Health


Chicago House is committed to preventing new HIV transmissions and ensuring that individuals who are faced with a diagnosis are linked to care. As part of the local and global Getting to Zero effort, we provide essential health services to individuals vulnerable to HIV to eliminate the HIV epidemic by the year 2030.


98% of Chicago House Care Coordination clients are connected to a primary care provider within 30 days. Additionally, 81% reach an undetectable viral load within 6 months - meaning they are unable to transmit HIV to their sexual partners.

90% of Chicago House Case Management clients are retained in care, increasing adherence to drug regimen and overall well being.


 

 

Prevention

We offer free rapid HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis-C screenings and linkages to other sexually transmitted infections (STI) screenings. We meet individuals where they’re at, removing financial, social, and geographical barriers to care. Through our mobile outreach and neighborhood screening sites, our program provides same-day results for those seeking to update their status. No matter the outcome, individuals are either connected to a case manager to navigate their HIV diagnosis or linked to a care coordinator focused on immediate linkage to HIV prevention services (PrEP).

 

PrEP is a medication that prevents HIV. The goal of PrEP is to stop HIV-acquisition if exposed to the virus. This is done by taking a pill daily that contains 2 HIV medications or by getting an injection with 1 HIV medication every 2 months. Anyone not living with HIV is eligible for PrEP. Take the first step towards getting on PrEP by updating your status with us!


Sexual Health & Wellbeing

We offer rapid screenings for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis-C, plus linkages to screenings for other sexually transmitted infections. We approach our work from a sex-positive, kink & poly aware, and queer affirming lens.

Regardless of status, our program guides participants towards an individualized sexual health & wellbeing plan + the tools to ensure its access.

truly mobile testing

Through the Truly Mobile Testing program, our mobile testing van connects individuals to free, discreet HIV/STI screening, counseling, and treatment; insurance and PrEP navigation; and harm reduction supplies, all regardless of HIV status.

Our mobile van can meet you wherever you are in the city and can often accommodate same-day service requests.

Mobile Van Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM or by appointment

For more information, call or text Mikey Forbes at 773.676.9597.

By meeting individuals where they're at, we remove financial, social and geographical barriers to care.

 

Tree house drop-in centers and walk-in locations

Learn your status and get connected to HIV care services at one of our walk-in locations:

HOPE at St. Bernard Ambulatory Care Center

6307 S Stewart Ave Ste 209, Chicago, IL 60621

Tree House - Englewood:

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Same-day medical appointments available!

Walk-In Hours:

Mondays-Fridays 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Chicago House Central Hub

2229 S Michigan Ave Ste 304, Chicago, IL 60616

Tree House - South Loop

3rd or 4th Fridays from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Walk-In Hours:
Tuesdays-Thursdays from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

For more information, call or text Mikey Forbes at 773.676.9597.


HIV Prevention Can Be Hard.

Getting PrEP Shouldn’t Be.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents HIV. The goal of PrEP is to stop HIV-acquisition before potential exposure to the virus. This is done by taking an oral pill or by getting an injection every 2 months. Anyone not living with HIV is eligible for PrEP.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is another medication that prevents HIV. The goal of PEP is to disrupt HIV-acquisition after potential exposure to the virus. Anyone not living with HIV and who believes they have come into contact with HIV within the past 1-3 days is eligible for PEP.

 

Linkage to Care and Case Management


Care Coordination  

Chicago House provides linkage to medical care, eliminating barriers to adhering to medications and receiving other supportive wraparound services, including: housing, employment, insurance and benefit navigation to individuals newly diagnosed, those who are highly vulnerable, and those who are living with HIV.

Contact: Owen Davis at 312.852.9533..

Ryan White Case Management 

Our case managers work one-on-one with individuals living with HIV to achieve healthy and independent lives through professional and therapeutic relationships. Case managers provide guidance through medical insurance, financial assistance, adherence to medical appointments and medications, behavioral health and substance use, oral health, nutrition, transportation, and other basic needs on an ongoing basis. 

Contact: Tom Hunter at 773.231.8017


 

A resource for greater adherence to HIV medication and PrEP

Pharmacy Services 

Chicago House offers pharmacy resources designed to improve and stabilize the lives of both Chicago House Ryan White clients and clients receiving preventative care coordination for PrEP. We understand that people face many challenges that become barriers to maintaining optimal health. Our partner pharmacy ensures that participants have access to, and can adhere to, all necessary HIV medications, including PrEP.

Pharmacy Services include:

  • Individualized pharmacist, consultation, and support services

  • Full-service pharmacy equipped to handle all prescriptions for all medical needs

  • Fast, free, and confidential delivery within 24 hours

  • Optional delivery to the Chicago House office to eliminate barriers and ensure confidentiality

  • Copay assistance on all HIV and non-HIV meds, including PrEP 

  • Emergency financial assistance to help people get and adhere to necessary medications. From security deposits to phone bills, we can assist with the financial barriers that keep our clients from achieving optimal healthcare

Contact: Fred Myrick at 773.280.7734