A Look Into Chicago’s Lowest Record of HIV Diagnoses

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A Look Into Chicago’s Lowest Record of HIV Diagnoses

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People often associate the beginning of the HIV and AIDS crisis with San Francisco in the 1980’s but the virus has strong historical ties to Chicago as well. 

In 1999, the city ranked sixth in AIDS cases in metropolitan areas in the United States. Chicago also housed one of the world’s largest concentrations of advanced public and private health care facilities with research on AIDS prevention at the Near West Side Medical Center district.

Today, the city has continued its stride in combating the virus; In 2016, HIV diagnoses hit a new record low after 15 years of decline.

Ramon Gardenhire, vice president of policy for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Dr. Julie Morita, commissioner of the Department of Public Health join the Morning Shift to break down efforts to end the HIV crisis.

GUEST: Ramon Gardenhire, vice president of policy for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Dr. Julie Morita, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health

LEARN MORE: Chicago Makes Progress In Controlling HIV, AIDS: Health Official (WBBM 8/10/18)

New Novel Explores The HIV/AIDS Epidemic In Chicago (WBEZ 8/14/18)

Getting To Zero Illinois

Out-of-pocket costs put HIV prevention drug out of reach for many at risk (Chicago Tribune 07/4/18)