In a move that will sew together two historically disparate efforts, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced a new HIV planning council that combines HIV service and prevention.
The Chicago Area HIV Integrated Services Council (CAHISC) held its first meeting April 26, according to a CDPH statement.
The council combines the Chicago Area HIV Services Council, which focused on HIV care, and the HIV Prevention Planning Group, which worked on combatting the spread of HIV.
The two groups previously worked separately.
According to CDPH Public Health Commission Bechara Choucair, the new council will help focus the city’s approach to HIV.
“With an integrated planning body, the full spectrum of needs to somebody who has HIV will be addressed in one conversation,” Choucair said in a statement.
According to CDPH, the volunteer council will be made up of a maximum 47 members, including representation from organizations that serve LGBT people. Members will serve staggered terms up to three years.
The group will consult on $39 million for HIV prevention and services to be delivered to Chicago and its surrounding counties.