X0849669

Ryan White Part B Supplemental - I. Project Abstract

Project Title: 2023 Minnesota Part B Supplemental Application

Applicant Organization Name: Minnesota Department of Human Services

Address: 540 Cedar St. St. Paul, MN 55101-2208

Project Director Name: M. Thomas Blisset

Contact Phone Numbers: (Voice) 651-497-2816 (Fax) 651-431-7414

Email Address: thomas.blissett@state.mn.us

Website Address: mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/hiv-aids/

List of Grant Program Funds Requested: Total: $5,000,000

The proposed project addresses several key factors identified in epidemiological data, state and national studies, staff observation, and input from the prioritized populations.

Minnesota is currently experiencing HIV outbreaks in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, as well as the Duluth area, among persons who inject drugs (PWID) who are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing; as well as PWID, including men who have sex with men and inject drugs (MSM/PWID), who are not known to have experienced homelessness or unstable housing.

Furthermore, the amount of funding available for HIV services in the state has been significantly reduced based on revised forecasting for rebate funding, resulting in cuts both to the number of programs presently funded and the amount available for individual awards.

Under the proposed project, core RWHAP medical services will prioritize the highest areas of prevalence to ensure that all individuals who test positive and are linked to care receive the services and resources necessary to remain engaged with care and adherent to treatment.

Health insurance premium & cost sharing assistance will support eligible PWH to maintain a continuity of health insurance and/or to receive medical benefits under a health insurance program, including premium payments, risk pools, co-payments, and deductibles.

Additionally, client-centered medical case management services (including treatment adherence) will link PWH with healthcare, psychosocial, and other services by (1) providing coordination and follow-up for medical treatments; (2) ensuring timely, coordinated access to medically appropriate levels of health and support services and continuity of care; and (3) conducting ongoing assessment of the client's and other key family members' needs and personal support systems.

Early intervention services (EIS) and outpatient/ambulatory medical care (health services) will target the HIV outbreak in the Duluth area by subcontracting with the Fond du Lac Tribal Nation to deliver professional diagnostic and therapeutic services rendered in an outpatient setting (e.g., clinics, medical offices, mobile vans, etc.), including diagnostic testing, early intervention and risk assessment, preventive care and screening, practitioner examination, medical history taking, diagnosis and treatment of common physical and mental conditions, prescribing and managing medication therapy, education and counseling on health issues, well-baby care, continuing care and management of chronic conditions, and referral to and provision of specialty care (includes all medical subspecialties).

Finally, emergency financial assistance will target the current HIV outbreaks among PWID experiencing homelessness by delivering short-term payments to agencies or establish voucher programs to assist with PWH's emergency expenses related to essential utilities, housing, food (including groceries and food vouchers), and medication when other resources are not available.

Minnesota Department Of Human Services

NOT APPLICABLE

93.917 - HIV Care Formula Grants

HRSA Office of Federal Assistance Management (OFAM) [HHS - HRSA]

Minnesota United States

State-Wide

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B States/Territories Supplemental Grant Program (HRSA-24-065)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 09/29/24 to 09/29/25 and the total obligations have increased 179% from $2,924,205 to $8,151,009.