Several prominent organizations with decades of experience in HIV/AIDS and infectious disease advocacy have come together to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable and marginalized communities in the State of Illinois The Covid-19 Working Group – Illinois (CWG-IL) is a coalition of healthcare professionals, community workers, and activists, and epidemiologists committed to a rapid and community-oriented response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Members of the coalition along with several other community organizations and health advocates– have worked to identify key policy concerns for populations that are particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19 The CWG-IL is working  to advocate for policies and protocols that address unique barriers to health care services, safe isolation spaces, and important income and safety net services for marginalized Chicagoans including homeless individuals, incarcerated populations, and those living with chronic health conditions.

The group is also focused on treatment, prevention and vaccine pipelines for COVID-19, with members bringing their unique expertise on community-led research advocacy for other infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis. Public health must be as much a priority as economic recovery. The Illinois CWG-IL members each range from 15 to 40 years’ experience in engaging Chicago’s ethnic communities with evidence-based prevention and health care practices.  This experience has led to trusted relationships within the social networks of those at greatest risk for COVID-19 including those who are homeless, African Americans, Latinx, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions and comorbidities.