2008 Downstate Caucus Speakers Include:
*Linda Coon, Project Director, FCAN
*Ann Fisher, Executive Director, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
*Kimberly Harris, Ph.D.
Meeting Agenda
*Legislative and Advocacy Update: Repealing HIV Reporting to School Officials, New HIV Testing and Counseling Law, Short-term Guardianship Expansion and Implementation
*Red Ribbon Trails/FCAN Programming Update
*HIV Disclosure: Issues for Families with Children
*Return to Work and Self-Advocacy
Downstate Caucus meetings are held on a quarterly basis. All individuals and agencies that work with or are interested in issues impacting women, children and families living with HIV/AIDS are invited to attend. The meetings are educational, and also provide forums for lively discussions among participants and presenters.
All families living with HIV/AIDS face common challenges and barriers including stigma and isolation. For those families who live in smaller cities and rural communities, the stigma and isolation are often intensified. FCAN Downstate Caucus grew out of the need to address the unique needs of downstate families.
One of the principal activities of FCAN centers around quarterly meetings of the Downstate Caucus. Providers and consumers who work or live downstate (all counties located beyond Cook County and the collar counties) are welcome to attend Downstate Caucus meetings. Click here to receive notification of FCAN Downstate Caucus Meetings or Trainings.
Recent meeting and training topics have focused on: assisting families with making future care plans for their children; obtaining public benefits for HIV-affected families; disclosure of HIV diagnosis; legacy projects; and rapid HIV testing.
