HIV/AIDS Resources in the Chicago Area during STD Awareness Month
April 10, 2019
Over the last few decades, great strides have been made in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. Education and awareness efforts have elevated preventive measures and helped individuals living with HIV/AIDS understand they can live full lives, with proper medical care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, despite these advancements in prevention and treatment, the rate of newly diagnosed individuals has remained stable and continues to disproportionately affect bisexual and gay men, especially in African-American and Hispanic populations.
Approximately 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today but about 15% of them (1 in 7) are unaware they are infected. This April, during Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month, take control of your health, know your status and learn how to stay safe in sexual relationships.
Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) has been at the forefront of HIV testing and education in the Chicagoland area for more than 20 years. We believe HIV testing should be a part of your regular check-ups, and we have the team and resources in place to make sure you have the best treatment options to meet your needs.
So how can ACCESS help you?
- HIV testing, counseling, and referrals
We offer HIV testing as a part of routine bloodwork for all ACCESS patients. If tests are positive, our dedicated team will work with you to determine the best treatment options. This includes a care plan to meet the demands for your life.
- Education and support for high-risk groups
ACCESS offers group-based programming at various health center locations. Topics include gender pride, healthy relationships, stress management and coping strategies. We also offer youth-based programs about prevention of HIV/AIDs and STDs/STIs.
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Assistance
PrEP is a daily medication taken by HIV negative individuals that’s at risk for contracting HIV through either sexual intercourse with HIV position people, not always wearing condoms or sharing needles. The medication helps to lower chances of contracting HIV.
- Early intervention services
Our services include medical case management, treatment adherence, mental health, nutritional counseling and infectious disease specialty care.
- Primary care for HIV positive patients
We approach health care by looking at total body health. For those diagnosed with HIV, our team can help aid treatment for other health concerns such as mental health diagnoses and Hepatitis C. We also help facilitate screening for and enrollment into public benefit programs, such as ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program).
- Community outreach
ACCESS has a dedicated team to provide HIV screenings in the communities we serve throughout the Chicagoland area.
HIV/AIDS testing is available at all of our Chicagoland locations, but we also have health centers dedicated to providing enhanced HIV programs and services:
ACCESS Evanston-Rogers Park Family Health Center
1555 W. Howard St.
Chicago, IL 60626
773.764.7146
ACCESS Grand Boulevard Health and Specialty Center
5401 S. Wentworth Ave.
Chicago, IL 60609
773.288.6900
ACCESS Madison Family Health Center
3800 W. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60624
773.826.6600
ACCESS Blue Island Family Health Center
13000 Maple Ave.
Blue Island, IL 60406
708.385.6100
ACCESS Martin T. Russo Family Health Center
245 S. Gary Ave. Lower Level
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
630.893.5230
Access Community Health Network (ACCESS)
ACCESS is here to serve you and can help with HIV testing, education and treatment. We offer testing at each of our Chicagoland locations and can help you during any point of your journey.
As of March 23, 2023