Inside Story/Blog

On June 11th, the Fellowship Chicago Church on the south side buzzed with activity as the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) and Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), hosted the Women’s Connection Summit of Hope. This annual event provides critical…

Looking for some great summer reads? We’ve got you covered with a curated selection of books that explore the people and history at the heart of the HIV epidemic. These ten books are AFC staff picks that offer moving stories, historical insights, and unvoiced reflections to move, inspire, and educate you. Whether you’re lounging by…

After a five-year hiatus, the Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30 event is back by popular demand. In partnership with Windy City Times, AIDS Foundation Chicago, and Pride Action Tank, the highly anticipated event, which was held at LinkedIn, 525 W. Monroe St., on Thursday, June 6, 2024, aims to honor the outstanding leaders of…

Join AIDS Foundation Chicago and our partners at celebrations and fundraiser extravaganzas to celebrate Pride Month!  We’ve compiled a list of events happening all month long – there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved and show out!   Special Events: Quad Cities Pride Parade (Henry County) Saturday, June 1, 2024 | 11:00 A.M.…

DeWayne Elliot is a typical 26-year-old. He enjoys socializing with friends, traveling, the arts, and physical exercise, and describes himself as an outgoing young man and a team player who doesn’t believe in “big I’s and little U’s.” Life for Dewayne today includes working and coming home each night to a place he can comfortably call…

Resetting the timeline and narrative around the HIV Epidemic  In the annals of medical history, certain names echo loudly, while others remain shrouded in obscurity, their stories consigned to the forgotten corners of collective memory. This is particularly true for the stories of Black Americans, much like the Tuskegee Experiments or Henrietta Lacks, whose stories…

On April 10, 140 pledged advocates flooded inboxes of state elected officials with a unified message - “Nothing about us without us!” - in support of HIV prevention and treatment, housing as healthcare, and advancing health equity. Over 1,300 messages were sent to legislators across the state in support of AFC’s 2024 legislative priorities, and…

Have you heard about the only FDA-approved time machine, Narcan? Optimal time-travel window is six minutes after an overdose. Time travel tips include tilting the person’s head back while providing support under the neck and gently inserting the tip of the nozzle into one nostril and pressing the plunger firmly (see full instructions here).  Of…

“I am in awe of young people because they are more brilliant than any of us have ever been,” said Will Pettway, a Black nonbinary sex ed teacher through the Lurie Children’s Hospital (and winner of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago in the nonbinary category). For National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day this year, marked on…

The Board of Directors for AIDS Foundation Chicago is the governing body responsible for championing and advising the organization's work. As we begin a new year of Board activities, some long-serving members have stepped down from their duties. We are thankful to Anthony Bruck, Terri Friel, and Joseph P. Stokes for their service and leadership.…