ANNA My name is Anna and I’m forty-six years old. I was told by my ear, nose, and throat doctor that I had HIV after they had done an MRI of my neck. The reason for this was because a year ago I had a tumor on my jaw on the left side that he […]
A NEW LOOK AT “AIDS”
ABRAHAM I have an angel. Her name is Sharon, and she is my case manager at Open Door Clinic. She has been there for me practically ever since I was diagnosed with AIDS. She told me about the “Legacy Campaign” and suggested that I write my story with the idea that my story could help […]
LOVING LIFE
ANGELA Hello to all readers. Well, when we were asked to write these stories, everyone in our group at Open Door Clinic in Aurora had the same question: Do we have to give our name? I have not really shared my story with anyone beside my HIV family. This story will be my first step. […]
IT DID HAPPEN TO ME
ANN Hello, my name is Ann. This is my story. In 1995 I moved to Gary, Indiana. It was almost winter, and it was cold. It was October. I moved into a nice house two weeks before my birthday. My birthday is October 14th and it was nice out there. The people were nice. The […]
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person through contact with respiratory secretions. This is an airborne illness meaning you can become infected by being in the same space as someone who has the infection. You can also get this infection by touching contaminatedsurfaces and then touching your face (eyes, […]
Dear HIV A Poem
One of our clients wrote this beautiful poem about HIV. It is hanging on the wall at the Elgin location. We wanted to share it here so everyone can see. Dear HIV When you came, I didn’t know what to do with you, now after so many years we have learned to live together. […]
PRIDE in what we do!
Open Door staff and volunteers live by the core values of PRIDE (Professional, Respect, Integrity, Diversity/Inclusion, Excellence). Team Open Door reflects PRIDE in our engagement in our communities and in our engagement with all people who walk through our Open Doors.
Prevent HIV
In keeping with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Illinois is working to reduce new infections and provide treatment to people living with HIV, especially within the gay and bisexual, African-American, Hispanic and prison populations, in which health disparities exist. Encouraging HIV testing is an important aspect of both reducing infections and bringing treatment to people living […]
Volunteer Appreciation
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Open Door Health Center of IL. Volunteers help with clerical and administrative tasks, fundraising, interacting with staff and clients, advocating on behalf of persons living with HIV/AIDS and advising Open Door leadership on how to provide services in the best manner possible.
Supporting Our Community
Open Door Health Center is an active community partner within all of our geographic services areas. Engaging with community partners increases the visibility of the services that are provided to our clients and their family members.