In a swift response to a gap in HIV service provision in Minnesota, the Aliveness Project has stepped in to fill the void left by the closure of Rainbow Health, as per information from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). This transition comes on the heels of Rainbow Health shutting its doors, which affected thousands who relied on its emergency assistance programs.
"HIV support services are so important to the people who rely on them," Commissioner Jodi Harpstead said in a statement. Shifting the contractual duties to the Aliveness Project, the state aims to maintain housing stability and continuity of services for Minnesotans living with HIV. For immediate needs, the DHS has advised people to consult the Ryan White Programs Customer Care Line.
In other DHS developments, there's a call for public input on draft childcare licensing standards. The deadline for the online survey is today, July 31, aiming to gather feedback from various stakeholders including providers, parents, and the general public. Detailed information about the draft standards and the feedback process is available on the DHS project webpage.
Looking ahead, DHS announced the 2024 Odyssey webinar on disability justice principles, with registration open until August 9. This event encourages a greater inclusivity for people with disabilities, especially those intersecting with other marginalized communities. The DHS is also focusing on housing, planning a forum on August 9 in collaboration with Minnesota Housing and policy consulting firms, to hear from beneficiaries of Housing Stabilization Services.
Moreover, with Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) transitioning to an independent state agency by 2025, the DHS is on the lookout for board members. Governor Tim Walz is set to appoint six of the board's members, while the remaining seats will be filled by various stakeholders. Those interested in making a difference in Minnesota's behavioral health care can apply here.
Finally, the DHS rounds up the news with a solid legislative session, focusing on immediate human services needs. Fact sheets summarizing outcomes from the 2024 session are accessible, touching upon priorities like expanding behavioral health care, addressing substance use disorders, and reforming child welfare laws. Details on these subjects and more can be found on the DHS news bulletin.
