|
Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council 2010 Comprehensive Needs Assessment
The HIV Services Planning Council recently launched the 2010 Comprehensive Needs Assessment of Minnesotans living with HIV. The results of the Needs Assessment are used to assist the Council in the biennial prioritization of services and the annual allocation of Ryan White funds to service areas and activities. Those living with HIV are strongly encouraged to participate in order to determine which services are most important to care and treatment as well as to identify any gaps or barriers in the HIV services delivery system in Minnesota. Please help the planning council gather this information by spreading the word about this survey!
A person must be living with HIV to complete this survey. To participate, log on to http://mhspc.e2community.com. The survey will not ask for identifying information. Those who fill out the Needs Assessment will be awarded a $10 gift card to Target, Cub Foods or Wal-Mart which will be mailed to participants.
For more information about the Needs Assessment or questions about receiving gift cards, call 612-596-7894 or 888-638-3224.
Mental Health Provider Directory for People Living With HIV
The AIDSLine is putting together a directory of mental health providers (psychologists, therapists, and counselors) that are familiar with the issues those living with HIV may face. This directory is in response to the requests the MAP AIDSLine gets for referrals to mental health professionals who are HIV knowledgeable and LGBTQ friendly. The directory will be used by AIDSLine staff to identify mental health providers who may meet specific therapeutic, geographic, and insurance requirements of clients. The AIDSLine will not endorse any particular provider, but simply offer resource information.
Please contact Patrice Koelsch, MAP AIDSLine Community Educator at patrice.koelsch@mnaidsproject.org to provide contact information for mental health providers who are skilled in working with those living with HIV.
2010-2011 Every Penny Counts Emergency Assistance (EPCEA)
EPCEA is available for low-income, HIV-positive Minnesotans. Eligible individuals may receive up to $390 this program year (April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2010) for rental assistance, rental application fees, moving fees, utilities (fuel oil, propane, gas, electric, water), phone bills ($200 limit – prepaid phone cards are not eligible), grocery store vouchers (Twin Cities Metro – Cub Foods, Greater MN – determined on a case-by-case basis), and medical expenses such as physician bills and co-pays.
EPCEA can assist with payment for health care premiums. These funds are in addition to the funds described above.
To learn more about EPCEA or to request an application, call the MAP AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 800-248-2437 or go to http://www.mnaidsproject.org/living/map/financial.htm. |