Through a completed pilot project with the Jackson County Health Department, “Summit of Hope” was created. Persons within six months of release from Illinois Department of Correction (IDOC) facilities, local county jails, and federal prisons attend the summit to obtain a state identification card, various social services, HIV testing, and linkages to HIV care, all while meeting with their parole and probation agents for mandatory drug screening.
Since partnering with IDOC, local jails, and federal prisons, the referral system in Illinois has improved dramatically. Interagency meetings are occurring, discharge planners are being trained on HIV services and locations of intake sites, and client referrals are being made.
For more information about Summit of Hope and to find out how you can participate, visit the website.