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HIV Case Management
HIV case management programs assist individuals living with HIV in accessing needed programs and resources in order to maintain their health and meet basic living needs. Case managers provide information, education and resources so clients can access assistance and accomplish goals as independently as possible.
Case managers help clients:
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Access health care resources, including referrals to HIV specialists. -
Providing information to help clients make informed decisions about their health. -
Learn about HIV related medications and improving adherence to them. -
Assess risk for HIV transmission and help them develop risk reduction plans. -
Access needed community resources such as chemical dependency treatment, legal assistance, vocational rehabilitation services, mental health services and housing resources. -
Address financial needs by budgeting or applying for assistance programs such as Social Security Disability, General Assistance, etc. -
Develop a supportive network, whether through friends, family or support groups.
Minnesota has many case management programs throughout the state. Some are based at medical clinics, others are based at community based organizations. Some are culturally specific working primarily with clients representing certain cultural, racial or ethnic groups while others work with a general population. This variety allows clients to access services at the program that can best meet their preferences, whether that be a case manager they can see at their clinic during medical visits, one who from an agency that represents and understands their cultural background, or one that is in the community and works with several clinics.
To learn more about these programs, check out the MAP AIDSLine Online Resource Guide, found at www.mnaidsproject.org/resourceguide. The AIDSLine also tracks the availability of all of the Minnesota HIV case management programs in order to expedite clients as quickly as possible. To learn more about case management programs and availability, contact the AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 888-248-2437.
Events Highlight
Latino AIDS Awareness Day
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
For the seventh year, Minnesota joins the nationwide observance on October 15th of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) in response to the rising HIV infection rates among Latinos across the nation. This year’s national theme is, “United we can: Stop HIV and prevent AIDS.”
Testing opportunities are available specifically for Latinos from staff and clinics that understand the language barriers and can address other cultural issues faced by Latinos seeking HIV testing. To locate testing facilities, a bilingual campaign web site has been set-up at http://www.NoMasHIV.com or http://www.NoMasSTDs.com.
In addition, the STD and HIV Section at MDH currently funds 22 programs through 16 agencies aimed at preventing the spread of HIV in adults and young people of all races who inject drugs and/or engage in sexual behaviors that transmit HIV. The programs serving Latinos with HIV prevention efforts include Neighborhood House and West Side Community Health Services in St. Paul and Centro Campesino in Owatonna.
For NLAAD 2009, the Minnesota Latino HIV/AIDS Network – a local community-based planning committee - has set up a few HIV testing opportunities and exhibits. In addition, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed Thursday, Oct. 15, as Latino AIDS Awareness Day in Minnesota.
For more information, including local testing opportunities and activities, please visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/nlaad/index.html.
Allan Spear Forum
HIV Treatment as HIV Prevention
Is there more to HIV prevention than condom promotion?
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Ave
Minneapolis MN 55404
How can treatment for people living with HIV, those at highest risk and those who have been exposed to the virus help prevent new HIV infections? Come learn more about lowered viral loads, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). Guest Speaker will be Dr. Omobosola Akinsete.
Dr. Akinsete is an infectious disease physician, serving people living with HIV in a clinical setting. She received her medical training at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and her public health training through the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. After completing an Infectious Disease fellowship at the University of Minnesota, she now sees patients through two local Health Partners clinics.
Medicare Webinar
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Amy Schrempp, Benefits Specialist Paralegal at the Minnesota AIDS Project, will be presenting information on Medicare A, B & D, how to fill gaps in coverage, and when to enroll.
This event will be available through call in and the Web. To register for this event, visit https://cc.readytalk.com/r/ovhqrjbr0tqs. To participate in the webinar by phone, call 866–740–1260 and enter access code 3732401. For those unable to access the Webinar online, there is limited space available at the Minnesota AIDS Project to attend the live presentation. |