Illinois Extends ADAP to Katrina Evacuees

HIV-positive Hurricane Katrina evacuees who fled to Illinois are receiving help from the state AIDS Drug Assistance Program and other HIV/AIDS resources even if they cannot furnish the usual documentation.

A Sept. 6 memo from Nancy Abraham, the Illinois Department of Public Health's ADAP administrator, instructed AIDS service providers and case managers in how to help HIV-positive evacuees. The memo is part of a plan by IDPH Director Dr. Eric Whitaker and Deputy Director Tom Hughes for dealing with the influx of storm survivors seeking refuge in the state. Up to 10,000 evacuees may end up living in Illinois for an indefinite period of time.

Acknowledging that "people may be coming out of the hurricane area with few, if any, papers," Abraham said ADAP is prepared to grant approval for services for up to 90 days. "We expect by then they will be seeing a doctor and getting approval through our regular ADAP program," she said.

Abraham has instructed providers to document their services, as ADAP is doing, so as to qualify for possible reimbursement from federal disaster funds.

Several Chicago area AIDS agencies, including the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, have indicated their willingness to offer case management and other resources to Katrina survivors.

Back to other news for September 16, 2005