Welcome to Open Door Clinic

Improving The quality of life for persons affected and infected by HIV/AIDS & STI's, while dedicated to the prevention of future transmissions.

*****Announcement****

All Things Chocolate 2008 Was a Great Success!

New Newsletter Available - May-June Issue! Click Here

Our Newsletter Section Contains Volume 1, Issues 1-6

And Volume 2, Issues 1-3

If you are HIV+, or think you may be HIV+, it is essential you get
tested for tuberculosis. It could save your life!

Despite the progress that has been made in the medical treatment of HIV/AIDS, people living with this virus still carry with them the additional burden of the stigma and discrimination this disease brings with it. Living with HIV/AIDS in the Fox River Valley of Illinois is no different. One thing we do know: the impact of personally knowing someone who is HIV+ dramatically minimizes fear, stigma and discrimination.

Open Door Clinic has begun to address these issues by undertaking the challenge of collecting and making accessible the personal stories of HIV+ people through "The Legacy Campaign." The stories compiled in this book are the first collected and demonstrate the diversity of lives impacted by HIV/AIDS here in the Heartland. They offer a powerful glimpse into the personal struggles of these courageous individuals who hope that their stories can contribute to limiting new infections while correcting and eliminating unwarranted fears, stigmas, and discriminatory practices where they live and work.

Since the beginning of this 21st century, HIV/AIDS has grown into pandemic proportions, touching every corner of the world. HIV/AIDS is no respecter of persons, but disproportionately affects people of color and the poor.

While numbers of new HIV infections grow steadily and consistently and more people are living longer with the virus, society is becoming increasingly apathetic toward the impact of this disease. The sensationalism of the pandemic has worn off and the media have moved on while the community at large pushes it back further and further into the collective unconscious, willing to accept the losses as the status quo. We at Open Door Clinic believe that there are no acceptable losses and that as long as we are without a cure it is paramount that we strive for new and innovative ways to address HIV/AIDS on every front. The Legacy Campaign is a product of our belief.

If these stories touch your heart, you may wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to help the cause. Send your donation to The Legacy Campaign, c/o The Open Door Clinic, 164 Division Street, Suite #607, Elgin, Illinois, 60120, USA.

Click Here to enter the Legacy Campaign Page