Beating HIV/AIDS stigma in Minnesota involves the END HIV MN campaign, a statewide initiative by the MN Dept. of Health and DHS, focusing on education (like U=U), community engagement with tailored messaging for diverse groups (Latinx, African American), increasing access to testing/treatment, and promoting supportive programs like the Aliveness Project, aiming for a stigma-free environment through awareness, resource provision, and lived-experience involvement.
Key Strategies & Initiatives
END HIV MN Campaign: A collaborative effort to reduce stigma by promoting accurate information on testing, PrEP, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and care.
Awareness Toolkits: DHS and MDH developed toolkits with real Minnesotans’ stories for social media and advertising to combat myths and share positive messages.
Community-Specific Approaches: Tailored outreach and education for communities most affected, including African Americans and Latinx populations, using culturally relevant messengers and materials (e.g., Spanish language).
Ambassador Program: Planning to train advocates to share information and fight stigma directly within communities.
Resource Expansion: Increased funding for housing, food, emergency assistance, and outreach case management to address social barriers.
Support Services: Organizations like The Aliveness Project offer safe spaces, meals, counseling, and community for people living with HIV.
How to Get Involved & Learn More
Learn & Share U=U: Understand and spread the message that people with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV.
Support Community Efforts: Engage with local organizations like The Aliveness Project for volunteer or support opportunities.
Advocate for Education: Support comprehensive sex education in schools to provide foundational knowledge.
Access Resources: Find programs and services through the MN.gov HIV programs page.
Stay Informed: Follow the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) HIV/AIDS pages for updates on campaigns and strategies
PrEP, what is it?
PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is a medication people can take before HIV exposure that is highly effective (up to 99%) at preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection when taken as prescribed.
There are three options for PrEP:
- A daily pill
- An injection given every two months by your healthcare provider
- A new injection every 6 months, YEZTUGO
YEZTUGO is the newest PrEP option and provides long-lasting protection with just two injections per year.
Who uses PrEP?
PrEP is used by people who do not have HIV.
It helps them to remain HIV-negative. It’s an especially helpful tool for:
People who have sex with more than one partner with unknown HIV status.
People who are in a sexual relationship with someone who is HIV-positive and has an unknown or detectable viral load.
People who inject drugs and share injection equipment.
Is PrEP right for me?
PrEP is a very effective way to prevent HIV. Only you can decide if PrEP is a good addition to what you are already doing to stay healthy.
Consider PrEP if you:
Have a difficult time accessing or using condoms regularly, or you don’t use condoms during sex.
Share drugs and/or injection equipment and other works with people whose HIV status is unknown.
Want to add an extra layer of protection against HIV on top of other precautions you are already taking.
