The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has chosen 17 AIDS advocates from across the state to form the Illinois Alliance for Sound AIDS Policy (IL ASAP), according to a press release.
The goal of the project is to develop, nurture and support statewide policy and advocacy leaders; to build stronger ties with stakeholders; increase involvement in HIV/AIDS activities; and to encourage ongoing communication with HIV/AIDS allies, elected officials and the media.
“This is a dynamic group of individuals who are taking the lead and fighting for the interests of our state’s HIV/AIDS community,” said AFC Policy Associate Pete Subkoviak, who coordinates IL ASAP. “In the short time since IL ASAP was created, I have been extremely impressed with what its members have accomplished, and expect great things from them in the future.”
IL ASAP’s “inaugural class” has already made headlines. Transgender and women’s health advocate Helena Bushong was believed to be the first-ever transgendered person to attend a White House National Strategy meeting on “Women and HIV/AIDS” held Dec. 8. (See her viewpoint on page 10 of this issue.) Also, IL ASAP member Patricia Johnson was featured in a recent local news segment about rising HIV-infection rates among African-American women.