Programs and Services

In 2024, YAP and Red Door Clinic received funding to amplify the voices of the community. We’re forming a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to improve HIV prevention and health outcomes for Black men ages 15–34, and we want you to be part of it!

This board will play a crucial role in guiding a project focused on supporting Black men in our community. CAB members will have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on initiatives aimed at improving well-being and opportunity for Black men in the Twin Cities.

Who should apply?

Black men between the ages of 15–24 who are passionate about:

• Supporting their community
• Making a positive impact
• Providing feedback on important projects

Your lived experiences, insights, and perspectives are vital to shaping meaningful and effective programs for our community.

As a CAB member, you will:

• Collaborate with a diverse group of community members
• Offer input on project direction and strategies
• Help ensure the project aligns with the needs and interests of Black men in the Twin Cities
• Be part of something that drives real change

Compensation:
Members will meet bimonthly and receive a $50 gift card for each meeting attended. An additional $50 gift card will be provided for any work completed between meetings.

Interested in joining the CAB?

Contact Jordan Owens: [email protected] - 612-460-1786

When you join YAP, your first step is meeting with a case manager. This is a chance for us to get to know you—and for you to get to know us. We’ll talk through your health and what kind of support you might need, both medically and in other areas of life. If you don’t already have a doctor, we’ll help you get connected with one. These first few visits (usually two or three) give us time to build trust and figure out the best way to support you. We’ll move at your pace and won’t dive into anything personal until you’re ready. 

Together—with you, your family (if you want), your case manager, and others on your care team—we’ll create a plan that supports your goals. That plan might include medical care, but also things like housing, school or job help, nutrition, mental health, or even transportation and legal resources. We put everything into a written care agreement that helps us stay on the same page and work toward shared goals. 

We encourage regular monthly check-ins with your case manager to stay on track, but we’re flexible. You can meet in person, talk on the phone, or whatever works best for you. Our team is here during the week—and we check messages evenings and weekends for emergencies too. Meetings can happen wherever is most comfortable for you: your home, our office, a clinic, or somewhere else. 

YAP is open to young people ages 29 and under. When you turn 30, we’ll help you transition to an adult care team at the U of M or somewhere else that fits your needs. 

Want to get started? Reach out to Briana Jackson: [email protected] - 385-519-6297.

YAP's Health Education and Risk Reduction program offers a space for young people (ages 13–30) living with HIV to discuss health-related topics, build community, and share stories. Events take place about once a month and have included attending sporting events, watching movies, playing games, hosting guest speakers, and sharing meals.

By participating, you can learn more about managing your health while living with HIV and connect with others who have similar experiences. While these events are primarily for individuals aged 13–30 who are living with HIV, all community members—including friends and family—are welcome to attend.

To learn more or request a YAP staff member to visit your organization, email [email protected].

HIV services help HIV+ youth achieve quality of life, prevent premature illness or death, and reduce secondary transmission to partners and offspring.

This is accomplished through comprehensive case management and easy access to:

• Cost-effective medical, dental, and nutritional services
• Mental health services
• Social services
• Prevention services
• Educational and vocational services
• Financial and logistical services
• Legal and advocacy services
• Treatment adherence services

Contact Briana Jackson [email protected] - 385-519-6297

The goal of YAP's HIV testing program is to reduce illness and death by promoting the early identification and treatment of HIV infection. HIV testing is a free service of the Youth and AIDS Projects.

Program Objectives

• Make HIV antibody counseling and testing easily available.
• Link HIV+ youth with existing systems of care after diagnosis.

What are the testing procedures?

• Our staff will explain the process and ask permission before testing.
• Complete a questionnaire with a staff member to determine your specific level of risk.
• We use the INSTI HIV 1/2 test kit, which is at least 99.5% accurate. Testing is done by taking one drop of blood from the finger, with results available in as little as one minute.
• A YAP tester will provide results and post-test counseling, including follow-up services.

This program is open to anyone who identifies as a youth or young adult.

Walk-in testing is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Contact us to schedule an appointment outside of these hours or for off-site testing.

Contact Jordan Owens: [email protected] - 612-460-1786

Youth & AIDS Projects (YAP) & Red Door are partnering to offer case management and support services for Black men. We know that Black men have not been supported in health spaces. That’s why this program is designed to center your needs and help you navigate services and resources.

About

Whole Person Care is all about supporting every part of your health and wellness, not just your medical needs. We are here to help you achieve your goals in all areas of your life: sexual, emotional, social, financial, spiritual, and beyond. You will have 1-on-1, tailored support from one of our case managers.

Eligibility

This program is focused on people who:

• Identify as male
• Are Black or African American
• Are between the ages of 15 and 34
• Are not living with HIV
• Live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area

Services

Your case manager will answer any questions you might have and ensure you have ongoing support. We can help with:

• Insurance navigation
• Benefits enrollment
• Mental health referrals
• Establishing primary care
• Housing assistance
• Financial support
• Employment services
• And more!

If you are interested in services for this program, please contact Coco Coneh at 507-301-6765 or [email protected].

Our Treatment Adherence program is here to help you stay on top of your meds, understand your treatment, and get the support you need to reach viral suppression. That means keeping your HIV undetectable—so you can feel your best and live life on your terms.

We’ll work with you to make a plan that fits your life. Most people are in the program for about nine months, but we’ll stick with you for as long as it takes. Everyone’s path looks different—and that’s totally okay.

What You Can Expect:

• Quick Intake: Your first meeting with us will take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what you want to talk about. We’ll make it easy and meet when and where it works for you.
• Weekly Support: You’ll get regular check-ins from your YAP team and helpful reminders about taking your meds.
• Doctor & Lab Help: We’ll help you coordinate appointments and make sure you’re connected with care.
• Education & Counseling: We’re here to answer questions and support you with any challenges that come up.
• Insurance & Aid: Need help navigating insurance or finding financial support? We’ve got you.
• 3-Month Check-In: You’ll meet with us to review how things are going and adjust your plan if needed.
• Graduation: When your viral load is undetectable and your routine is solid, you can graduate from the program—and get compensated for your time!

And don’t worry—if you ever want to rejoin the program for more support, you’re always welcome back.