Illinois: AIDS Foundation of Chicago Sets Agenda

On Dec. 11, around 30 AIDS experts, service providers, and advocates met to map out the 2009 legislative agenda for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). Developing a statewide HIV/AIDS prevention strategy, prioritizing public health at the state level, and improving access to health care services were among the goals laid out for the coming year.

Given the state's bleak financial situation, "we have to prepare for the worst," said John Peller, director of governmental affairs for AFC. This could include cuts to social service programs and delayed Medicaid payments, he suggested.

Peller also remarked upon the recent indictment and arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges, warning that HIV/AIDS policy at the state level might suffer due to the "rudderless governor's office."

At the federal level, the incoming Obama administration has a "very detailed" HIV/AIDS platform, including the implementation of a cohesive national strategy, said David Munar, AFC's vice president for policy and communications. It is crucial that advocates hold the administration to its promises, he said.

In addition, unfinished priorities from 2008 must be addressed, Peller said. These include STD prevention and treatment; the repeal of a 1987 law mandating the disclosure of students' HIV status to principals; and drug overdose prevention.

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