NatHIVe American Awareness

Do Ask, Do Tell about HIV on Pride

2010-06-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

AIDSCHICAGO.org: A letter from Jim that I wanted to share with all of you.

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Dear Friends --

As a gay man living with HIV, I am feeling really conflicted during this month of LGBT Pride. I know I am supposed to be awash in warm feelings of joy, and that I should have lots of parties and the big parade on my agenda.

But you know what? Not so much.

While I applaud the community’s herculean efforts around marriage equality and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – I have noticed lately that one issue in particular gets a collective “I’m so over it.” And that issue is HIV.

Take action on Pride!

Gay men are the only demographic in which HIV infections are rising in the United States (nearly 29,000 new infections in 2006.) Gay men of all colors are impacted – and black and Latino gay men bear the brunt. A five-city study in 2005 showed that almost half of all gay black men were infected – HALF. These numbers rival the very worst HIV epidemics occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Did you know how bad it was?

During this last week of Pride, we need all gay men and their allies, HIV-positive and negative alike, to “Do Ask, Do Tell” regarding HIV/AIDS in the gay community, and you can start with Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn is carving up the Illinois state budget, and his decisions will have life-or-death implications for gay men living with and at risk for HIV. Let him know that a budget that throws us under the proverbial bus will not be tolerated.

TAKE ACTION!

And, please, continue to take action. We can’t stand up for our rights if we are too sick to stand. We can’t get married if we’re already at the “death do us part” business. HIV/AIDS is the issue of every single gay man, and our fabulous voices are needed to reinvigorate the fight.

Happy Pride.

Jim Pickett

Stop ADAP Wait List in Illinois!

2010-05-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Facing an historic budget crisis that could destabilize HIV treatment access for more than 4,000 low-income Illinoisans with HIV/AIDS, a state advisory panel voted on May 21 to urge Illinois to immediately close the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to new applicants and begin a waiting list. The recommendation is now under review by state officials.

“Because the program is deeply underfunded, Illinois must take immediate steps to preserve services for those who rely on ADAP for their life-saving care,” said David Ernesto Munar, vice president of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), and a member of the ADAP Medical Issues Advisory Board, which made the recommendation. “The program faces total fiscal collapse unless immediate actions are taken.”

TAKE ACTION NOW!

The Medical Issues Advisory Board, comprised of doctors, pharmacists, legal experts, advocates, and people with HIV, advises the Illinois Department of Public Health on ADAP policy. Jointly funded by the state and federal governments, ADAP provides HIV medications to low-income, HIV-positive Illinoisans who have no other means to afford the costly HIV therapies they need.

“Denying urgent HIV care will only heighten Illinois’s already acute HIV crisis and result in greater numbers of preventable HIV deaths and new infections,” said AFC President/CEO Mark Ishaug. “We call on Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois General Assembly and the federal government to provide immediate assistance to maintain this and other core public health and HIV programs.”

“Investing in ADAP is good public health policy and good fiscal policy,” said John Peller, AFC’s director of government relations. “To close the state’s $12 billion budget deficit, state lawmakers should approve fair-minded tax increases. Meeting Illinois’s current and future health, education, public safety, child care, and senior needs, depends on an adequately funded public safety net.”

The Illinois General Assembly will convene this week in Springfield to finalize the fiscal year 2011 state budget. Governor Quinn’s proposed budget would under-fund HIV-related services by more than $4 million.

“The General Assembly and Governor Quinn must act this week to avert ADAP waiting lists by allocating sufficient funding for the program,” continued Peller. “For the past decade, Illinois ADAP has been one of the strongest ADAPs in the nation. We urge the state’s leaders to uphold their promise that people with HIV in Illinois can get help from the state when they need it the most.”

Advocates estimate that an additional $9.68 million in state funding in fiscal year 2011 is needed to avert a waiting list. In April 2010, 4,391 Illinoisans with HIV obtained HIV medications through ADAP, a new record. Each month, more than 100 people join the program.

Without ADAP or adequate insurance, HIV medications are simply too costly to afford for most people. An HIV medication regimen can cost as much as $20,000 per year.

“People of color will be most impacted by a closed program and waiting list,” said Rev. Doris Green, AFC director of correctional health and community affairs. “Two out of three people using Illinois ADAP are African American or Latino. People of color are disproportionately impacted by HIV and they tend to be diagnosed at later stages of disease than their white counterparts. An ADAP waiting list will only worsen existing health disparities.”

Because of the weak economy, many people with HIV have lost their jobs and are turning to ADAP for help. Thanks to the medications they receive, HIV-positive individuals already on ADAP are living longer and needing uninterrupted services for longer periods of time. Additionally, expanded HIV testing efforts are increasing the number of low-income people who know their HIV-positive status and need medical assistance.

ADAPs across the nation are facing financial crises. Illinois would become the 12th state to institute a waiting list if the advisory panel’s recommendation moves forward. More than 1,000 individuals are currently on ADAP waiting lists across the U.S.

“It’s a national embarrassment that people with HIV can’t get access to the medications that will allow them to work, thrive and contribute to society,” said Munar, who is living with HIV. “The United States is failing to meet the most basic need of people with HIV—medications that will extend their lives.”

For more information about ADAP and the Illinois state budget crisis, visit www.aidschicago.org/budget.

* Article brought to you by AIDS Foundation of Chicago

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

2010-05-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

May 18th is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD). This annual observance is a day to recognize and thank the thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists who are working together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine. It is also a day to educate our communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research.

If you'd like to get involved go to http://www.bethegeneration.nih.gov/

Women's Health Month

2010-05-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

In honor of Women's Health Month, watch Nevs talk about HIV/AIDS in the American Indian community.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

2010-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

My feelings are a work of art!

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) is a day for everyone to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Awareness Day raises awareness of effective programs for children's mental health needs; demonstrates how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resilience; and shows how children with mental health needs thrive in their communities.

On Thursday, May 6, 2010, Awareness Day will mark its 5th anniversary, as well as a first-time focus on the topic of early childhood. Communities across the country will observe the day with events, youth demonstrations, and social networking campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and increase understanding of the mental health needs of children and their families.

American Indian Health Service of Chicago will celebrate with the American Indian Center Wellness Department and Circles of Care with a mini powwow and art celebration!
There will be activities for all ages, food, information and more!

When: Thursday, May 6, 3:30- 8:00 pm
Where: American Indian Center, 1630 W Wilson, Chicago, IL
Call Alice at (773) 883-9100 for more information

Spring Health Fair

2010-04-19T11:52:00.001-07:00

Join Asian Human Services for their Spring Community Health Fair!

Free screenings, health information, and referrals.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
4:00-7:30 PM
North Shore Baptist Church, 5244 N Lakewood

For more info, contact Amy at 773-564-4959

Festival of Stories

2010-04-14T14:24:00.001-07:00

Join the Chicago American Indian Education Program-- Title VII for "Festival of Stories." This is an evening of storytelling and entertainment with Title VII students reading from select books by Native authors.

Friday, April 23, 5:00 pm
Stockton Elementary School, 4420 North Beacon, Chicago, IL
To RSVP, please contact (773) 534-2417

Visit Chicago Title VII's website for more information.

get yourself tested

2010-04-05T07:54:00.001-07:00

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2010-04-02T09:31:00.001-07:00

American Indian Health Service of Chicago, Inc would like to thank the community, sponsors, educators, and speakers for attending our annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Event last Friday, March 19th 2010. We had an excellent turnout!

The event held many new activities this year, one which included the community memorial quilt. Thanks to everyone who participated in the quilt project and be sure to look out for it soon in the native community!

The new Youth Peer Outreach Team also made its debut at the event and did an excellent job volunteering. Many thanks to them! The Youth Outreach Team is a program started by AIHSC which challenges Native American Youths ages 13-24 to learn more about HIV/AIDS and health and teach their peers about HIV prevention.

Free rapid HIV testing was held as well at the event in which some 19 individuals learned their status for the very first time. Many thanks to our AmriCorps volunteers for all their help in getting our people tested that night.

Finally, the event ended wonderfully with a powwow and included the sounds of Big Sky and Cricket Hill on drums. Thanks to both groups for a great powwow!

HIV continues to increase among Native people as it has over the past decade. When population size is taken into account, American Indians/Alaskan Native rank third in the U.S. in HIV/AIDS cases compared to other races and ethnicities. National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day challenges us to work together, in harmony, to create a greater awareness of the risk of HIV/AIDS to our Native communities, to call for resources for testing and early detection and for increased treatment options, and to eventually decrease the occurrence of HIV/AIDS among Native people.

This event would not have been possible without the donation from the Chicago Native American community and our funders and donors. Miigwetch!

Chicago Female Condom Campaign Wants You to “Put A Ring On It!”

2010-03-11T10:00:00.001-08:00

Chicago Female Condom Campaign Wants You to “Put A Ring On It!”

Health organizations launch citywide campaign to mark National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and increase awareness, availability of female condoms

CHICAGO, IL (3/8/10) – A ubiquitous nugget of pop culture advice (“Put a ring on it!”) is the tagline of a new public awareness campaign launched today by a coalition of health organizations that aims to increase the use of a new-and-improved female condom among both women and men.

Timed to coincide with the observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10), the initiative is the brainchild of the Chicago Female Condom Campaign, a coalition of HIV/AIDS, reproductive justice, women’s health, and gay men’s health organizations that is working to boost awareness, accessibility and availability of female condoms.

The female condom is currently the only barrier method that can be controlled by the receptive partner, allowing both women and men to take control of their health in preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

This kind of prevention option is urgently needed to keep Chicagoans healthy as numbers for STIs continue to rise. Cook County ranks first, second, and third nationwide for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, respectively, and reported approximately 1,500 new HIV cases in 2008, state health figures show.

African Americans comprise just 15 percent of the Illinois population yet account for 54 percent of the state’s total HIV infections, according to state health data. Just as gay men of color bear the brunt of the HIV epidemic, African-American women are disproportionately impacted by HIV, accounting for 68 percent of all Illinois women diagnosed with HIV in 2008, while Latinas account for 10 percent.

“For many women and men, condom negotiation in the bedroom isn’t an option,” said AIDS Foundation of Chicago policy manager Jessica Terlikowski, who leads the female condom campaign. “The campaign is working to ensure that Chicagoans know about this highly effective safer sex tool and that service providers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively promote it. The way we see it, five little words could save your life: Put a ring on it!”

The female condom is lubricated, and shaped like an open-ended tube, with a removable inner ring and an attached outer ring. The inner ring stays anchored to the cervix during vaginal sex. When used for anal sex, the inner ring can be left in, or taken out, depending on individual preference. The outer ring then covers the surface area around the vaginal or anal opening, providing increased protection against STIs that are spread by skin-to-skin contact. These unique features gave birth to the campaign’s hip tagline.

Like male condoms, there has been no research on the effectiveness of female condoms for anal sex. The Chicago Female Condom Campaign, however, as well as many leading public health organizations, confidently promotes the use of female condoms for safer anal sex.

“In a way, it’s unfortunate that it is called the female condom since it is really a tool for the receptive partner, and is a great prevention option during anal sex for both women and men,” said advocate Zoe Lehman of the Chicago Women’s AIDS Project, a founding organization of the campaign. “Both women and men engage in anal sex and the female condom is a great prevention tool to keep both partners safe and satisfied.”

The Chicago Female Condom Campaign is spreading its “Put a ring on it!” message through its website, ringonit.org, a Facebook fan page and a Twitter account (twitter.com/ChiFemaleCondom). The campaign has also produced stylish palm cards, a “411 on Female Condoms” brochure with easy-to-read diagrams, and a tip sheet for health care providers on how to talk to patients about female condoms, all of which can be ordered for FREE through ringonit.org.

In May 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generation of the female condom, known as FC1 (Female Condom 1). The current, second-generation version known as FC2, was approved by the FDA in February 2009, and is made of a more affordable, hypo-allergenic synthetic rubber (instead of latex), making it a viable option for people with latex allergies. FC2 is also 30 percent cheaper than FC1.

The campaign has partnered with agencies across the city to distribute female condoms for free, and is currently reaching out to public health clinics, health care providers, family planning centers, and other community-based organizations to encourage bulk purchasing. Female condoms can be purchased in bulk through the campaign, at a cost of $.75 each, an incentive that campaign organizers hope will spur greater availability of the product.

“Female condoms provide a sense of power for women because they are able to choose to protect themselves. You don’t need to leave it to the guy,” said Dolores Benton, female condom enthusiast, and case manager for the Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative, a member organization of the campaign. “It’s not difficult to put it in. It’s a piece of cake.”

In the meantime, the Chicago Female Condom Campaign continues to take its message on the road. Through in-person trainings, campaign members equip service providers with the skills to positively promote female condoms, including knowledge of the correct ways to use them and where to access them.

Three in-person trainings are scheduled to take place this week. All trainings are OPEN TO THE MEDIA:

* The 411 on Female Condoms: Training for Case Managers and Prevention Educators

Wednesday, March 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago, 200 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 2200, Chicago, IL

* Protect Your Success

Wednesday, March 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Young Women's Leadership Charter School, 2641 S. Calumet Blvd., Chicago, IL

* How 2 Get Down Political Education Training

Friday, March 12 at 12:30 p.m.

Lincoln Library, 326 S. 7th St., Springfield, IL

* Condom Hunt & Demonstration

Friday, March 10 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

1823 W. 17th Street, Chicago, IL

The Chicago Female Condom Campaign is a coalition of HIV/AIDS, reproductive justice, women’s health, and gay men’s health organizations dedicated to increasing access, affordability, availability, awareness, and utilization of female condoms.

Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2010-03-10T14:48:00.001-08:00

Did you know that every 35 minutes a woman in the United States tests positive for HIV? Historically, HIV/AIDS has affected more men than women, but that is quickly changing. Since HIV was first reported in the early 1980's, more and more women have become infected. Today, about one in four Americans living with HIV is a woman. It's time to act against AIDS and encourage women to get tested.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will be observed on March 10, 2010, to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.
The Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services has developed a video project, “Girl… did you know?”, in collaboration with the American Indian Health Services of Chicago, Mi Raza Community Center in Arcola, the Springfield Urban League, and BASUAH (Brothers and Sisters against HIV) Ambassadors. We invite you to visit www.basuah.org and enjoy the interviews of everyday teens and their everyday life experiences. The first of six is currently on line with others added daily.

Celebrate LIFE: National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2010-02-09T07:14:00.001-08:00

Join American Indian Health Service of Chicago as we celebrate National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Friday, March 19, 2010. This event will feature a community forum with speakers, health education games, BINGO, door prizes, and free, rapid HIV testing. You can create an honor square on our AIDS Memorial Quilt. Potluck dinner followed by powwow.
American Indian Center, 1630 W Wilson
4:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Indian Taco Sale at Anawim!

2010-02-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

Indian Taco Sale on Friday, February 5th, 11:00am to 4:00pm
100% Beef
Taco $5.00
Veggie Taco $4.00
Pop $1.00

Delivery (Min 5 Tacos)

Walk In or Call Ahead

(773) 561-6155

Anawim Center

A Spiritual Center for Native Americans
4750 N. Sheridan Rd. 2nd Floor

Chicago, IL 60640

AIHSC now offers Free, Rapid HIV testing!

2010-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

American Indian Health Service of Chicago is now offering free, rapid HIV testing.
The test is free, quick, and easy. HIV testing is recommended for everyone, regardless of risk. For more information or to make an appointment, call
(773) 883-9100.

Applications for Peer Health Educator Program Due January 29

2010-01-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

Are you a Native American teen who wants to...

Learn the facts about health issues facing
Chicago youth?
Get trained to teach teens about HIV/AIDS,
sexually transmitted diseases, and other important
health issues?
Receive incentives and get paid for attending
trainings and talking with other teens?
Make a real difference in your community?

Then the AIHSC Peer Health Education program is for you!
Contact Eric David at edavid@aihschicago.org or (773) 883-9100
for an application. Applications are due Friday, January 29.

2010-01-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

American Indian Health Service of Chicago is excited to introduce its peer health education and outreach program for Native American youth ages 14 to 21. We will be focused on the issues of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, healthy relationships, and other important health issues that affect the community. There will be several meetings as well as training sessions geared to educate a core group of teens. This group will then reach out to the community to inform and educate their peers about these crucial issues. Youth will get paid for their participation.

If you have any questions or to get an application, please contact Eric David at
(773) 883-9100 or edavid@aihschicago.org

We Need Your Voice!

2010-01-05T11:45:00.001-08:00

We need your voice!

American Indian Health Service of Chicago (AIHSC) is looking for individuals to serve on a committee that will advise and guide the AIHSC HIV/AIDS Program. AIHSC provides primary healthcare, behavioral health and community health services to the American Indian population of Chicago. We are the only urban Indian Health Program in Illinois.

The HIV/AIDS Advisory Committee of AIHSC provides insight and guidance to AIHSC as it seeks to improve its current HIV/AIDS program and make plans for future programming. This committee supports the development of a long term plan for HIV prevention and care services in the Chicago Native American community. By becoming a member of this committee, you can lend your voice to the development of this program and help reduce the number of new HIV infections among American Indians.

AIHSC is looking for individuals from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds. We are looking for:
• Individuals with experience designing and implementing HIV prevention programs, or with other experience involving HIV/AIDS
• American Indians who wish to serve as community representatives on the committee

Membership on the committee is on a volunteer basis. AIHSC cannot compensate members for their participation.

The committee will meet every two months. All meetings will be held at American Indian Health Service of Chicago, located at 4081 N. Broadway. Meetings will generally be two hours long.

If you are interested in joining, please contact Alice Pollard at (773) 883-9100 ext. 311 or apollard@aihschicago.org.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Vote!

2009-12-04T09:10:00.001-08:00

World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

December 1 is recognized around the globe as World AIDS Day. It is a day to remember all of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. It is also a day to look towards to the future and face the challenges that remain. To find World AIDS Day Events in the Chicago area, please go to www.aidsconnect.net.

AIHSC is Searching for a Youth Outreach Worker

2009-11-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

American Indian Health Service of Chicago is looking for a part-time Youth Outreach Worker. The Youth Outreach Worker will work as a team member assisting in developing, implementing, and evaluating a HIV/AIDS peer education program for American Indian youth ages 14 to 21. The employee will recruit youth participants and assist in training and program oversight.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Include:
- Develop and implement training curriculum for youth peer educators.
- Conduct outreach to recruit youth participants for program.
- Facilitate training sessions and group meetings.
- Supervise, advise, and support peer educators during the program and events.
- Assist with planning, promoting, and implementing community events.

Education/Experience Required:
• High School Diploma Required; Two years post secondary education preferred.
• Two years direct experience working with children or youth.
• Ability to motivate, coach, guide, and lead youth in a positive manner.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Experience with curriculum development preferred.
• Experience providing HIV/AIDS or general health education preferred but not
required.

This is a part time position, 20 hours per week. Salary is dependent upon experience.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to AIHSC at AHealthser@aol.com.

Must successfully pass a criminal background check under the Indian Child Protection& Family Violence Prevention Act U.S.C. 3301.

With Us Comes A Cure

2009-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

WITH ME COMES A CURE is a social marketing initiative by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago aimed at inspiring community action against HIV/AIDS.

By highlighting the work that everyday people are doing (and can do) to fight HIV, the campaign is a reminder that you have the power to heal your community and end the spread of HIV.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2009-10-06T12:37:00.001-07:00

Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. The intent of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. A range of activities to recognize this month are conducted at the local, state, and national levels.

Native American women experience the highest rate of violence of any group in the United States. A report released by the Department of Justice, American Indians and Crime, found that Native American women suffer violent crime at a rate three and a half times greater than the national average. DVAM will help to raise awareness in all communities about the impact of domestic violence and other forms of violence on families and individuals.
For more information on DVAM, go to http://dvam.vawnet.org/.

If you need to help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

Find a Recovery Month Event Near You

2009-09-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

Recovery Month: Together We Learn, Together We Heal

2009-09-01T08:45:00.001-07:00

September is Recovery Month. Recovery Month promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. It is also a chance to celebrate those who are in recovery or who are taking steps towards recovery.

American Indian Health Service of Chicago will celebrate on September 23 with an event at the American Indian Center. This event will feature community speakers, information about substance abuse counseling, and information about services for the American Indian community. We will also have fun activities like free manicures, haircuts, and activities for children. Dinner will be provided.

Recovery Month Event

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

2:00-7:00 pm

American Indian Center, 1630 W. Wilson

For More Information, Call Norma at (773) 883-9100

NIAM

2009-08-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.

August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations. Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season.

If you would like to make an appointment at American Indian Health Service for you or your child's immunizations, please call us at 773.883.9100

Happy Summer!

Men's Health Week

2009-06-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

NNHSC - Men's Health Week 2009

Celebrate men's health with the Near North Health Service Corporation!

WHEN:Monday, June 15 9:00a to 2:00p

WHERE: @ Komed Holman Health Center
4259 S. Berkeley St., Chicago, IL60653

Price: Free

Phone: (312) 337-1073

Age Suitability: 18 and up

The MHW Open Day Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009 at the Komed Holman Health Center and will feature a special live guest appearance by Cliff Kelley of radio station WVON/1690 AM, among many others.

Participating men will receive free medical exams, health screenings, free interactive workshops, cooking demonstrations, a roundtable discussion, free haircuts, food and gift bags.

Womens Health Month - Pap Screenings and Breast Exams

2009-05-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

May is almost over! Come on in to American Indian Health Service of Chicago to receive a free pap screening and breast exam!

Why get screened?

A Pap screen can save your life. It can find the earliest signs of cervical cancer, find infections (STD’s), and abnormal cervical cells.

Who should get screened?

Every female 18 and over or if you are sexually active.

When should you get screened?

Every year!

Remember, even if you are not sexually active you should still get a pap screening, developing healthy habits is the key to staying well!

Your appointment will be CONFIDENTIAL.

Click here to learn more when and what to get a screening for at your age to keep yourself a happy, healthy, and strong woman!

Women: Happy, Healthy, Strong

2009-05-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Join AIHS as we celebrate Women's Health Month on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009. This event will feature a mini spa, with make-up and hair consultation; free bone density screenings; a casino corner; free, rapid HIV testing; and important health and nutrition information for all ages. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event!

What: Women's Health Celebration

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

1:00- 7:00 pm

Where: American Indian Center

1630 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Who: Presented by American Indian Health Service of Chicago

Call Felicia @ (773) 883-9100 for more information

Kicking off our new HIV/AIDS program!

2009-04-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our NEW HIV/AIDS Blog!

NatHIVe American Awareness Forum - 3/20/09

More than 100 people joined AISHC to celebrate National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 20. This Celebration of Life featured storytelling by Florence Dunham, a speech by Diné traditionalist Calvin Hill, and other educational speakers. Participants also heard experts speak about HIV/AIDS prevention and sexual assault. AIHSC teamed up with Howard Brown Health Center and Test Positive Aware Network to offer free, rapid HIV testing. The celebration concluded with an evening powwow, with Master of Ceremonies Leonard Malatarre and drum group Cricket Hill.

This year marked the third annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. HIV has been on the rise in the past decade among Native American people and the rate continues to increase. AIHSC hopes that this day challenged the Chicago community to work together to create greater awareness of the risk of HIV/AIDS to our Native people. We would like to thank everyone who attended and helped with this year’s event. Be sure to go to our website, http://www.aihschicago.org/, for information about upcoming events.

Events like National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day are just part of the work we do to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. AIHCS’s HIV Prevention Project provides community education and individual HIV prevention counseling. Our clinic also offers HIV testing. We are available to speak to you or your group about HIV/AIDS and other health issues. For more information, contact Alice at (773) 883-9100.

AIHSC is also convening two committees to help guide our HIV prevention work. If you are interested in becoming a part of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Planning Committees, please contact
Alice at AIHSC.