Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich increased funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) by $3.1 million and boosted funding levels for HIV/AIDS prevention programs targeting minority communities by $1 million in his fiscal year 2005 budget proposal released last week.
The additional funding for ADAP, combined with an estimated $2.4 million in new federal funds, means that Illinois will continue to provide one of the most comprehensive ADAP programs in the country, reports the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Currently 15 states have capped enrollment or implemented program restrictions, and nationwide this year, thousands of people will likely be on ADAP waiting lists. Of the $3.1 million ADAP increase, Blagojevich earmarked $1.6 million for program expansion, giving ADAP clients access to psychotropic drugs and other therapies needed to manage HIV.
Governor Blagojevich’s $1 million increase in funding for HIV prevention programs targeting communities of color brings the total request for minority-specific prevention dollars to $3 million.
See www.aidschicago.org for ways to lobby elected officials to keep the funding in the budget.