Illinois governor
signs HIV law targeting African-Americans

Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has signed a law that creates a state fund to develop culturally sensitive HIV prevention and treatment programs targeting African-Americans in the state. The Illinois African-American HIV/AIDS Response Fund will receive $3 million in state funds. In addition to HIV prevention programs, the fund also will help establish at least 17 "one-stop" HIV service facilities in the state. "Last year we were able to pass legislation to provide free testing in state offices serving high-risk communities," state senator Kimberly Lightfor, a cosponsor of the bill, told the Chicago Sun Times. "This year we were able to obtain more funding for the HIV/AIDS crisis that is disproportionately affecting our community." (The Advocate)