Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2022, Rainbow Health made the following impact through our comprehensive programs: 2,623 individuals received support at Rainbow Health; 84% received emergency financial assistance; 445 were helped through medical and non-medical case management; 438 clients received assistance from our transportation program; 250 received benefits counseling services; 234 clients received help from legal services; and 141 assisted with housing.
Current Goals
#1: END HIV IN MINNESOTA. With HIV outbreaks in Minneapolis and Duluth, preventing and reducing the risk of HIV in Minnesota is a top priority. Through services like our PrEP and syringe services programs, we provide the most comprehensive care for people living with HIV in Minnesota to help get people’s viral load to un-detectable, making their HIV un-transmittable. #2: ADVOCATING FOR THE OLDER LGBTQ+ AND HIV POPULATION. Since 2018, Rainbow Health has been providing a range of services, support, and advocacy that allow LGBTQ+ older adults to age with dignity, independence, and access to the quality care they seek and deserve. This spring, we became Minnesota’s first organization to collaborate with SAGE in providing critical support to LGBTQ+ elders aged 50+--the fastest growing segment of our LGBTQ+ community. #3: EXPANDING OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES. Since opening our behavioral health clinic in 2018, we have expanded our staff to include 15 psychotherapists providing care to individuals, families, and groups. However, we have long known that LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth in the US are in a rising mental health crisis. In response, we have sought and received the largest private donation in our history: a $2 million, 3-year grant from the United Health Foundation to expand access to our mental health and support services to more than 250 LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth ages 14-25. 2023 is year one of this program, and we are excited to see it grow in 2024 and beyond.
Community or Constituency Served
For the past four decades, Rainbow Health has been serving and advocating for people across Minnesota who experience injustice at the intersection of health status and identity, centering the LGBTQ+ community and people with HIV.
While we fight for health equity for all Minnesotans, we know that the LGBTQ+ community and those living with or at a high risk of acquiring HIV have greater health disparities and need access to affirming healthcare.
Geographic Area Served
Our primary services are throughout the Twin Cities, though we serve clients throughout Minnesota. We also maintain an office in Duluth.