About Us
Caprice Carthans
Caprice Carthans is a prominent transgender advocate and long-term HIV survivor based in Chicago, Illinois. She began her journey of self-discovery at the age of 11, coming out to her supportive mother and initiating her transition.
Carthans pursued higher education at Chicago State University before relocating to New York City, where she lived for approximately three decades. In 1985, she was diagnosed with HIV, a pivotal moment that deepened her commitment to advocacy. Due to the high cost of living in New York, she returned to Chicago, seeking support from the Christian Community Health Center.
Her experiences fueled her dedication to community service. Carthans has volunteered with numerous organizations, including the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), Chicago House, and Heartland Alliance. At Heartland Alliance, she served as an Affordable Care Act healthcare navigator, assisting transgender women and sex workers in accessing healthcare services.
In 2020, Carthans joined the AFC Board of Directors, bringing over 30 years of experience in HIV and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the 2017 National Transgender Testing Day Advocate, the 2018 Betty Smith Award, and the Chicago Department of Public Health HIV Trailblazer. She was also featured in the 2018 book "To Survive on This Shore." In 2019, she was honored during the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Carthans' story was highlighted in the documentary "HIV and the Journey Toward Zero," which explores the lives of long-term HIV survivors and their perspectives on initiatives aimed at ending the HIV epidemic.
Her enduring commitment to advocacy and support for the transgender community continues to inspire and effect positive change in Chicago and beyond.
Our mission
Equity Alliance Health exists to uplift and transform the lives of individuals and communities by ensuring access to essential health and social services with unwavering integrity and compassion. We are committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—from receiving the care and support they need most. Through community-centered outreach, advocacy, and education, our mission prioritizes dignity, respect, and empowerment in every interaction. We strive to serve with a deep sense of ethical responsibility, ensuring that every program we offer reflects our core values of fairness, empathy, and accountability. By fostering strong partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, we extend our reach and enhance our effectiveness in addressing complex health disparities. Our mission also includes promoting long-term well-being by providing reliable guidance, resources, and support systems that encourage sustainable health outcomes. Above all, we aim to be a trusted ally for those facing systemic challenges, meeting individuals where they are and walking alongside them on their journey to better health. With a focus on consistent, quality service delivery, we ensure that our work remains accessible, culturally sensitive, and impactful for the communities we serve. Ultimately, our mission is about more than services—it’s about building hope, resilience, and equity in every life we touch.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a future where health equity is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality for every individual, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance. We imagine a world where compassionate care, rooted in data-informed strategies and community collaboration, leads to tangible improvements in patient outcomes and overall quality of life. By integrating compassionate practices with innovative insights and evidence-based decision-making, we seek to elevate standards of care across all communities we serve. We envision strong alliances between patients, health providers, local partners, and social service networks working together to close gaps in health access and advance holistic well-being. In this envisioned future, systemic barriers to healthcare no longer determine who receives support and who does not—every person has equitable access to preventative care, treatment options, and supportive resources. We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring others to adopt a shared commitment to equitable health for all. By fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and shared purpose, we look forward to cultivating healthier, more resilient communities. Our vision extends beyond individual care to include broader societal transformations that support social determinants of health and promote inclusive, sustainable progress. Ultimately, we see a world where health equity is embraced as a fundamental human right, and where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Values
At Equity Alliance Health, our work is guided by a strong set of values that shape our decisions, services, and relationships with the communities we serve. Honesty is fundamental to our approach, as we believe in transparent communication, accountability, and building trust through truthful and open interactions. We are committed to being ethical in all that we do, upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and responsibility while respecting the dignity and rights of every individual. Our organization is deeply compassionate, recognizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and human connection in delivering meaningful care and support. We strive to listen with care and respond with kindness to the unique needs and challenges of each person we serve. Being accessible is central to our mission, as we work to remove barriers and ensure that high-quality services are available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Together, these core values guide our efforts to promote equity, trust, and positive outcomes across the communities we support.