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Welcome to the November 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

The Centers for Disease Control recently issued new guidelines for HIV-testing, recommending routine testing for everyone ages 13-64 in medical settings. Read the commentary of Lorraine Teel, Executive Director of Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) below.

In the News

Commentary by Lorraine Teel, Executive Director, MAP, Regarding New HIV Testing Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control recently released new guidance about when individuals should be tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The new guidance now recommends that medical providers bring up the topic of HIV testing with their patients rather than waiting for the patient to request a test. The reason? To diagnose the estimated quarter-of-a-million Americans who are living with HIV, but don’t know their status.

Just like with any potentially life-threatening disease, one of the barriers to HIV testing is fear of receiving bad news. However, unlike a diagnosis of cancer, those living with HIV face the very real fact of stigma and discrimination. Until we are able to stop treating people living with HIV as pariahs, sinners and individuals to be feared, it doesn’t matter what the physician recommends. Those who are at highest risk and suspect they are HIV-positive will more than likely politely decline the test in greater numbers than the “worried well”.

Twenty-five years ago we learned of the first diagnosis of AIDS in America. Still today we face many of the same misunderstandings that drove this country into a panic in 1981. Can you get HIV from kissing? Does sharing silverware and drinking glasses pose a risk? If bodily fluids contain HIV, why wouldn’t I be at risk if someone in the office sneezes near me? What about the person across the hall who I know is gay; shouldn’t I be especially “careful” around him? And, perhaps the most disturbing question, asked directly to the person with HIV, “How did you get it?”  We ask that question, not out of concern, but as a means to internally categorize the infected person as “guilty” (homosexual, drug user) or “innocent” (female partner of a bisexual man, infected at birth).  Why don’t we ask the same questions about other diseases? Do we ask our neighbor why her adult son had a heart attack? Was he fat? Did he ignore his doctor’s advice to exercise regularly? Did he smoke? Did he take his high blood pressure medicine as directed?  We would never think to ask these questions; we would simply offer support.

Will this new HIV testing guidance work? Just like everything, the answer is a simple “yes” and “no”.  Yes, we will increase the sheer number of HIV tests. Physicians will begin to routinely add this test to all the others: cholesterol, kidney functioning, platelet counts and so forth. But who will get tested? Without good pre-test screening, who will get tested are well-insured Americans coming in for an annual physical. But we won’t uncover as many of the undiagnosed cases as we’d like because of who won’t get tested. And unfortunately those who won’t get routinely tested are those at highest risk. Young people, those who don’t have insurance coverage, those who don’t seek routine medical care, those who are marginalized by society and only show up in ERs and those who suspect they engaged in a high risk activity, but decline the test out of fear will all be missed by this new guidance.  So in the end, without addressing the issues of stigma and discrimination, we make little progress. 

The Minnesota AIDS Project has been battling HIV-related discrimination for years. And we’ve learned time and time again the same valuable lesson. Discrimination and stigma come from one reality: a lack of education and understanding. What we don’t understand, we fear. Twenty-five years into this epidemic, we have no national or state policies and practices to educate the public about this disease. Every day we are reminded to eat healthy, buckle up and live, don’t smoke, exercise and get enough sleep.

When was the last time you saw a billboard or were reminded by your doctor of the importance of safer sex if you’re not in a mutually monogamous relationship?  When was the last time you truly were educated in clear and specific ways about what causes, and equally important, what doesn’t cause, HIV infection?  Does the public even understand why gay men are at greater risk for HIV? These are just some of the questions that go unanswered due to our failure at educating the general public. 

MAP is at the ready to provide that education to help with this new guidance. We invite the public to contact the MAP AIDSLine and ask those HIV-related questions you felt were too trivial, too silly or too embarrassing. Our staff will provide you with the latest information about HIV testing and what you can expect from a test. And, we invite 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 HIV tests. We can provide the support needed to answer those tough questions and link patients to community resources.  And, we’re at the ready to help connect any who test HIV-positive with the services they will need.  Finally, let’s also urge our government to provide health care to those who test HIV-positive. Testing isn’t enough. Quality health care needs to be included in this package as well.  There’s much to learn. You make the call.

GAO Legal Opinion Says HHS to Ensure Educational Material Contains Accurate Information

The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) General Counsel has released a legal opinion stating that under the Public Health Service Act, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should ensure that abstinence educational materials prepared by groups receiving federal funding include accurate information on sexually transmitted infections (STI) and the effectiveness of condoms. Previously, the Assistant HHS Secretary for Families and Children had stated that abstinence education grantees are not under the jurisdiction of the Public Health Service Act since their main purpose is not STI education, according to the GAO opinion. The legal review came at the request of Rep. Henry Waxman (Calif.) and other members of Congress, based on a prior investigation of educational materials performed by Rep. Waxman’s staff.

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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.

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering this link to keep you informed of the activities surrounding World AIDS Day on December 1: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/index.html

This second link can be used to send information to MDH about any World AIDS Day event that your organization may be planning in order to get it listed on the calendar on that MDH Web site:

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/calendarform.pdf

PrideAlive is offering free HIV testing by appointment only in November at the Minnesota AIDS Project office, 1400 Park Ave, Minneapolis. The test is quick and painless, with no blood or needles. Results come back in one week. To schedule your appointment or for more information on this and other PrideAlive events, email pridealive@mnaidsproject.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 offices at 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 offices are for all other immigrants with HIV-related issues on 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 November are as follows: The HCMC Clinic is November 6; MAP Clinics are November 14 & 21.

Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) Quick Connect Program is for individuals living with HIV who are not connected to HIV services, including medical care. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, recently moved and needs to connect to services in a new location, needs to re-connect to care or needs additional services, Quick Connect can help. Individuals may have an appointment either in-person or by phone. The appointment lasts about an hour. 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. 

November 4 and 5

Man to Man Sexual Health Seminar

University of Minnesota Division of Epidemiology and Community Health presents this multi-media interactive seminar providing education on sexuality and intimacy between men. All men who have sex with men or who are attracted to men, and are 18 or older are invited. Registration is required. Call 612-626-7187 or email mantoman@umn.edu for more information.

November 7

Election Day

Get out the vote!

November 7

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.

November 7

Positive Link Social 7

It’s show time! Positive Link has a limited number of free tickets for the Broadway musical,” The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at the State Theater, at 8th St and Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis. The show begins at 7:30 but the group is meeting beforehand for drinks or dinner. To reserve a ticket or for more information about this and other Positive Link events, call 612-373-2463 or 612-373-2466.

November 9

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.

November 14

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.

November 16

CDC Satellite Broadcast: HIV Among African Americans

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are presenting a satellite broadcast with the goals of raising awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS in the African American communities and to encourage organizations to mobilize together against the epidemic within that population. To view the broadcast from Noon to 2:00 p.m., use Windows Media Player and visit www.phppo.cdc.gov/phtn or attend in person at Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Freeman Building, Room B-108, 625 N Robert St, St Paul. To register to attend in person, contact Judith Woitas at MDH, 651-201-5790 or Judith.woitas@health.state.mn.us. 

November 18

Positive Link “BYOB” (Buy Your Own Brunch)

Join Positive Link for "Buy Your Own Brunch" at Hell’s Kitchen located at 89 S 10th St, Minneapolis. Brunch begins at 11 a.m. To reserve your spot or for more information on this and other Positive Link events, call 612-373-2463 or 612-373-2466.

November 26

Commemoration of World AIDS Day

To commemorate World AIDS Day, Saint Paul’s On-The-Hill Episcopal Church is holding An Interfaith Celebration of Remembrance, Healing, and Hope at 7:30 p.m. at 1524 Summit Ave, St Paul. For further information call Chris at 612-207-4434.

December 1

MAP Commemorates World AIDS Day

Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) is partnering with Intermedia Arts to present “Am I/Are You?,” a multi-media installation. The exhibition contains 50 photographic portraits that challenge the viewer to determine which 25 of the 50 are HIV-positive. Remembrance ceremony from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis. Reception and discussion with the photographer, Justin Thai and MAP Executive Director, Lorraine Teel from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. For additional information, call Andy at 612-373-2466.

December 1

School of Public Health Roundtable: International HIV/AIDS

The School of Public Health Roundtable at the University of Minnesota, Coffman Memorial Union Theater, 300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Discussion will focus on how international HIV treatment, assessment, and prevention is affected by human rights abuses, war, gender discrimination, misplaced health priorities, poverty and politics. Admission is free and open to the public but registration is requested and available by visiting Roundtable or calling 612-626-4515.

December 1

Franklin Art Works: Loss, Memory, Mortality: An Exhibit for World AIDS Day

The Franklin Art Works, 1021 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, presents the work of photographer Robert Blanchon, a celebrated rising artist who succumbed to AIDS at age 33. This exhibit mainly documents his life through self-portraiture. For further information, visit www.franklinartworks.org or call 612-872-7494.

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HIV Adult Foster Care Update
(As of October 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)—Openings.
Clare House—No openings.
Damiano House—No openings.
Grace House (I & II)—Openings.
Hope House—Openings.

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Case Management Program Update
(As of  October 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—Closed for new clients. Will take someone in crisis.

Minneapolis Urban League—Openings for new clients.

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

Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN)—Alexandria—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Bemidji—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Hibbing—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Mankato—Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Pipestone —Openings for new clients.
                                                                    Willow River—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.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking candidates for the position of STD and HIV Section Manager. This professional position is a permanent position located in St. Paul. The incumbent will provide leadership in the policy and programmatic functions of the STD and HIV Section through the maintenance of excellent relationships with a diverse group of staff, community stakeholders and other government agencies. For a complete job description and online application instructions, go to Resume Builder at www.doer.state.mn.us and reference job posting #06HEAL000384. For questions or additional job information, contact Julia Ashley at 651-201-4002 or email at julia.ashley@health.state.mn.us.

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
Questions about our Web site? Email webmaster@mnaidsproject.org

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.