Download - Minnesota AIDS Project

A CALL FOR HELP
MINNESOTA AIDS PROJECT AIDSLINE
HIV is a word loaded with frightening
implications and, unfortunately,
stigma. Often, questions about
HIV aren’t spoken and fears of risk
held closely inside people’s own
hearts. Finding an outlet for those
questions and concerns is critical
for thousands of Minnesotans who
are trying to learn about HIV, support
friends or family, or face the disease
themselves. For nearly 25 years, the
Minnesota AIDS Project AIDSLine has
provided a caring, accurate source for
information around this continually
evolving disease.
Started as a small call center in a
private apartment, the AIDSLine
served as an early clearinghouse of
emerging information on the disease
reported as afflicting gay men on the
coasts of the United
States. Quickly, the
implications of what
HIV would mean to
Minnesotan began
to emerge. Cases
appeared here in
the Twin Cities and
little information was
available as everyone
struggled to learn what caused this
disease and how it was transmitted.
Over the last 25 years, through
science, society has collectively
learned a great deal more about
methods of transmission and what
is required to provide some effective
medication options to help those
living with HIV. However, the need for
timely, accurate information remains
as strong as ever.
Today, the AIDSLine has grown
into a critical service providing
HIV prevention information, risk
assessment, and advocacy resources
to over 3,000 people annually. “Often
times, callers reach out at a time of
crisis,” said Minnesota AIDS Project
community educator Becca Robinson,
“and we’re able to offer assistance
in addressing important issues and
offer some broader perspective on
the disease for them.” The AIDSLine
is a single entry point where people
can find the right resources they need,
including access to medical care,
housing, testing, and information.
One caller, Jeff, called shortly after
receiving an HIV diagnosis. He had
been referred to the AIDSLine by his
diagnosing physician who thought
Today, the AIDSLine has grown
into a critical service providing
HIV prevention information, risk
assessment, and advocacy resources
to over 3,000 people annually.
the AIDSLine could offer important
counseling and help Jeff as he
adjusted to a difficult diagnosis. The
AIDSLine staff was able to help him
with navigating the murky waters of
insurance and medical care, offered
essential information about living with
HIV, and provided counsel on different
ways to discuss his diagnosis with
family and friends.
10 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT