Support BEHIV

To support BEHIV's life-saving programs, use one of these convenient online tools:

 





Information Technology Provided by:

BEHIV Blog


Eric NelsonWednesday 03 March 2010

Weathering the Storm
Here is a good article pointing out the difficulties faced by local AIDS service and GLBT organizations as state and local government funding decreases.

Eric NelsonTuesday 26 January 2010

Prevention, treatment or both?

Another example of how Illinois' financial situation has real consequences for people who need help:  http://davidormsby.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/state-rep-sara-feigenholtz-takes-aim-at-looming-financial-crisis-in-illinois-aids-drug-assistance-program/

 


Eric NelsonTuesday 08 December 2009

BEHIV on the Air

On December 4, BEHIV Executive Director Eric Nelson participated in Anna DeShawn's live call-in show on E3 blogtalkradio, focusing on Chicago-area organizations providing HIV prevention services, as Anna commemorated World AIDS Day.

You can listen to the program at this link.

Thank you Anna for your support and willingness to discuss these very important issues.


Eric NelsonFriday 06 November 2009

"Another Type of AIDS Crisis"
Here is the link to an interesting New York Magazine article on issues facing long-term HIV/AIDS survivors.  Many people, including a number of BEHIV clients, are dealing with health concerns usually seen in people much older than them.  It's another example of the unknown long-term consequences of exposure to both the virus and medications that treat it.

Eric NelsonFriday 30 October 2009

Very Welcome News!
Today President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, providing for continued, increased funding for HIV-related services.  He also announced the lifting of the travel and immigration ban for HIV+ individuals.  Both actions will help save lives and keep families together.  Read more here.

Eric NelsonThursday 08 October 2009

Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our recent 5% Day at Whole Foods Market Evanston North a huge success.  We raised over $3,300 to support our Massage Therapy program!

Eric NelsonWednesday 30 September 2009

Congratulations BEHIV Housing Staff!

We are very pleased to announce that BEHIV has been awarded a new HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS) grant through CDPH.  The $70,000 grant, which is scheduled to run from January 1 to December 31, 2010 will allow us to add clients to the Safe Start program, further assisting individuals dealing with chronic mental illness and substance abuse issues.  The grant is structured so that if there is available funding and we meet our expected scopes, there is the possibility of renewal for four additional years.

Congratulations to Program Director Julie Supple, Housing Manager Cassandra "Sandy" Smith and Grants Manager Joann Morrone for putting together a great proposal and to the Housing staff for their hard work.  It's our experience and existing program expertise that was a big factor in this award.  Great job, everybody!


Eric NelsonThursday 24 September 2009

Good News on the Vaccine Front
There was surprising and encouraging news on the vaccine front this week, when the United Nations announced the results of a large vaccine trail conducted in Thailand.  For the first time, a vaccine prevented infection.  While a possible vaccine is still probably years away from reality, this is a breakthrough result that offers encouraging signs that a vaccine might be achievable.  You can read more about the study here, here and here.

Eric NelsonFriday 18 September 2009

Very Interesting Article

From Advocate.com--

 

Insurance Co. Drops HIV+ Teen, Pays Up

South Carolina’s supreme court has ordered Fortis Insurance to cough up $10 million for wrongly revoking coverage of a 17-year-old college student after he tested positive for HIV

CHIEF JUSTICE JEAN HOEFER TOAL X390 (FAIR USE) | ADVOCATE.COM
South Carolina’s supreme court has ordered Fortis Insurance to cough up $10 million for wrongly revoking coverage of a 17-year-old college student after he tested positive for HIV.

It is the most an insurance company has ever been ordered to pay in a case involving the practice of rescission  -- when an insurance company retroactively cancels coverage based on alleged misstatements, often right after diagnoses of life-threatening diseases.

Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal (pictured) called the 2002 decision by Fortis Insurance “reprehensible.”

The court upheld a lower court’s ruling against Fortis. That court awarded Jerome Mitchell $15 million in punitive damages -- the supreme court reduced that amount by $5 million.

Mitchell first learned that he was HIV-positive when, while en route to college, he donated blood. Fortis then rescinded his policy, citing a note from a nurse in his medical records that suggested he might have been diagnosed prior to his obtaining his insurance policy.

An underwriter working for Fortis who was concerned they might not have a case wrote the following to a committee reviewing Mitchell’s policy: "Technically, we do not have the results of the HIV tests. This is the only entry in the medical records regarding HIV status. Is it sufficient?"

His concerns were apparently ignored.

Eric NelsonTuesday 01 September 2009

Thank You!
BEHIV is blessed to have so many wonderful sponsors, who provide us with essential support at our events.

Thank you very much to the
  • Rodeo Riders for their continued support of our Massage Therapy Bar Day
  • American Hospital Association for another year of participation in BEHIV's AIDS Run & Walk team
  • Boi Magazine, Center on Halsted, Chicago Department of Public Health and Duxler Tire & Car Center for sponsoring the 2009 Art Therapy Exhibition & Reception
These events would not be successful without the dedication and generosity of these sponsors.  Thank you!