MN HIV Services Planning Council Meeting

November 14, 2006 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Plymouth Congregational Church

1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis

Minutes

 

Council Members Present:

 

Jim Lawser (Co-Chair)

Francis Mark

Michael Behl

Andy Ansell (Co-Chair)

Hazel Erickson

Robert Pioli
Karin Sabey

Ama Sabah

Gary Novotny

Susanne Pfeil

Ephraim Olani

Lee Lewis

Gerry Tyrrell

Joseph Smith

Bob Hansen

 

Council Members Absent:

 

Gilbert Achay - excused

LeMonte Graham – excused

John Cyzon – excused

Randall Guilford – excused

G. Allen Foster – unexcused

Dollina Odera – unexcused

Rae Eden Frank - excused

Ojuolape Olagbaju – unexcused

Consultant:

 

Becky Kroll - CLEAR

 

Guests:

 

Siona Nchioto - ZIP

Binta Johnson

Jennifer Houston - WestSide

 

G-HAT:

 

Sheila Murphy – Hennepin County

Eduardo Parra – Hennepinh County

Redwan Hamza – DHS

Amy Prudhomme – DHS

Julie Hanson Perez - MDH

Jill Becker - DHS

Jonathan Hanft – Hennepin County

 


Staff:

 

Wendi Kistner (minutes)

Tim Sullivan

Quorum Present? Yes

 

I.                    Welcome and Introductions; Lighting of the Candle

The meeting was called to order at 9:07 am.  Introductions were made.  Hazel lit the candle for those infected and affected from HIV and for those we have lost.

 

II.                 Review the October 10th Meeting Minutes and Proposed Agenda

The minutes were approved by unanimous consent.  The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

 

III.               Open Forum

Mike said when he moved to MN he called the county agencies to find HIV agencies.  He was first directed to RAAN and he continued to be directed to other agencies.  During his two years here he has had many positive experiences getting into care.  Hazel had similar experiences by first hooking up with Minnkota. 

Siona attended the meeting to talk about transportation and housing issues.  She has had problems accessing transportation because funding is often given to certain agencies.  She gave some examples of problems she and others have run into.  She is asking the Council to look into this issue and would like for transportation money to be given to agencies that need it most.  Jim suggested she talk to her case manager.  This matter was referred to the Needs Assessment Committee for further review and discussion.  Susanne thinks CVC could look at this issue as well.  Tim reminded the Council that every provider also has a grievance procedure if anyone feels they have been incorrectly denied services.

Siona also worked for the Zyombi International Project.  She has had her agency and job taken from her and does not know where to go.  She would like the Planning Council to look into this.  Although this issue is not within the purview of the Planning Council Andy, Jim, and Tim offered to meet with Siona to see if there are other options.  Ephraim feels the result of this change has had an impact on the African community.  He encourages advocating for her.  Francis also suggested Siona attend the CVC meeting. 

 

IV.               Co-Chairs Update

Tim sent out the Kaiser Foundation report on what could happen with reauthor