There are approximately 1,000 new cases of HIV diagnosed in Chicago every year.
Cook County Health and local public health partners are striving to eliminate the transmission of HIV in our community through widespread education, testing and treatment.
The Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center was established as a partnership between Cook County Health and Rush University Medical Center. Since its opening, the Center has remained one of the largest HIV/AIDS clinics in the U.S. and treats more than 10,000 patients annually for HIV/AIDS care and other infectious diseases.
If left untreated, HIV can develop into acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV where the immune system is defenseless against illnesses or infections.
HIV/AIDS is transmitted through the transfer of bodily fluids (including blood, breast milk, semen, vaginal and anal fluids) to a mucous membrane or damaged tissue. HIV/AIDS is most commonly transferred during unprotected sex or injection drug use through syringes or needles. Pregnant mothers can also transfer HIV during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
The CDC recommends everyone between the ages 13 and 64 be tested at least once in their lifetime.
If you are at higher risk for infection, you should be tested annually. The CDC also recommends sexually active gay and bisexual men should consider getting tested every three to six months.
You should consider getting tested for HIV if you:
Some people experience flu-like symptoms because it is how their body is reacting to the HIV virus and trying to fight it. During this time period, it might be too early for HIV to show up positive on a test; however, you can still transmit HIV to others.
Call your doctor immediately if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV and if you experience flu-like symptoms, including:
To speak to a physician about HIV/AIDS or to schedule an appointment, contact the CORE Center at (312) 572-4500, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
To contact the walk-in STI Screening Clinic, call (312) 572-4700, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, medical advancements in treatments, prevention and early detection have resulted in people living longer and healthier lives.
If you have tested positive for HIV, visit your doctor to immediately begin antiretroviral treatment (ART) immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the easier it will be to manage the virus and continue your life.
The Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center provides integrated, comprehensive care or a “one-stop-shopping” model to offer patients all the services they need under one roof.
Services include primary and specialty medical care, dental care, social and support services, prevention and education programs and opportunities to participate in research.
The Center also has an onsite screening clinic that offers confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), confidential counseling and testing for HIV, and tuberculosis (TB) screening.
If you are a Cook County resident (documented or undocumented), uninsured/underinsured and are not eligible to enroll in Medicaid, you may qualify for financial assistance through Cook County Health’s CareLink Program to cover the cost of services. A benefits counselor will help patients with insurance coverage issues and when necessary, assist with enrollment documentation.
CCH Holiday Hours
Stroger Hospital and Provident Hospital are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, or go to your nearest emergency department.
CCH Health Centers will be open limited hours for the holidays.
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024: CLOSED
Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 2024: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, December 31, 2024: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2025: CLOSED