Since 1990, Central Illinois FRIENDS has been deeply committed to serving people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. We believe that an HIV-positive diagnosis should never stand in the way of living a vibrant, full, and healthy life. Whether you are newly diagnosed, looking for long-term care resources, or wanting to learn more about prevention, our team is here to walk alongside you with compassionate, personalized care.
Living & Thriving with HIV
We offer a wide range of free supportive services designed to eliminate the daily barriers to wellness and help you live your best daily life:
Health & Medical Navigation
We help you find inclusive, affirming doctors, manage your medical appointments, and coordinate your treatment plans.
Transportation Assistance
We ensure you can physically get to your life-saving medical appointments without stress.
Living Needs Support
Our team can assist with navigating housing, financial resources, and other essential daily living needs to ensure your holistic health is taken care of.
Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
Modern HIV medications (Antiretroviral Therapy or ART) can lower the amount of virus in the body to a level so low that standard blood tests cannot detect it. When a person living with HIV takes their medication as prescribed and achieves an undetectable viral load, they have zero risk of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners.
U=U is changing the face of public health, dismantling decades of stigma, and giving people living with HIV the freedom to love confidently.
Ryan White Care Act Resources
We work closely with the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to help eligible individuals access vital medical care, medications, and essential support services.
If you are uninsured, underinsured, or need assistance covering the costs of your HIV care, our navigation specialists will help screen your eligibility and connect you directly to these federally supported resources.
Prevention & Community Outreach
We understand that because of stigma and preconceptions about HIV and AIDS, we send our team and our tools out into our communities to meet people exactly where they are
Mobile Testing & Pop-Up Clinics
We help you find inclusive, affirming doctors, manage your medical appointments, and coordinate your treatment plans.
Outreach and Community Events
Look for our outreach teams at local health fairs, festivals, and community gatherings.
Educational Trainings
We can provide comprehensive sexual health education, stigma-reduction workshops, and professional training for local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers.