Sub-Saharan African Youth And Family Service In Minnesota

Commercial tobacco equity project sayfsm supports african-born communities by promoting access to culturally and linguistically appropriate education and counseling aimed at reducing commercial tobacco disparities. In 2024, sayfsm: - conducted 54 campaigns and outreach efforts that included policy advocacy, community education, media campaigns, and information dissemination. - integrated the hope initiative with existing projects to increase impact and efficiency. - observed growing community openness to discussing tobacco use a marked improvement from previous years. - engaged four main community and media partners throughout the year.

Medical and non-medical case management: sayfsm provides comprehensive, culturally appropriate case management to meet the long-term needs of african immigrants and refugees living with hiv/aids. Medical case managers conduct individualized assessments and care plans, helping clients access medical services, manage treatment, and address needs such as housing, transportation, employment, education, legal assistance, and insurance. In 2024: - 39 individuals received medical case management services. - 44 clients received non-medical case management services.

Hiv/aids outreach and testing: sayfsm educates communities about hiv prevention and risk reduction through outreach at community events, churches, youth gatherings, and media outlets. The program develops and disseminates culturally and linguistically appropriate education materials to effectively reach african-born populations. In 2024: - 185 individuals were tested for hiv a 62% increase from 2023. - 108 outreach events were conducted, reaching 5,020 individuals (via zoom and in-person). - 3 focus groups (44 participants) and 4 small group discussions (80 youth participants) were held. - 4,102 male condoms and 1,468 premium lubricants were distributed. - mass media outreach reached an estimated 119,405 duplicated individuals via satellite tv, facebook, and youtube. - 34 individuals received mnsure application assistance, with 6 referred to insurance brokers for further support.

Psychosocial support group: sayfsm facilitates culturally appropriate support groups for african immigrants and refugees living with hiv/aids. Facilitators create safe, empowering environments that promote health education, self-care, and emotional wellbeing. Participants learn strategies to reduce risk of transmission and superinfection, maintain treatment adherence, and safely disclose their hiv status. In 2024, 40 unduplicated hiv-positive adults participated multiple times throughout the year.

Hiv supplemental resources and diverse media campaign: sayfsm screened 44 clients living with hiv/aids for urgent needs and provided financial support based on family size and dependents. The diverse media campaign complemented other hiv education initiatives by focusing on advocacy, stigma reduction, and health promotion. Fifty (50) posters featuring people living with hiv were produced in five languagesenglish, somali, swahili, oromo, and amharicand displayed in public spaces throughout the twin cities.

Mental health counseling: sayfsm provides mental health counseling for individuals living with or affected by hiv. Services are offered by a licensed psychologist both at the sayfsm office and during support group meetings. In 2024, 40 unduplicated individuals living with hiv/aids received counseling multiple times throughout the year.

Covid-19 community engagement and diversity media project: sayfsm conducted extensive community outreach through partner organizations and community media to educate and connect individuals with covid-19 recovery resources. Through these efforts: - 4,000 individuals received trusted, multilingual information from the minnesota department of health (mdh) basecamp resources. - 21 faith leaders, health volunteers, and media staff were trained to share culturally and linguistically relevant vaccine and recovery information. - 4,000 educational materials were distributed for community education. - 25 community members were referred to support services, including mental health care, food shelves, housing assistance, and other social resources.

Womens self-sufficiency program under one roof: this program empowers african immigrant and refugee women through skills training and health education. Participants learn sewing, quilting, fiber spinning, and weaving, while also receiving education on hiv/aids and related health topics. The program helps women build confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing. In 2024, sayfsm served 54 women and engaged 16 volunteers in program activities.

Medical transportation: sayfsm provides transportation support to ensure clients can access healthcare, pharmacies, and support groups without interruption. In 2024, transportation assistance included: - 448 bus cards - 16 taxi vouchers - 577 agency van rides, totaling 7,102 miles