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Commemorating World AIDS Day – December 1Almost $4 million in grant funding available |
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SPRINGFIELD – In commemoration of World AIDS Day, December 1, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is now accepting applications for almost $4 million in HIV prevention and treatment services grants to eligible organizations. “We have made many advancements in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and through the continued commitment of worldwide research and prevention efforts, we come closer to the goal of an AIDS-free generation,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “Today the Illinois Department of Public Health is announcing the availability of grant funding to continue those prevention efforts in order to reach our goal of stopping the spread of the disease.” IDPH will grant approximately $2.4 million in Quality of Life lottery ticket proceeds to 18-36 eligible organizations providing HIV prevention and treatment services to populations at the highest risk for transmitting or acquiring the virus. Proceeds generated from the Quality of Life Illinois scratch-off lottery game are granted to public and private entities with HIV/AIDS prevention, education and treatment programs that serve individuals at the highest risk for contracting HIV infection or developing AIDS. IDPH will grant an additional $1.4 million in African American HIV/AIDS Response Act funds to 14-20 eligible community-based organizations providing HIV prevention and treatment services. The African-American HIV/AIDS Response Act was enacted to address the disproportionate number of African Americans living with HIV/AIDS in Illinois. Organizations interested in applying can find more information at http://www.idph.state.il.us/fundop.htm. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates of new HIV infections in the U.S. indicate that HIV remains a serious health problem, with an estimated 50,000 new infections each year. Certain groups, including African Americans, Latinos, and gay and bisexual men of all races/ethnicities, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. In 2011, Illinois had the 6th highest number of diagnosed HIV infections nationwide and ranked 6th for the estimated number of AIDS cases. Between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2013, 13,782 cases of HIV were diagnosed in Illinois. As of June 30, 2013, there was a total of 18, 608 people in Illinois living with AIDS. IDPH sponsors several groundbreaking programs and funds many organizations statewide that work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as providing access to health care services for those living with the disease, including an HIV/AIDS and STD hotline: 1-800-AID-AIDS (1-800-243-2437). Other IDPH programs include:
Free HIV testing on December 2 is also being offered at the following Walgreens locations:
World AIDS Day is an opportunity for communities to work together to combat HIV/AIDS and eliminate the disparities of the disease among certain groups. To this end, the Illinois Department of Public Health is implementing its Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 by expanding and cultivating public and private partnerships, as well as increasing health equity and reducing disparities through those partnerships. For a copy of the strategic plan, go to http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/StrategicPlan_Final_2014-2018.pdf. |
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Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |