Minnkota Health Project

The Minnkota Health Project provides services for people living with HIV/AIDS, their partners and families in western Minnesota and east-central North Dakota

Services and Programs

Individual Counseling & Support Groups  Counselors are available to provide counseling for people living with HIV/AIDS, their partners , families and caregivers.  Clients may call or stop by to schedule appointments.  Phone counseling is also available.

Support groups meet once a month in Bemidji, Glenwood and Moorhead and twice a month in Brainerd.

Support Groups

Care Advocacy  Our counselors are advocates, too.  They are knowledgeable about the resources available in our service region and statewide.  They pay attention to a client's individual needs and make referrals to appropriate resources, including medical care, medication coverage and social services.

Social Activities  Opportunities to socialize are important ways to escape the isolation that HIV/AIDS often causes and to promote a sense of well-being.  From time to time, Minnkota is able to sponsor social activities for clients, partners, family and caregivers.  Picnics, trips to amusement parks, and holiday parties are a few examples of social get-togethers.  We have also created a small "drop-in" center where clients can visit, surf the internet, e-mail friends and family, and watch videos.

Transportation Assistance  People living with HIV/AIDS within our service area who meet income requirements are eligible for transportation assistance.  Assistance is provided for travel to and from counseling, support groups, medical appointments, trips to the pharmacy and other types of social services.

Food Program  Minnkota sponsors a monthly food program for clients who meet the income requirements.  Clients receive a monthly gift card or grocery reimbursement for food purchases that meet nutritional guidelines.  This is an important service for those living on limited income.

Eligibility

All counseling and emotional support services are free to those affected by HIV/AIDS.  To be eligible for transportation assistance and the food program,  you must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.                                                                      

Opportunities for Involvement

Client Board  The purpose of Minnkota's Client Board is to give people living with HIV and AIDS the opportunity for self-empowerment and advocacy through this leadership activity.  Membership is open to all people living with HIV and AIDS in our service area.

Speakers' Bureau  Our speakers' bureau is designed to offer community education on the following topics:

*    Rural issues and HIV/AIDS
*    Stigma and discrimination
*    History of HIV and AIDS
*    How the community can help our cause

Board Membership  Minnkota is governed by a volunteer board.  Board development is a primary objective as we grow and develop our mission and programming.  If you are interested in applying to become a board member, contact the director of Minnkota.

Volunteer!

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of our mission.  By volunteering, you can help through direct service, fund raising, event planning, advisory councils or something specially tailored for your skills and interests.  It is also a good way to see if you might be interested in board membership.  Student internships are also possible.  Contact the director for more information.

Contact us

[Minnkota Center] [Pride Collective and Community Center]

This page is hosted on the website of the Pride Collective and Community Center.