Minnesota AIDS Project and Rainbow Health Initiative Merge

JustUs Health to provide expanded support and resources

Originally Published: 05/02/2018

The Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) and Rainbow Health Initiative (RHI) announced that they have merged to form JustUs Health. The purpose of the newly formed JustUs Health is to achieve health equity for diverse gender, sexual, and cultural communities.

“We want to define what culturally-responsive health care is in Minnesota,” said Linda Ewing, chief executive officer for JustUs Health. “We are thrilled to combine these two outstanding organizations to continue advancing health resources to serve the unique needs of these communities.”

Rainbow Health Initiative (RHI) and The Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP), the organizations that have merged to form JustUs Health, have provided complementary programming for HIV and LGBTQ communities since their beginnings. All current RHI and MAP programs will carry over as part of JustUs Health, including:

Coordinate transportation, housing and legal assistance for people living with HIV
Assist in navigating social security disability and health insurance market
Facilitate services for case management, chemical health counselors and aftercare support
Lead risk reduction programs such as testing, syringe exchanges and prevention medication
Release an annual survey that measures the health of LGBTQ Minnesotans
Host the Opportunity Conference to advance LGBTQ health
Implement the Shift MN program to create spaces free of corporate tobacco
Lead cultural assessment and trainings for health care providers and systems to reduce barriers to care
As part of the organization’s launch, and in response to the significant mental health disparities experienced by Minnesota’s LGBTQ and HIV communities, a new JustUs Behavioral Health Clinic has opened at 1000 University Avenue in St. Paul. JustUs health professionals also provide individual, group, couple and family therapy, working within trauma-informed, sex-positive, culturally responsive and public health models of care.

The JustUs Behavioral Health Clinic expands organizational priorities to include mental health and chemical health services.

“As the needs of the LGBTQ communities continue to evolve, JustUs Health will be strongly positioned to reduce barriers to quality health care for LGBTQ communities and communities affected by HIV,” said Joann M. Usher, vice president of JustUs Health. “We are proud to be continuing the important programs and services that have defined MAP and RHI for decades.”

The JustUs Behavioral Health Clinic is currently open to the public and taking appointments. Visit www.justushealth.mn for more information.