The AIDS Foundation of Chicago would like to publicly thank Gov. Rod Blagojevich, members of the Illinois General Assembly and the hundreds of AIDS advocates across Illinois who worked tirelessly to secure increased state funding for critical HIV prevention and care programs in the 2005 Illinois budget. These increases come at a crucial time in the fight against AIDS, as federal resources are decreasing and the demand for services is increasing.
The 2005 state budget contains $3.1 million in new state funds to support the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides life-saving medications to more than 3,000 people living with HIV/AIDS each month who would otherwise have no access to treatment. The budget also contains a $1.15 million increase for community-based HIV prevention programs targeting communities of color. These funds will support primary HIV prevention programs that are essential to efforts to stem the spread of HIV in communities across the state that are disproportionately impacted by the epidemic.
In February of this year, Gov. Blagojevich included these increases as part of his 2005 budget proposal, and we commend him and the Illinois legislature for making them a priority in this difficult budget year. At a time when many other states are cutting funding for HIV/AIDS programs, these increases are a testament to our state’s commitment to advancing the fight against AIDS.
By supporting this budget, state leaders are helping ensure that people living with and at risk for HIV have access to the services they need and deserve.
Mark Ishaug, Executive Director
AIDS Foundation of Chicago