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Chicago: AHF Health Center-Lakeview to Open March 31st
Lakeview’s Boystown District new facilities expand AHF’s existing onsite services, which include a full-service AHF Pharmacy and an Out of The Closet Thrift Store, AHF’s 20th store in 8 states, and first in Illinois
March 29, 2021 - CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest global HIV/AIDS organization, is proud to be expanding services in the city of Chicago, IL. What will now be known as AHF Health Center-Lakeview, this unique hybrid model clinic will be housed within the existing AHF Out of the Closet Thrift Store, with Dr. James Lagucik, DO as the onsite provider.
“We hope this commitment will serve as an example to other nations and a catalyst for resolving other serious challenges holding back the global COVID-19 response, such as vaccine nationalism, hoarding, and restrictive patents.”
WHAT: |
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AHF expands Health Center- Lakeview facility; will comprise of a hybrid model clinic providing both wellness—offering free HIV and STD testing and prevention services—and healthcare for HIV and AIDS patients. |
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WHEN: |
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 |
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Ribbon Cutting starts at 4pm. |
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WHERE: |
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AHF Health Center- Lakeview |
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3311 N. Halsted St. |
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Chicago, IL 60657 |
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WHO: |
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AHF employees and members of the community. |
“Providing access to affordable healthcare is more pertinent than ever before. Understanding this demand, AHF-Lakeview will serve as a local resource for the city of Chicago to address not only the need of HIV/ AIDS treatment, but also STI/STD testing. As the onsite doctor, I am proud to be serving patients who will be receiving the care they deserve,” said Dr. James Lagucik.
After recently celebrating its two year anniversary in February, this Out of the Closet site was AHF’s first in Illinois and Chicago, and has raised funds and awareness for the fight against HIV and AIDS. Being the 20th overall thrift store, this 7,500+ sq. ft. retail space will now encompass a full service AHF pharmacy, wellness clinic (providing both HIV and STD testing), along with the previously established thrift store where patrons can continue to shop at discounted and affordable pricing.
“In the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic and only opening a year ago, we are thankful our store is doing well. More importantly, expanding essential healthcare services within our site is crucial for the community especially due to resources being limited within the area.” - Out of the Closet General Manager Jonathan Kreyeur.
96 cents of every dollar collected at Out of the Closet stores directly funds the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), aiding the non-profit to treat over 1.5 million lives worldwide in 45 countries.
Interestingly, NEW HIV diagnoses in Chicago have continued to decline and have been doing so for four consecutive years, according to figures released by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago’s health department. The city’s Department of Public Health, also reports there are 23,835 residents who are currently living with HIV in Chicago. The 734 new diagnoses reported in 2018 among Chicago residents are the lowest number since 1988, health officials said Monday.
While HIV rates are declining in Chicago, other sexually transmitted infections are rising. More than 30,600 cases of chlamydia, nearly 12,700 cases of gonorrhea and 877 primary and secondary cases of syphilis were reported to the health department in 2018.
AHF was established in the city of Chicago starting in 2015, and began partnering in affiliations with two long-time and well-respected local Chicago community service organizations. First merging with AHF in February of 2015, South Side Help Center was founded in 1987, and is led by Executive Director Vanessa Smith. AHF’s second affiliate CALOR, led by Executive Director Omar N. López, has been serving Chicago’s Latino community for over 28 years. CALOR and AHF joined in affiliation in February 2017. AHF has also been working to help the HIV/AIDS community in Chicago through two AHF Healthcare Centers in Hyde Park (Hyde Park AHF HCC) and on Michigan Avenue (Michigan Ave, AHF HCC).
“AHF has proudly provided medical services in Chicagoland for over 5 years, having clinics in both Hyde Park and Bronzeville. Being imbedded in the city we want to give back to the community by providing even more access to HIV, primary and Prep care along with free STI testing and treatment, which is why we decided to open AHF-Lakeview. It is so important people have quality, convenient medical care by a caring medical team. Chicago will find just that in Lakeview. Dr. Lagucik is passionate about his patients and we are happy to have him lead AHF’s newest clinic.” - AHF Midwest Regional Director Staci Mullins.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over one million people in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.
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About AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.4 million people in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.
AHF MEDIA CONTACTS:
Staci Mullins, Regional Director- Midwest +1.812.608.2269staci.mullins@ahfrx.org
Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications, AHF
+1.323.791.5526 [cell] +1.323.308.1833 [work] gedk@aidshealth.org
Imara Canady, National Director, Communications & Community Engagement for AHF
Imara.Canady@aidshealth.org – +1.770.940.6555 mobile
Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210329005221/en/Chicago-AHF-Health-Center-Lakeview-to-Open-March-31st
"Reproduced with permission - AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)"
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
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