CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 08/27/2026

HIV on the Decline in Chicago

Late last week, CDPH published the 2025 HIV Data Brief, showing that new HIV and AIDS diagnoses fell substantially in 2025. Based on the current provisional data, Chicago recorded 504 new HIV diagnoses and 236 new AIDS diagnoses in 2025, representing a 38 percent drop in new HIV diagnoses and a 22 percent decline in new AIDS diagnoses compared to 2024. Since 2020, new HIV diagnoses have fallen 22 percent and new AIDS diagnoses have dropped 12 percent, continuing Chicago's longer-term downward trend.

If the data holds, 2025 would mark the lowest number of new HIV diagnoses since CDPH began recording them, and the lowest number of new AIDS diagnoses since the mid-1980s. Final 2025 data will be published in CDPH's HIV Surveillance Report in December 2026 and may differ from this report.

Visit the CDPH website for more information on resources for HIV/AIDS and other STI services, including hours for our specialty Sexual Health Clinics.

Microgrant Applications Now Open

CDPH, in partnership with SGA Youth & Family Services, has launched the Community-Centered Wellness Microgrants Program, a new funding opportunity designed to help local organizations expand health and wellness resources across Chicago neighborhoods.

Applications are now open. Grassroots groups and community-based nonprofits can apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to strengthen or expand existing programs. Funding can support preventive health services and screenings; cancer education and referrals to care; assistance with enrollment in public benefits; as well as health promotion programs focused on nutrition, physical activity, economic well-being and community connection.

An informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held on August 25 at 1 p.m. Applications for the first funding cycle are due September 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., with a second funding cycle planned for 2027.

Organizations can find eligibility requirements, application materials, webinar registration, and more information at SGA Youth & Family Services' website.

Back to School Vaccines Available

Chicago Public School students are back in school this week! CDPH wants to remind parents across Chicago to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccinations. CDPH's Immunization Clinics provide school-required vaccines at no cost to children through age 18, as well as seasonal vaccines such as flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. All school-related vaccines are freely available to those who need them, including MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), varicella (chickenpox), and more.

We will also be hosting seasonal vaccination events throughout the fall across Chicago, including a clinic at every City College and several clinics open to the public at City Hall. For more information on our clinics and a schedule of upcoming vaccination events, visit the CDPH website.

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