Welcome to Community Resources Minnesota, a podcast where we explore the different community resources that Minnesota has to offer! The first part of our episodes explore individual organizations, nonprofits, or opportunities and the second part of our episodes list out information from authoritative sources like the Minnesota Department of Health.
The first nonprofit that we’re exploring is Red Door Clinic! This information is coming from the Red Door Clinic website:RedDoorClinic.org
Red Door Clinic is located in the Health Services Building at 525 Portland Avenue on the 4th floor. That’s in Minneapolis MN 55414. Their clinic hours are M,T.W.F 8-4 and Th 10-4. They’re closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and county holidays.
Red Door provides sexual health care for all people. We never turn away based on ability to pay. Services are divided into STD, HIV, and other Services.
Here is a breakdown of those services:
STDs
Anyone who has sex can get an STD, also called STI (sexually transmitted infection). Many people don’t know they’ve been infected because they don’t have symptoms. STDs can cause serious health problems and increase your risk of HIV infection.
Red Door offers testing for all people ages 12 and older. We also treat many infections. Red Door's specially trained staff will talk openly with you to determine the right testing and treatment
HIV. HIV services are divided into Testing, PREP and PEP, Support if you are HIV+, and if you are pregnant.
TESTING
Go to Red Door to get the rapid HIV test
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
Red Door will take blood from your finger and give you your results during your visit. Results are confidential.
PREP and PEP
PrEP is a daily pill for people who don't have HIV but are at high risk of getting it. Red Door prescribes medication that helps protect against HIV infection. This medication, along with condom use, safer sex counseling, and routine testing for sexually transmitted infections, can help reduce your risk of getting HIV. For more providers, view our interactive map of PrEP providers in the metro area at RedDoorClinic.org
For help picking an insurance plan for PrEP, visit NASTAD's PrEP Coverage Tool.
PEP is a pill for people who don't have HIV but may have been exposed to it within the last 72 hours. PEP appointments are available during regular clinic hours. The sooner you can come in the better, since PEP is most effective when taken closest to the time of exposure.
Some people who are HIV positive and on treatment are undetectable, which means their virus level is so low that it's highly unlikely they could transmit the virus to others. To date, there've been no cases of transmission among people who are undetectable.
Support if you are HIV+
Red Door connects people living with HIV to medical care, including those who are out of care and want to get back in, or are new to Minnesota and need help finding care here.
We provide a list of HIV health care providers in the community, help you make appointments, figure out insurance and financial assistance, and help with referrals for mental health, food, hormone treatment, employment and housing. For HIV-related consultation and referrals, call us at 612-543-5555.
Red Door offers the Positive Perspectives discussion group, for people living with HIV.
If you have HIV, we recommend telling your sexual partner(s) so they can get tested and treated. Red Door has specially trained staff who can find and notify your sexual partners. Ask about partner notification when you come in for testing.
If you're pregnant
Pregnant people who are HIV positive can spread the infection to their unborn babies, or during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Go to your pregnancy health care provider, such as an obstetrician or gynecologist. If you don’t have a provider, call the United Way for a referral at 651-291-0211 or call 211 from a land line.
Other Services
Syringe services
Sharing needles and works such as cookers and cottons can transmit infections, such as Hepatitis C and HIV. Red Door offers needles and works at no cost to you so you can use fresh supplies every time.
You can drop off used needles and get new needles and works (cookers, cottons, ties, and alcohol preps) during regular clinic hours.
Tell the receptionist or any Red Door staff that you'd like to drop-off or exchange needles.
Bring used needles in a puncture-proof plastic bottle with a screw-on cap, such as a soda or laundry detergent bottle.
Stop an overdose with Narcan
Narcan (Naloxone) is a medication used to stop heroin or other opiate (e.g., percocet, oxycontin) overdose. Anyone can get Narcan without a prescription at Red Door for themselves, friends or family members.
Ask the receptionist or any Red Door staff for Narcan. We’ll ask you a few questions, but will not report names or addresses to anyone.
Supportive services
We offer a support group for people living with HIV. The group is currently meeting virtually. For information, email [email protected]
Birth control
Red Door offers pills, patch, ring, IUD, and Depo shot for people up to age 30.
Condoms and lube
Pick them up at the clinic free of charge. Red Door has non-latex condoms and internal condoms (formerly known as female condoms) - ask any staff member for assistance.
MNsure Assistance
If you need assistance applying to the MNsure site, have questions regarding MNsure, or would like help with medical insurance renewals, contact our MNsure application counselor Luis (Angel) at 612-543-9309 or by email at [email protected].
Notifying your partners
If you have an STD, we recommend telling your sexual partner(s) so they can get tested and treated. Red Door has specially trained staff who can find and notify your sexual partners confidentially. Ask about partner notification when you come in for STD testing.
Red Door Clinic is located in the Health Services Building at 525 Portland Avenue on the 4th floor. That’s in Minneapolis MN 55414. Their clinic hours are M,T.W.F 8-4 and Th 10-4. They’re closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and county holidays.
