AFRICAN AMERICAN AIDS TASK FORCE

The African American AIDS Task Force (AAATF) was founded in 1995 by African American community members who were concerned with the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on African American people living in Minnesota. The disproportionate number of African Americans Affected by HIV/AIDS is attributed to a number of factors including high poverty rates, health care disparities, oppression, incarceration, and use of illicit drugs by injections. The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS compounds the challenges faxed by men and woman living with HIV/AIDS. The mission of the African American AIDS Task force is to provide culturally specific HIV prevention, education and services to people of African decent who are living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS In 2008, overall client services and prevention interventions were provided to 1,225 people living with or at high risk of HIV/AIDS. HIV prevention outreach and community education were provided to over 6,557 individuals. Some of the services and programs include:  Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI) - The EHDI program has operated at the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) Medicine Walk-In Clinic since 2002. This program has two distinct components; HIV Counseling and Testing Services and HIV Prevention Outreach and Education in African American and African immigrant communities.  HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referrals (CTR) - Participants receive pre/post-test counseling and referral services, as appropriate, regardless of diagnosis.  HIV Care Outreach- This program is designed to increase the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS who are consistently accessing HIV health and social services.  Medical Case Management - Provides support and advocacy to individuals who are in crisis and/or encountering system barriers in accessing services  Culturally Appropriate Emotional Support Groups (men & women) - Provides enhancement to emotional wellness, networks and buddy systems, a safe and confidential place to share and grow, social outlets for participants and their families, and education about HIV disease.  HIV Outreach and Education - Works with inmates and newly released individuals who are HIV positive. Within the correctional setting AAATF program staff conducts HIV testing, provide HIV education and work with inmates to establish transitional plans that will ensure access to HIV Medical Case Management and HIV Primary care upon release.  AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) - This program provides entry for clients into the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) HIV/AIDS Drug Assistance Program. The program covers costs associated with dental, nutritional, and mental health assistance for uninsured individuals.  Prevention Outreach Services - Outreach services are conducted where there is a high probability of reaching at-risk populations. Staff conduct HIV testing, and distribute condoms, sexual responsibility kits and safer sex materials.  Transportation - This service is available to all eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS who enroll as clients with AAATF. AAATF ensures that all services provide to clients are within a framework that is culturally familiar, welcoming, non-judgmental and client centered. The Minnesota Department of Health’s 2009 mid year report states that if certain trends are sustained, it would lead to a 24% increase in the total number of new cases diagnosed in Minnesota, compared with both male and female, is almost double, compared to the same time period in 2008; the spread of this disease among African Americans is up 85% compared to the same period in 2008 Your gift to the African American AIDS Task Force will greatly assist us in achieving our mission to provide culturally specific HIV prevention, education and services to people of African decent who are living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS.