RAAN realizes its mission through operating four core program areas:
- Building medical capacity for HIV/AIDS care in rural areas. RAAN seeks out rural primary medical care providers who are willing to care for PLWH/A, provides training in HIV/AIDS care to update their skills, and matches them (and other clinic staff) with Infectious Disease specialists for ongoing consultative services. RAAN also partners with mental health, chemical health and dental providers.
- Providing HIV/AIDS testing, outreach and case management. Case managers provide free HIV testing, outreach and counseling, provide individual education regarding HIV prevention, help PLWH/A access compassionate and competent medical care in their community, monitor medical and drug compliance, connect PLWH/A with social, emotional, and practical supports, and provide referrals for needed services. RAAN also assists clients on a limited basis with some HIV related medical expenses, including medications, doctor bills and transportation expenses.
- Conducting public education on transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. RAAN seeks to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS through public education that is sensitive to the special needs and preferences of rural populations.
- Developing networks of citizen activists. Networks of public health staff, friends and family members of persons affected by HIV, faith community members, business leaders, and PLWH/A provide practical, emotional, and social supports to PLWH/A, bring credibility to the work of RAAN, and work to decrease fear and increase knowledge and compassion in their communities.
Though RAAN has established operations in five regions in rural Minnesota -- Alexandria, Bemidji, Hibbing, LeSueur, and Sandstone, RAAN serves clients statewide. RAAN's new Care Advocate provides more specialized services to clients who don't fit with traditional case management or who do not reside in one of our established areas of operation.
Information and Referral
RAAN offers toll-free access to personalized care advocacy, connecting both clients and providers with confidential, local services and support around the state. These local services include, but are not limited to, FREE & Confidential HIV Testing, peer support groups and professional counseling, emergency assistance, home health care and HIV drugs, medical and legal assistance, transportation and meals, housing and employment advocacy/case management.
Peer Education Circles:
A Rural HIV/AIDS Prevention Model
Preventing HIV/AIDS requires more than delivering information on condoms and clean needles. Circles are at once social and educational, meeting regularly to explore a holistic curriculum -- one that cultivates communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills, and offers the tools necessary to achieve self respect, emotional and sexual health.
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