“Black Health Advocacy Group in Illinois Pushes for Increased Healthcare Funding”
(The Center Square) – A Black health advocacy group based in Illinois is calling for a boost in funding for Black HIV care. Leaders of the Black Leadership Advocacy Coalition for Healthcare Equity (BLACHE) highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by the Black community in relation to HIV. “Despite a decline in infection rates among other ethnic groups in the state, African Americans still make up 47% of new cases,” noted Creola Hampton, Chair of the BLACHE Board. Hampton expressed concerns that the state has not fulfilled its promise of funding made four years ago, alleging a bias towards white organizations in the allocation of resources. “Allocating 96% of the budget to White-led organizations cannot be justified,” Hampton stated. “While funding for them remains untouched, the failure to deliver on promises made to Black-led organizations constitutes a breach of contract. Legal action against the state should be considered.”
State Representative Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, warned of potential challenges in securing funding in the future, citing the policies of President Donald Trump as an obstacle. “Regrettably, the new administration in the White House poses additional hurdles in safeguarding our communities,” Ammons remarked. “The repercussions of the president’s decisions are causing significant harm and confusion within our communities.” Governor J.B. Pritzker recently issued an executive order aimed at reducing health disparities by ensuring that the state prioritizes investments in agencies, programs, and services working towards eradicating the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
