action alert

But what about everything else?

WHEW! Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) clients and AIDS advocates breathed a sigh of relief on July 16. State public health officials announced that day that Governor Quinn had allocated enough state funding to avoid an ADAP waiting list or major cost containment. THANK GOVERNOR QUINN!

But will people with HIV have access to housing and care programs that help them connect to ADAP and stay healthy? Will people at risk of HIV be able to turn to HIV prevention programs to help them stay negative? Last year, these programs were cut by over $7 million. Make sure they’re not cut again!

There’s a small window of opportunity for Gov. Quinn to make sure people with HIV have housing and services to help them access medical care and to ensure that HIV prevention programs are adequately funded. Tell Governor Quinn: Thanks for funding ADAP… don’t forget community programs!

In early January 2010, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes announced that the state has over $5.1 billion in unpaid bills but no cash to pay them.  As a result, service providers can't meet payroll, agencies are at risk of shutting down, and clients may lose services.  

The clock is ticking on health care reform.  Leaders in the U.S.

There has been a lot of recent action on health care reform. Two weeks ago, the U.S. House of Representatives  released and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee passed health care reform legislation that include some solid provisions that will benefit low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions.

Act Now to Defeat Amendment Restricting Syringe Exchange!
Amendment to Ban Federal
Syringe Exchange Funding on House Floor   

And cue Marvin Gaye…
…or Jessica Terlikowski…
As she tells you what’s goin' on…

The move to reform health care in the United States must ensure that everyone living with HIV benefits from early and reliable access to lifesaving care and treatment.

On May 31, most state representatives voted to create massive service disruptions for vulnerable Illinoisans, including people with HIV.  Each vote against sensible tax reform was in essence a vote to slash lifesaving state health and human services by 50% or more.  These drastic cuts mean fewer HIV tests, fewer prevention services, and

Less than a week remains until the General Assembly adjourns on Sunday, May 31 - and we need your help.

On May 20, 2009