmaking'''


==Partners==
Since 1988, AFC has awarded nearly $13 million in [http://www.aidschicago.org/grantmaking/ grantmaking] to more than 100 agencies across the region, helping to start dozens of new programs and build the capacity of community-based providers, especially in under-served communities of color. Since 1996, AFC's grantmaking program has also provided significant resources for program evaluation, and through model collaborations, has helped community-based organizations improve their ability to design, implement, and evaluate HIV prevention and care programs.
The AFC was one of the founding organizations of the [[International Rectal Microbicide Advocates]].


=== Sponsors ===
'''Events'''
In 2021, the AFC received a $5,000 grant from [[Pfizer]] to support the foundation's Annual Advocacy Day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-27 |title=US Medical, Scientific, Patient and Civic Organization Funding Report: Q1-Q2 2021 |url=https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23787007/pfizer-2021-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503211316/https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23787007/pfizer-2021-report.pdf |archive-date=2023-05-03 |access-date=2023-05-10 |publisher=[[Pfizer]]}}</ref>


==References==
Every year AFC hosts [http://www.aidschicago.org/events/ events] and educational conferences that raise both critical funds and needed awareness in the fight against AIDS. From black-tie affairs to grassroots outreach events to Service Providers Council forums, AFC's events are as diverse and exciting as the communities served by AFC. Every year AFC hosts events like [http://www.aidschicago.org/events-home/aids-runwalk AIDS Run/Walk,] [http://www.aidschicago.org/events-home/world-of-chocolate World of Chocolate], and [http://www.aidschicago.org/events-home/make-a-statement Make a Statement] to raise money for the cause. Please visit the AFC website for information about all the fundraising, advocay, and special events that happen throughout the year.
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
'''Team to End AIDS'''
* {{Official website|http://www.aidschicago.org}}
{{Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame}}


[[Category:HIV/AIDS organizations in the United States]]
[http://www.t2ea.com/ TEAM TO END AIDS (T2)] endurance training program began at AFC in 2009, training people to complete a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, or a 100-mile bike event. Whether you are an experienced athlete or you've never trained for an endurance event before, T2 will prepare you to go the distance and raise money in support of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Chicago]]

[[Category:Human welfare organizations based in Chicago]]
T2 will train you to complete one or more of the following events in 2011: Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Honolulu Marathon, Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago Triathlon, Wrigley Field Road Tour, and the Steelhead Half Ironman Triathlon. With T2, you TRAIN without intimidation and TRIUMPH with elation, and they welcome and accept all levels of experience.

'''Prevention'''

Until there is a vaccine and a cure, comprehensive [http://www.aidschicago.org/prevention/ prevention] remains our best weapon in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AFC is committed to working with policymakers and service providers to increase funding for prevention services and programs that work.

'''Donating'''

The story of AIDS Foundation of Chicago is one of inspiration, innovation and impact. For the past 25 years, we've worked to change the story of AIDS from one of despair to one of hope. But we can't do it without you. [http://www.aidschicago.org/donate Please consider making a donation today].

'''Leadership'''

Appointed President/CEO in November 2010, [http://www.aidschicago.org/newsroom-home/afc-in-the-news/268-david-ernesto-munar David Ernesto Munar] brings to his work more than two decades of accomplishments fighting HIV/AIDS.


*[http://www.aidschicago.org Official website]

[[Category:HIV/AIDS organizations]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Chicago, Illinois]]
[[Category:Human welfare organizations based in Chicago, Illinois]]

{{US-org-stub}}
{{Chicago-stub}}

Latest revision as of 20:24, 19 June 2024

AIDS Foundation of Chicago
AbbreviationAFC
Location
  • 200 W Monroe St STE 1150
  • Chicago, IL 60606
President/CEO
John Peller
Websitehttps://www.aidschicago.org/

AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a locally based, non-profit organization that advocates for HIV/AIDS prevention as well as serves as a general resource for the HIV/AIDS community. Founded in 1985,[1] some of their better-known accomplishments include hosting fundraisers to support the distribution of HIV/AIDS related medications in the city, funding the Open Door Health Center,[2] and launching their “Getting to Zero” plan.[3] Their cause seeks to increase the amount of resources available to the HIV/AIDS community as resources are too few and far between. Similar to other city organizations focused on sexual health such as Howard Brown Health, AFC makes getting access to treatment easier for all patients, decreases the stigma around treatment, and promotes the awareness and acceptance of those who live with HIV and/or AIDS.

History

[edit]

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago was founded in 1985.[4] In 2012, the organization established community-based HIV testing and set up partnerships with medical homes to initiate care within 72 hours for individuals found to be HIV positive.[5]

Projects

[edit]

Getting to Zero Illinois Plan

[edit]

The AIDS Foundation Chicago, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Illinois Department of Public Health have come up with a five-year plan designed to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS while providing a continuum of needed health services.[6] On May 14, 2019 Governor J. B. Pritzker announced the Getting to Zero Illinois initiative. The plan exponentially increases the number of health and public workforce to meet the constant challenges of those who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The increase workforce will target the hardest hit areas of Illinois that lack the resources to address HIV/AIDS. Improving communications between state health groups organizations and community groups allows for a continued focus on lowering the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Together the groups will monitor progress of their plan to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois.[7]

Pride Action Tank

[edit]

The Pride Action Tank is a project initiated by the AFC, in collaboration with Howard Brown Health. The purpose of the Pride Action Tank, is to provide resources to LGBTQ+ communities living within Chicago's Southside, who lack the resources necessary to fight HIV and AIDS.[8]

AIDS Garden Chicago

[edit]

The AIDS Garden Chicago is a series of public monuments located within a 2.5-acre area along Lake Michigan. The AIDS Garden Chicago is a collaboration effort between the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Chicago Park Foundation. This garden is meant to recognize and remember the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS as well as to commemorate and empower those who are still fighting the disease.[9]

Events

[edit]

AIDS Run and Walk

[edit]

The AIDS Run and Walk is an annual event that takes place at Soldier Field in Chicago with the overall goal of raising money for the AFC. This event takes place every fall and has raised over $100,000 in the past.[10]

World of Chocolate

[edit]

World of Chocolate is an annual event put on by the AFC. This event is put on in order to further advance efforts to end HIV/AIDS. – and to also advance efforts. This event takes place every December at Revel Fulton Market, in Chicago's West Loop area. World of Chocolate invites/encourages various restaurants, bakeries and other vendors in Chicago to attend this event. In previous years, the World of Chocolate event has raised over $200,000 from event sponsors, vendors and individual donors.[11]

Services

[edit]

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago offers testing, financial assistance, medication, and housing. HIV, HCV and other types of STI testing are available through the AFC; along with HIV education for those who are diagnosed and in need of assistance handling their symptoms and diagnosis. Medication for those who are not diagnosed with HIV, but wish to prevent the infection is available as well; in the form of Pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly referred to as PrEP. Financial Assistance for those with HIV or other disabilities is also offered, through case management. In the most extreme cases, the AFC also provides permanent and temporary housing to those who are homeless and diagnosed with HIV, AIDS, or another disability.[12]

Partners

[edit]

The AFC was one of the founding organizations of the International Rectal Microbicide Advocates.

Sponsors

[edit]

In 2021, the AFC received a $5,000 grant from Pfizer to support the foundation's Annual Advocacy Day.[13]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "AIDS FOUNDATION OF CHICAGO – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame". Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  2. ^ Ferrarin, Elena (2019-12-12). "Changes at Open Door Health Center in Elgin alarm some staff members". Daily Herald. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  3. ^ "Fighting AIDS: 'Getting to Zero' goal of House Majority Leader". WJBC AM 1230. 2019-05-15. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  4. ^ "Milestones". aidschicago.org. 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  5. ^ "Foundation Develops Community-Based HIV Testing and Partnerships With Medical Homes, Leading to More Timely Linkages to Care for Newly Diagnosed Patients". Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 2014-02-26. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  6. ^ "Get to Zero Plan Illinois HIV plan".
  7. ^ "GETTING TO ZERO ILLINOIS PLAN :Getting to Zero Illinois". gtzillinois.hiv. 25 March 2019. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  8. ^ Schencker, Lisa. "'There's always been a dearth of resources for the LGBTQ community on the South Side.' Now, Howard Brown Health has a multimillion-dollar plan to change that". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  9. ^ "New AIDS Garden Chicago to unveil 30-foot sculpture, Self-Portrait - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive". Windy City Times. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  10. ^ "Dean Richards' Sunday Morning | September 8th, 2019 | AIDS Foundation of Chicago CEO, John Peller, Cast of Paramount Theatre Newsies". WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own. 2019-09-08. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  11. ^ Jordan, Candace. "World of Chocolate's cocktails in an 'igloo' and 1940s ocean liner vibe help raise money for AIDS Foundation of Chicago". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  12. ^ "Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)". www.chicago.gov. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  13. ^ "US Medical, Scientific, Patient and Civic Organization Funding Report: Q1-Q2 2021" (PDF). Pfizer. 2021-09-27. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-05-03. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
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