Continuing his efforts to address the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich proclaimed World AIDS Day in Illinois, according to a press release from his office.
In noting the observance, Blagojevich urged the United States Congress to reauthorize and increase federal appropriations for the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency ( CARE ) Act, the nation's largest source of federal funding for HIV/AIDS-related services. The act expired on Sept. 30; however, no new legislation has been introduced to keep the program going.
Illinois also paid tribute to those impacted by HIV/AIDS by dimming the lights at the Capitol dome and other state government buildings to coincide with the dimming of lights at the White House. One of the aims of World AIDS Day 2005, which had the theme 'Stop AIDS. Keep the promise,' was to hold government officials accountable for their pledges and promises to fund for HIV and AIDS education and prevention.
The release also listed steps the governor has taken to fight HIV/AIDS since assuming office. This year, he announced the BASUAH ( Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS ) Project, a multi-million HIV/AIDS awareness campaign aimed at addressing the alarming trend of infection in the state's African-American community. He also boosted spending for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program ( ADAP ) by $3 million to a total of $36 million; now, more people ( who meet eligibility requirements ) can be served and the number of potentially life-saving medicines has increased from 74 to 80. Lastly, Blagojevich has filed emergency rules to implement HIV/AIDS rapid testing statewide.
The Illinois Department of Public Health ( IDPH ) held more than 20 HIV/AIDS testing and awareness events on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. An IDPH-sponsored World AIDS Day observance was held in Springfield in the State Capitol Rotunda. There, various organizations displayed exhibits with HIV/AIDS information and the Phoenix Center provided free HIV testing.
In Chicago, there were many events to mark the day. The 'Wellness on Wheels' van provided free HIV testing at the Dominicks Grocery Store on West Roosevelt Rd. Other facilities that offered free testing included Howard Brown Health Center and Broadway Youth Center.
In Illinois, which has the sixth highest total of AIDS cases in the nation, there have been 30,394 reported cases of AIDS since 1981.
The toll-free Illinois AIDS/HIV and STD Hotline can answer questions about HIV/AIDS and provide locations of free counseling and testing services. The hotline can be reached at ( 800 ) 243-2437 or ( 800 ) 782-0423 ( TTY ) between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekdays and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekends. Information about HIV/AIDS is also available at www.basuah.org .
