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Special Announcement
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment begins on November 15th. This means that anyone who has a Medicare Part D plan can switch their plan between November 15th and December 31st. The new plan would go into place on January 1st. It’s always a good idea for people on Medicare to evaluate their coverage, as plans change from year to year. Amy Schrempp, MAP Benefits Counselor, at 612-373-2468 can meet with clients by phone or in person to help them evaluate their current plan and/or choose a new plan for 2010. If a group of clients needs assistance, Amy is able to make site visits. Clients of HCMC’s Positive Care Center can contact Jody Smeby, Benefits Counselor, at 612-873-2356 for assistance.
Community Partners
African American AIDS Task Force
The African American AIDS Task Force has moved to a new space! They are now located at 1113 Franklin Avenue, Suite 203 in Minneapolis. The African American AIDS Task force provides prevention, education and services to people of all ethnicities who are living with HIV or at risk for HIV. Services include outreach, health education, peer, individual and group counseling, HIV counseling and testing, resources and referrals, transportation and HIV case management. Soul of a Woman, a support group targeting HIV-positive women, meets monthly at the African American AIDS Task Force. To learn more, head to www.aaatf.org or call 612-825-2052.
Project Mainline
Project Mainline, a service of the Minnesota AIDS Project, has recently added resources available to injecting drug users. It operates a mobile syringe exchange program to conduct outreach and harm reduction services including: syringe exchange, HIV testing, access to HIV prevention and care services, and referrals to basic needs services. Each week, the van is parked fat regularly scheduled locations at specific times. Contact the AIDSLine to learn about Project Mainline's van schedule. If individuals are unable to reach a scheduled location, they can set up an appointment with Roger at 612-804-3902 or Adrienne at 612-889-6396.
Individuals living with HIV can meet with Care Outreach staff to assess their need for HIV medical care and support services. The service is targeted to clients who are not in care, need to re-connect to care services, or who are at risk of dropping out of care. Program staff help address client and system barriers that keep the client from fully accessing available services.
In addition to outreach done by Project Mainline, individuals should be aware of the Minnesota Syringe Access Initiative. It allows pharmacists in Minnesota to sell up to ten syringes to customers who do not have a prescription. Many pharmacies participate in the pharmacy access program but it is not required.The MAP website (http://www.mnaidsproject.org/living/systems/idu/syringeacclocations.htm) has a partial list of pharmacies in the metro area that sell syringes without a prescription. Minnesota law allows individuals to possess up to ten clean unused syringes.
If you or your clients have questions about accessing these services, please contact the MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437.
Event Highlight
Making Sure Everyday is Your World AIDS Day
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This free workshop, funded by the Ryan White Care Act through the Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council, is by and for people living with HIV and will promote and address HIV treatment adherence. Elements such as medication adherence, provider relationships, effective communication, and patient-initiated efforts will show clients how to self-manage and support their medical care. Participants will be able to meet and network with others living with HIV, celebrate World AIDS Day, and be provided with the new HIV 365 tool – a guide to support HIV treatment adherence and self-care advocacy.
There is limited space available, so register early. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Free on and off-street parking is available. Reimbursement for transit is available upon request. Travel and lodging assistance is available to those living more 90 miles or more outside of the Twin Cities. Parts of the program will be in Spanish and interpreters will be available upon request.
To learn more about the event, the location, or to register, contact the MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437. |