African American AIDS Task Force

Who Are We?

African American AIDS Task Force (AAATF) is an AIDS Service Organization that devotes 100% of its efforts to HIV/AIDS related activities.  We work to ensure that our activities are devoted to advancing the agencies mission to "provide culturally appropriate HIV prevention, education and services to people of African decent (and others) who are living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS." 

We believe that our ability to grow and evolve as an organization is in direct proportion to the quality of our connections to community and the people we serve.  Experience has taught us that our ability to form the right connections helps engage individuals more holistically and contributes to ones overall health.  

AAATF PROGRAMS & SERVICES

• Medical Case Management
• 340B Pharmacy Program
• Medical Transportation
• Men’s Monthly Support Group “Brotherhood”
• Same Gender Loving African American & Latino Men’s Outreach/Early Intervention & Testing
• Health Education, Risk Reduction
• Women’s Support, Training, and Education “SIS” Sisters Inspiring Sisters
• Same Gender Loving African American Men’s Support Group
•  HIV Targeted Testing, Counseling, and Referrals
• Technical Assistance

Mission and History

Our Mission is to provide culturally specific HIV prevention, education and services to people of African descent who are living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS.

The African American AIDS Task Force (AAATF) was founded by African American community members who were concerned with the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on African American people living in Minnesota. Their goals were:

• To increase the availability of culturally specific service providers to address the needs of African American people who were living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS; and,
• To empower communities to help themselves.

Incorporated in 1994 on World AIDS Day, the African American AIDS Task Force has served thousands of Minnesotans

Since its inception in 1994 on World AIDS Day African American AIDS Task Force has served thousands of Minnesotans living with and affected by HIV.  Our primary goal remains to address health disparities among African Americans and others regardless of race or ethnicity. We acknowledge that each individual's need is unique therefore we work to build bridges and partnerships with each of our clients to address those needs.

About Gwendolyn Velez  

(Executive Director)

Ms. Velez has served as the Executive Director of the African American AIDS Task Force since October of 2000.  She has been instrumental in expanding AAATF programs and services to best meet the needs of a diversely cultural base seeking services at AAATF.  Throughout her tenure she has developed unique and innovative community networks and partnerships to increase access to available resources for AAATF clients and community members.