Our Cause
Junior Council exists to give Chicago's youth with HIV and AIDS access to the care, support, and opportunity they deserve.
To ensure all children with HIV/AIDS, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to high-quality pediatric care.
The Fight for Youth with HIV & AIDS
Junior Council is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for adolescents living with HIV and AIDS. In partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, we support one of the most vulnerable and underserved populations in our city.
Adolescents with HIV face unique challenges — stigma, complex medication regimens, and the intersection of puberty with chronic illness. The Adolescent HIV program at Lurie provides comprehensive care: medical treatment, mental health support, social services, and connection to community.
Every event we host, every membership dues we collect, and every corporate partnership we forge translates directly into resources for these young patients. This is a cause that deserves a champion — and Junior Council is proud to be that champion.
A portion of funds raised each year also supports educational opportunities for past and present patients of the Lurie Adolescent HIV Program.
This Is a Real Crisis — Right Now
HIV among adolescents is not a problem of the past. These are the facts — sourced from the CDC, NIH, and UNICEF.
of all new U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2022 were among youth ages 13–24
NIH HIVinfo, 2025
of adolescents living with HIV in the U.S. don't know their status
NIH HIVinfo, 2025
of diagnosed young people achieve viral suppression — vs. 63% of adults
NICHD, 2020
of new U.S. HIV infections occur among Black and Latino individuals
CDC, 2023
Real Lives. Real Impact.
Behind every dollar raised is a young person getting the care they deserve. Here are their stories.
We are deeply grateful for Junior Council's support in our clinic over the last two decades. They have inspired us with their energy, drive, and passion, and their generosity has been poured out on our patients, ensuring that patients receive the resources, treatment, and compassion they deserve.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join Junior Council and be part of the fight for youth with HIV and AIDS in Chicago.