From Policy to Funding: A Case Study of Inequitable Funding Allotments Towards Chicago Illinois' Black-Led HIV/AIDS Service Providers.

Abstract

According to census and surveillance reports (2018), Black people in Illinois make up 15% of the state population (12,587,530) but comprise more than 46% of people living with HIV infections (35,841) and 51% of people newly diagnosed infections (1,361). Comparably, Blacks in Chicago make up 30% of the population (2,693,976) but comprise more than 51% of people living with HIV infection (18,719), as well as 54% newly diagnosed infections (724). (Dawson, Kates, 2021) (AIDSVU, 2020) This trend has been consistent for the past 15 years, whereas Blacks accounted for the highest proportion of people living with and newly diagnosed HIV infections. However, HIV funding to Black-Led HIV/AIDS Service Providers was not equitably distributed as compared to White-Led Service Providers. As there was no justification or accountability for these grossly inequitable funding allotments, Black-Led HIV/AIDS Service Providers unified to form the BLACK LEADERSHIP ADVOCACY COALITION FOR HEALTH EQUITY (BLACHE). This case study will relay how BLACHE brought awareness to the public, legislators, and others. Moreover, how this organization moved the needle for funding by increasing the allotment from zero dollars ($0) in 2019 to $15M in the 2021 Illinois State budget through the African American HIV/AIDS Response Act (AAHARA).