Mirsa's blog

The release of data from the iPrEx study of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in gay and bisexual men and transgender women has led to a good deal of debate about whether and how PrEP should be used. Unfortunately, some of that debate has been fueled by misrepresentations of the study data and, perhaps more alarmingly, by groundless assertions that gay/bi men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) will misuse PrEP, spread drug resistance and act without regard to their health or the health of others if PrEP is made available.

Mapping Pathways is a multi-national project - led by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago - to develop and nurture a research-driven, community-led global understanding of the emerging evidence base around the adoption of antiretroviral-based prevention strategies to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Join Center on Halsted for an engaging morning of free, educational
presentations on HIV/AIDS. Interested members of the community
as well as HIV/AIDS service providers are invited to this National
HIV Testing Day Seminar which will explore aspects of living
with HIV infection – from understanding laboratory testing to other
conditions that can complicate HIV treatment.     

Mapping Pathways helps to develop and nurture communities in understanding around the adoption of antiretroviral-based prevention strategies to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It provides data and reccomendations to policymakers, leaders and activists all around the communities.

Take action and urge Gov. Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly to reverse IDPH's decision to restrict ADAP.
 
On April 15, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced plans to restrict access to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to new applicants with incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($32,670 for a single individual) beginning in July.  The current limit to qualify for Illinois ADAP is 500 percent of federal poverty ($54,450 for a single individual).
 
The announcement comes on the heels of two years of financial pressure on the program.  Record numbers of people with HIV became eligible and joined ADAP as a result of the economic downturn, high unemployment, and losses of private health insurance.  Illinois has struggled to keep its program solvent in the face of inadequate federal funding.  Nationally, nearly 8,000 people with HIV in 11 states are on ADAP waiting lists.

Click here to TAKE ACTION!

Exactly one week before the annual commemoration of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the feminist blog Jezebel responded with intense skepticism to the USA Today headline claiming that female condoms (FCs) are gaining broader acceptance in U.S. cities. Citing the experience of one woman who did not enjoy using FCs and had difficulty locating them, the blogger casts them as nothing but a “sad sack of contraception options.”  Several readers’ comments belittled the safer sex tool as novelty or a joke and questioned why anyone would use it. While such mockery of the female condom is not uncommon, it is particularly disappointing when dismissed by those who purportedly support the reproductive health and rights of women and girls.

Announcing Public Health Boot Camp IV: The AIDS Foundation of Chicago and DePaul University are having our next Public Health Boot Camp on July24-29, 2011. We are having an informational session on March 8, 2011 at the DePaul Center, 1 E.

The Red Dress Party is a national event dedicated to creating awareness and visibility for the HIV/AIDS movement and raising funds for organizations that provide vital community services. Dress for the fight, end AIDS. The event will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 and will feature a live musical performance by Kristine W.