"Step Up. Get Tested' campaign expands
The scope of the 2015 "Step Up. Get Tested." ( SUGT ) campaign for June has been enhanced by a new partnership with Harmony Health Plan of Illinois, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
The SUGT campaign, developed by the Chicagoland HIV Testing Collaborative ( CHTC ), will now include both HIV and hepatitis C testing as well as linkage to care services as part of the campaign's initiatives throughout the month in areas across Chicagoland as a result of this partnership.
Step Up. Get Tested. is a unified effort supported by the Chicagoland HIV Testing Collaborative, a group of 25 community and public health organizations that has joined forces to promote HIV testing in the city's most at-risk communities since 2012.
The partnership will run June 5-30, and will kick off June 5 with free HIV testing near several CTA "L" stations, including Roosevelt, Howard and 87th. Visit stepupgettested.com .
Center to host CTA proposal meeting June 3
A hearing on a proposal to build a controversial CTA ( Chicago Transit Authority ) bridge in Lake View will be held Wed., June 3, at 6:30-8 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
The CTA aims to increase "el" capacity by building a bridge where the Red, Brown and Purple lines currently meet on Clark Street, according to Crain's Chicago Business.
A new report revealed that the proposal is estimated to cost $570 million, instead of an initial estimate of $320 million.
The full Crain's article is at www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150519/BLOGS02/150519780/cta-issues-strong-defense-of-red-line-flyover-plan .
Northalsted introduces business initiative
The Northalsted Business Alliance is welcoming visitors and neighbors with a new initiative dubbed "Keep Pride Proud."
The organization, which formed in 1980 and represents more than 80 member businesses, "is partnering once again with an independent safety team to provide additional security officers on weekends and during exceptional busy days throughout the summer," according to a press release.
The organization hosts major events throughout the year, including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days and the Halloween Parade. Visit www.northalsted.com .