HOPE supports The Women's Program of the HIV Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s HIV clinic treats approximately 1,500 infected patients each year, 350 of them being women. In 1991 Drs. Patricia Garcia and Michelle Till developed the Women’s Program of the HIV Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to address the needs of this population, specifically drug dosages, social and economic support, and pregnancy. 

Founded in 1999, HOPE was created to exclusively support the Women’s Program of the HIV Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Fundraising efforts are directed to salaries for clinic staff. Currently, HOPE supports a full time social worker and a Basket of HOPE layette program for new mothers.

Among the great successes of the program is the tremendous reduction in the rate of neonatal HIV infection, dropping from 30% in the mid 1980s to zero babies born HIV positive since 1996. However the need for continuing support systems is still critical.The name HOPE is used to express the committee’s mission to provide Help, Optimism, the will to Persevere, and Encouragement. 

Help- the program provides the latest in medical care to women, transportation to that care, and childcare services. Additionally, limited emergency funds are available for medicine, diapers, food and housing.   

Optimism- HIV infected women are living longer with the promise of an improved quality of life. New medications are more effective and have fewer side effects. The incidence of HIV infected babies has decreased dramatically. 

Perseverance- the program provides patients with the confidence to take charge of their lives, to begin and maintain productive careers and to start families with confidence and a positive outlook.

Encouragement- HOPE makes available a licensed clinical social worker who provides supportive services; such as connecting newly diagnosed pregnant patients to someone who has been living with HIV and has children, through the Experienced Buddy Program. The purpose is to encourage them to stay healthy and connected.