HIV Infections Up in Minnesota During 2009

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released information on the number of new HIV infections in Minnesota for 2009. The number of confirmed new cases rose to 368, a seventeen year high and thirteen percent overall increase, with a rapid increase in the number of infections in young gay or bisexual men. The data points to the critical need for renewed education efforts particularly in young adults.

More information on the new statistics can be found at: http://www.mnaidsproject.org/2010-MDH-HIV-Statistics.htm .

Provider Summit on Young Gay/Bi Men & HIV

Friday, February 26th, 2010
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Earl Brown Heritage Center, 6155 Earl Brown Drive
Brooklyn Center MN 55430

The alarming HIV infection rates among young gay and bi men in MN has nearly doubled from the previous year and is the highest it's been since 1986.  Help is needed to identify new messages and programs to reach at-risk youth.  Please join the Provider Summit on Young Gay/Bi Men & HIV.  Registration is free and space is still available.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

To register for the summit, please contact the MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437.

Government Benefits Made Simple

Navigating insurance and benefits can be very stressful.  Understanding the basics about government sponsored insurance and benefits will help individuals navigate the system.  The MAP Benefits Counselor, Amy Schrempp, created a Web site to help individuals living with HIV and their advocates comprehend the different programs available.  The benefits programs are governed by various federal, state and local laws.  Individuals must apply for these programs and living with HIV is not enough to automatically qualify a person. 

If you need more assistance you can work with a benefits counselor to determine eligibility and apply for programs.  There are different application processes for the various programs.  The information is specific to Minnesota and guidelines can and do change frequently.

To learn about the available programs, go to http://www.mnaidsproject.org/living/benefitsguide/.

The Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council

The Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council is currently seeking applications from motivated individuals who are concerned about the HIV epidemic in Minnesota. The Council’s primary responsibility is to establish priorities for the allocation of Ryan White funds in Minnesota. Although Council members do not select which agencies receive funding, they are instrumental in determining the amount of funding that will be put into general service areas such as primary health care and medical case management.

You can learn more about the Planning Council and download an application from their Web site at: http://www.mnhivplanningcouncil.org/

Register Today For AIDS Action Day

March 10 is AIDS Action Day at the Capitol.  This annual event helps to increase visibility of HIV, meet with legislators, and rally in the Capitol Rotunda. Legislators truly have reported to HIV Advocates their appreciation of constituents taking the time to come meet with them to discuss HIV in Minnesota. Personal stories make the difference when it comes to protecting funds for HIV prevention and services.

Register to attend AIDS Action Day by visiting: http://www.mnaidsproject.org/ .