The AIDS
Foundation of Chicago this week released "Bringing an
End to AIDS," a document outlining its policy
priorities for 2006.
On the federal
level, AFC is calling on Congress to reauthorize and
adequately fund the Ryan White Act, the federal program that
provides money for AIDS services that officially
expired at the end of October 2005. The foundation
also is urging Congress and policy makers to
strengthen and expand Medicaid, the nation's largest
provider of HIV-related medical care; enhance Medicare
Part D, which provides antiretroviral medications to
many low-income HIVers; increase funding for AIDS
housing programs; and fund scientifically proven HIV
prevention programs.
On the state
level, AFC calls on Illinois lawmakers to ensure access to
antiretroviral medications and medical care for low-income
state residents; expand HIV prevention services for
high-risk populations; and better address HIV among
prisoners.
The report was
prepared to educate policy makers, community groups, and
the media about steps that can be taken to better fight AIDS
on both the national level and specifically in
Illinois. It can be accessed online at www.aidschicago.org. (Advocate.com)