IDPH

In 12 states across America, over 2,200 people are on waiting lists for HIV medications because the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is deeply under-funded. 

On Tuesday, July 13, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius will announce (finally!) that the Obama administration will partially solve this problem by providing $25 million in emergency funding to states for ADAP.

(Updated 6/21/10)

Yes, we have a state budget.  Well, sort of.  Actually, it’s kinda complicated. 

Let’s break it down. 

The General Assembly passed on May 25 a state budget.  However, this budget is deeply flawed.  It doesn’t address the state’s nearly $6 billion in unpaid bills, relies too heavily on one-time revenue, and jeopardizes services for all Illinoisans.  Most importantly, legislators failed to pass new revenue, the only sustainable solution to the state’s budget problems.

Windy City Times covers the May 21 recommendation that Illinois institute a waiting list for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program:

"A state advisory panel took a huge step May 21 in the financial battle for more than 4,000 low-income Illinois residents with HIV/AIDS.

"The panel voted to urge Illinois to immediately close the AIDS Drug Assistance Program ( ADAP ) to new applicants and begin a waiting list. The recommendation is now under review by state officials.

"Because the program is deeply underfunded, Illinois must take immediate steps to preserve services for those who rely on ADAP for their lifesaving care," said David Ernesto Munar, vice president of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) and a member of the ADAP Medical Issues Advisory Board, which made the recommendation. "The program faces total fiscal collapse unless immediate actions are taken."

Read the rest.

Action needed today: Download and share this state budget petition!

At a meeting of HIV advocates and services providers on April 6, Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) director Jeff Maras predicted a grim future for people with HIV in Illinois without adequate state funding.

Today, 66 organizations and over 400 individuals called on Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to fairly fund HIV services in the FY 11 state budget, to be introduced March 10.

AFC is happy to share the great news that Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Public Health recently finalized appointments to the Quality of Life Board, which will oversee over $1.4 million in grants funded by the Illinois HIV/AIDS Quality of Life scratch-off lottery game.  (Actually, one member had to drop out, but that position will hopefully be filled quickly.)  Keep your eyes peeled for an announce

The Impact of Rising ADAP Demand on State Grants for HIV Services
With Dr. Mildred Williamson, Chief, HIV/AIDS Section, Illinois Department of Public Health

SPC Advocacy/Policy Committee
Monday, September 28, 4-6 PM

AIDS Foundation of Chicago
200 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 2200, Chicago

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently released a memo outlining an increase in the number of people enrolled in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides no-cost medications to low-income people living with HIV.  The utilization increase "forced [IDPH] to reduce or eliminate grant awards to HIV/AIDS grantees funded in FY 09.”&

Many HIV advocates jumped for joy on July 30 when Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced that he had restored most of the state’s HIV budget cuts.  And when I say most, I mean 97.4 percent!  In a year when lawmakers entertained budget cuts as deep as 50 percent, this was welcome news.  But budget cuts are coming, and YOU need to take action to make sure cuts are f

The State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) July 27 covered the release of sexually transmitted disease (STD) statistics for 2008.  Infection with an STD makes an individual 3-5 times more vulnerable to HIV infection.