BEHIV (Better Existence with HIV) Collection

With support from volunteers and community leaders, BEHIV was founded in 1989 in response to the growing numbers of people living with HIV in Chicago, Evanston, and surrounding communities. From the beginning, BEHIV helped people living with HIV/AIDS cope with medical and emotional crises, as well as provided support to their partners, spouses, family members, and friends. With the advent of life-prolonging medications during the 1990s, the focus of the agency expanded to include helping clients manage their medication regimens, return to work, expand their social networks, and lead healthy lives. The mission of BEHIV was to improve the lives of people with HIV and AIDS in the communities it serves through a comprehensive range of quality services, to inform the public about the virus and risk reduction behavior, and to increase understanding and compassion for people with HIV and AIDS. The agency closed in 2011 due to lack of funding.