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Welcome to the October edition of the MAP AIDSLine Update!

Have questions about HIV risk? Uncertain about what resources may be available for your HIV-positive clients? The MAP AIDSLine can help providers find the resources they need. With a database of over 500 HIV prevention and service resources throughout Minnesota, we can help you find the best resource. If we can't find something immediately, we will research it and call you back. We can be reached Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437, or TTY 612-373-2465 or 888-820-2437.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. In the News
3. HIV Community Bulletin Board
4. Statewide Calendar of Events
5. HIV Adult Foster Care
6. Case Management Update
7. Job Openings

Introduction

Federal health officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have made a major change to HIV screening guidelines and are urging everyone age 13 to 64 to be routinely tested for the virus. Details on this and more can be found below.

In the News

HIV Testing Urged for All

In a major change of HIV testing guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) called for routine testing for everyone from ages 13 to 64 in medical settings. Previously, federal guidelines recommended testing for those in high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men or injecting drug users. It is estimated that 25% of people living in the United States do not know it; and in Minnesota, it is estimated that there are as many as 2500 HIV-positive people who do not know their status. The new CDC testing guidelines aim to reduce stigma around HIV testing and help identify the 25% of the HIV population who don’t know their status. The guidelines also recommend eliminating written informed consent, pre-test counseling, and for people who test HIV-negative, post-test counseling.

The Minnesota AIDS Project supports increased HIV testing, however, MAP has concerns about the elimination of previous recommendations for HIV test counseling and written, informed consent.

The MAP AIDSLine stands prepared to continue serving anyone with questions about HIV and also to guide and assist medical providers in their expanded roles. We have always received calls from providers regarding risk assessment and referrals to other resources. Now, we anticipate an increased number of calls to also assist clinic staff in their preparation for testing and delivering results to patients. MAP AIDSLine invites physicians and other medical personnel to also contact the MAP AIDSLine. Not all medical providers are prepared to answer the questions they’ll receive once they begin offering the HIV tests. And we’re at the ready to help connect any who test HIV-positive with services.

Latino HIV Awareness

To help raise awareness in Minnesota of the impact that HIV has on Latino communities, Governor Pawlenty has proclaimed Saturday, October 15 as Latino AIDS Awareness Day. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), more than 10% of all new HIV cases are reported among Latinos.

One of the initiatives will be to promote HIV testing. According to Jessie Saavedra, Latino HIV testing Coordinator at MDH, “We’re seeing that many Latinos at risk in Minnesota are not coming forward to be tested compared to other communities—missing years of beneficial treatment and prevention education. I am a Latino and I can tell you the only way to get members from my community to come forward for HIV testing is to address some of the key barriers and provide education and programs that are culturally appropriate.”

Several factors prevent Latinos from utilizing existing HIV prevention and testing resources, according to the Latino Commission on AIDS. Some are related to the cultural stigma surrounding sexuality, drug use, religion and immigration issues.

Southside Community Health Services, Minneapolis, will serve as the coordinating agency for the Minnesota events this year. For further information, contact Sara Khalfa, Southside Community Health Services at 612-238-2391 or sara.khalfa@southsidechs.org

10% of NYC “Straight” Men Have Gay Sex in Study

In a survey that will force health educators to re-think how they dispense HIV information, the New York City Health Department found that nearly 10% of male participants who identified themselves as “straight” reported having at least one male sex partner within the previous year. Within that 10% segment, 70% of them were married.

From these findings, the NYC Department has concluded that “straight” men may not be receiving vital safer sex information, as it considers the methods of education currently employed. The straight-identified group were more likely to belong to a minority racial or ethnic group, be foreign born, or have a lower educational level when compared to gay-identified men. The group was also less likely to have been tested for HIV within the year and less likely to have used a condom during their last sexual encounter.

Another conclusion then is that health care providers need to begin asking about specific sexual practices instead of relying on sexual self-identification to assess risks for STDs and HIV. These conclusions certainly seem applicable in Minnesota given our shifting demographics.

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HIV Community Bulletin Board

Below are announcements submitted by HIV service organizations that are of general interest to Minnesota's HIV community. Email Bulletin Board announcements to the MAP AIDSLine by the 25th of each month for publication the following month.

Open Arms of Minnesota will be changing the delivery method of meals for their clients. Beginning the week of October 2nd, all clients will receive weekly deliveries rather than a more frequent schedule of delivery. All of the food for the following week will arrive at once with the entrees and soups being frozen. Open Arms will have a set delivery date with hours of delivery between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. but since it will be only one day per week, it will offer recipients substantially more independence. In addition, Open Arms predicts the following benefits:

• Clients will benefit by the additional freedom to choose when to use a particular meal.
• There will be better food safety since frozen meals are the safest to use.

If you have any questions regarding this program or the changes, call Open Arms at 612-872-1152.

PrideAlive is offering free HIV testing on Thursdays at the Saloon and Hotel Amsterdam, 9th St and Hennepin, Minneapolis. Drop by between 10 p.m. and midnight and grab an "Outreach Queer." The test is quick and painless, with no blood or needles. Results come back in one week, so drop in any Thursday during October to get the result. Questions? For more information on this and other PrideAlive events, visit www.pridealive.org or call 612-373-9165.

Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) Legal Services provides consultation for immigrants with HIV-related immigration issues with an attorney at two sites: MAP's Minneapolis office, 1400 Park Ave S, Minneapolis and at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), 701 Park Ave, Minneapolis.

Consultations at HCMC are available only for individuals receiving care through HCMC. These are held the first Monday of each month starting at 3 p.m. Clinics at MAP's Minneapolis office for all other immigrants with HIV-related issues are the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month starting at 3 p.m. Consultations for both locations are by appointment only. Contact Dan Kelly at 612-373-2426 for an intake and to schedule an appointment for either location.

Immigration clinics in October are as follows: The HCMC Clinic is moved to a Tuesday for this month and is October 3; October 10 & 17 at MAP.

Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) Quick Connect Program is for individuals living with HIV who do not have an HIV case manager and are new to the Twin Cities, or newly diagnosed, or who are accessing HIV services for the first time, or wanting to reconnect to HIV services. The appointment typically lasts about an hour and individuals usually see a Quick Connect counselor once. To schedule an appointment, contact the MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or TTY  612-373-2465. Interpretation services are available.

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Statewide Calendar of Events

If you have an event to promote to the HIV community, please contact us by the 25th of each month via email or call MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437. We publish information about HIV-related events being held in Minnesota. 

October 3

HIV Planning Council Community Voice Committee

The Community Voice Committee is the arm of the HIV Planning Council that represents people living with HIV. It discusses how federal money should be spent to improve the lives of people living with HIV in Minnesota. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Harriet Tubman Center, 3111 1st Ave S, Minneapolis. For a full list of Planning Council and various associated committee meetings, call 612-596-7894 or 888-638-3224. Learn more about the Planning Council by clicking here.

October 7

Professional AIDS Network Fundraiser

Take a scenic Autumn drive to Lanesboro, a small town in Southeastern Minnesota usually associated with bike trails, bed and breakfasts and a strong arts community. All of the proceeds from Kaleidoscope of Color, An Exquisite Drag Review, held at the Sons of Norway Hall, will be donated to the Professional AIDS Network, a Southeastern Minnesota charity dedicated to making the final days more comfortable for AIDS patients. For further information, call 507- 467-3078 or visit www.crowntrout.com.

October 7

Social 7: Positive Link Movie Night

It’s Saturday night at the movies! Positive Link hosts a viewing of “A Home at the End of the World” at 7 p.m. at MAP, 1400 Park Av S, Minneapolis. Bring your favorite snack; beverages provided. For more information about this and other Positive Link events, call 612-373-2463 or 612-373-2466.

October 8

Youth and AIDS plus PFLAG

Dr. Gary Remafedi, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and Director of the Youth and AIDS Project will speak at the Twin Cities Meeting of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The meeting is at 2:00 p.m. at Woodbury United Methodist Church, 7465 Steepleview Road, Woodbury. For more information, call 651-735-5789 or email mjg369@comcast.net.

October 8

Safer Zone @ MAP

Build some skills to negotiate safer sex and make it more fun! Pride Alive presents this program from 1-6 p.m. at MAP, 1400 Park Av S, Minneapolis. Safer Zone is for 8-10 gay or bi-guys who are ready for an open discussion about HIV prevention. For more information on this and other PrideAlive events, visit www.pridealive.org or call 612-373-9165.

October 10

Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling Training

Pre-registration is required for this class offered by the Minnesota Department of Health from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul.  Contact Angela Kotrba 651-201-4004 or angela.kotrba@health.state.mn.us.

October 10

Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council Meeting

The Planning Council establishes program and service priorities that help determine how Ryan White funding will be used statewide. The Planning Council seeks membership from communities affected and infected with HIV, and meetings are open to the public. The full planning council meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. For a full list of Planning Council and various associated committee meetings, call 612-596-7894 or 888-638-3224. Please confirm date and location of meetings, as these sometimes change. Learn more about the Planning Council by clicking here.

October 11

Test Results Training

Pre-registration is required for this course offered by the Minnesota Department of Health and the “Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling” course is a prerequisite (given on October 10). The course is 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul.  Contact Angela Kotrba 651-201-4004 or angela.kotrba@health.state.mn.us for additional information.

October 12

OraSure HIV Testing Training

Pre-registration is required for this course offered by the Minnesota Department of Health and the “Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling” and “Test Results Training” courses are prerequisites (given on October 10 and 11). The course is 1-3 p.m. at 1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul. Contact Angela Kotrba 651-201-4004 or angela.kotrba@health.state.mn.us for additional information.

October 12

Strong. United. Positive. (S.U.P.) Meeting for Positive Youth

This is a monthly gathering for young adults, ages 16 to 20-something, who are living with HIV. Experience support through friendship. Come meet new people for dinner, games, movies, music, and conversation. The group meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Park House, 2120 Park Ave S, in Minneapolis. Please RSVP to Peggy, 612-964-8525. Call day or evening. Calls are confidential.

October 18

Meth, Sex and Men

A community forum for gay and bisexual men will feature the Twin Cities premiere of the film, “METH”, at 7:30 p.m. at Walker Art Center. For more information visit www.himprogram.org/meth.html or contact pridealive@mnaidsproject.org.

October 21

Positive Link “BYOB” (Buy Your Own Brunch)

Join Positive Link for "Buy Your Own Brunch" at the Sunnyside Up Café located at 2702 Lyndale Av S, Minneapolis. Brunch begins at 11 a.m. For more information on this and other Positive Link events, call 612-373-2463 or 612-373-2466.

October 27

Greater Minnesota HIV Training Series

The Minnesota Department of Human Services HIV/AIDS Division, in conjunction with Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, the Rural AIDS Action Network, The Minnesota AIDS Project and other southeast service providers, is offering a free comprehensive training on creating and utilizing the HIV/AIDS service systems in Greater Minnesota. This training is appropriate for local public health department staff, county social workers, medical care providers, and social service organization staff. Training is 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Day’s Inn, 2301 E Main St, Albert Lea. To register, call the MAP AIDSLine 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437.

October 31

PrideAlive Pumpkin Carving Contest

Carve! Eat! Party! Join the PrideAlive Tuesday Night Volunteers Halloween Party at MAP, 1400 Park Av S, Minneapolis. Costumes are encouraged. For more information on this and other PrideAlive events, visit www.pridealive.org or call 612-373-9165.

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HIV Adult Foster Care Update
(As of September 20)

This is a list of HIV adult foster care homes in the Twin Cities and information regarding openings for new clients. For more information on phone numbers, intake procedures, and locations, contact the MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437. Openings at foster care homes can change quickly. Contact Maureen Wells to verify current openings.

Agape (I & II)—One opening.
Clare House—No openings.
Damiano House—No openings.
Grace House (I & II)—Soon to be one opening.
Hope House—One opening.

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Case Management Program Update
(As of  September 25)

This is a list of Minnesota HIV case management programs and information regarding openings for new clients. To update information, or to add a case management program status to this list, please contact Jim Nastoff by the 25th of each month at 612-373-2446, 800-248-2437, or by email. For more information on phone numbers and intake procedures for any listed case management program, contact the MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437.

Access Works Prevention Case Management—Minneapolis—Openings for new clients. Targets current or former injection drug users who are at high risk for contracting or transmitting HIV and/or Hepatitis C.

Aliveness Project Prevention Case Management—Minneapolis—Openings for new clients. Targets HIV+ MSM who also have mental illness or chemical abuse issues. Individuals must become members of the Aliveness Project.

Clinic 42—Minneapolis—Openings for new clients with 1-month wait list.

HealthPartners Specialty Center—St. Paul—Openings for new clients with 6-month wait list; 12-month wait list for patients not receiving medical care at HealthPartners. Some social services can be provided while clients are on the wait list.

Hennepin County Medical Center—Minneapolis—Openings with two to three-week wait for Transitional Case Management. Permanent case management has 10 to 12-month wait list. Clients who speak Oromo, Amharic, or Somali are now subject to the same wait list as other individuals. Immediate openings for women who are pregnant. All case management clients must be patients at the infectious disease clinic.

Indigenous Peoples Task Force—Minneapolis—Openings for new clients.
                                                               Brainerd—Openings for new clients.

Mayo Clinic—Rochester—Opening for one new client. Will take someone in crisis.

Minneapolis Urban League—Openings for new clients.

Minnesota AIDS Project—Twin Cities Metro—Closed for new clients.
                                                 Duluth—Openings for new clients.
                                                 St. Cloud—Openings for new clients.

Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN)—Alexandria—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Hibbing—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Mankato/Le Sueur—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Sandstone—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Bemidji—Openings for new clients.
Care advocacy available for individuals who live outside the case management regions.

Turning Point—Minneapolis—Openings for new clients.

Youth and AIDS Projects (YAP)—Minneapolis—Openings for new clients.

Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center—Minneapolis—Openings for new clients. Must be a U.S. veteran.

Westside Community Health Services—Openings for new clients. Priority given to Spanish speaking clients.

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Job Openings

Please visit our Employment page to view current job openings at the Minnesota AIDS Project.

If you have a position you would like to promote to the HIV community, please send us an email or call MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437. We publish openings for jobs specifically related to HIV prevention or HIV services in Minnesota.

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During the first week of each month, this update is sent to over 500 subscribers who are involved in HIV prevention and service in Minnesota. If you have information to contribute, please contact MAP AIDSLine via phone or email by the 25th of the previous month. We publish information about HIV-related events and programs in Minnesota. All information is subject to editing and approval by MAP staff.

The MAP AIDSLine Update is available through email list service. If you wish to subscribe to the MAP AIDSLine Update, contact MAP AIDSLine by phone or email.

MAP AIDSLine
Minnesota AIDS Project
Phone 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437
TTY 612-373-2465 or 888-820-2437
www.mnaidsproject.org
mapaidsline@mnaidsproject.org

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Last Updated: Tuesday, April 3, 2007
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Content Notice: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily though sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or materials, please exit this Web site.