“Much like rural America itself, the road to effective HIV/STD prevention and control may be unpaved and winding. Yet, the moral obligation to develop and smooth this road is clearly evident. The challenges are inherently difficult and the available research and financial support are modest at best. Innovative, collaborative responses and solutions
are required to contain and reduce HIV and other STDs in rural locations.”
-from the RCAP publication,
Tearing Down Fences:
HIV/STD Prevention in Rural America
National Network of Rural HIV/STD Prevention
This email listserv network, also called The Rural Network, consists of persons committed to advancing HIV/STD prevention in rural communities. Members of The Rural Network receive emails from RCAP announcing its publications, conferences, and other activities, as well as notices of materials, publications and programs/conferences related to HIV/STD prevention in rural areas. Members will receive, for example, RCAP’s RAP* Time, fact sheets, and the conference brochure. Further, information and requests for assistance from members can be placed on the listserv. Register online for a free membership in The Rural Network.
HIV/STD Prevention Guidelines
RCAP has developed, in collaboration with other HIV/STD organizations, two guides that provide direction for HIV/ STD prevention in rural communities. Copies of these guides are available by following the links below. Contact RCAP to request printed copies.
- Tearing Down Fences: HIV/STD Prevention in Rural America
- HIV/STD Prevention Guidelines for Native American Communities: American Indians, Alaska Natives, & Native Hawaiians
National Conference
RCAP conducts a biannual national conference at Indiana University, Bloomington. The goal of the conference, HIV/STD Prevention in Rural Communities: Sharing Successful Strategies, is to present model, rural HIV/STD prevention programs with emphasis on information exchange and lessons learned. Check the website for announcement of future conferences and the conference “call for papers.” Conference proceedings published following the conference and are available upon request.
RAP* Time
RAP* Time is a monthly bulletin that summarizes current research concerning HIV/STD prevention, particularly in rural settings. Archives of RAP* Time are on the RCAP website. Contact RCAP for a free email subscription.
Fact Sheets
RCAP Fact Sheets present the latest evidence-based information on the topics most relevant to rural HIV/STD prevention specialists. Facts sheets are posted on the website and limited numbers of printed copies may be requested.
Monograph
Every two years, RCAP sponsors the publication of a special issue of The Health Education Monograph, published by Eta Sigma Gamma, the National Professional Health Education Honorary. The monographs feature research articles largely focusing on HIV/STD-related issues in rural areas. Monograph articles are posted on the RCAP website and copies of the monograph are available upon request.
RCAP Website
The RCAP website (www.indiana.edu/~aids) highlights current RCAP activities including new publications, materials and conference announcements. The site hosts a wealth of rural prevention information in addition to RAP* Time, fact sheets, and other RCAP materials. The site is continually evolving to provide more interactive resources and links to other valuable HIV and STD prevention resources.
HIV/STD Prevention Research
RCAP conducts research on the behavioral and social factors related to HIV/STD risk behavior that have implications for improved HIV/STD prevention efforts in rural communities. Further, RCAP develops and examines innovative education interventions designed to minimize and eliminate HIV/STD risk behavior. The reports of these studies are published in professional journals, including the RCAP monograph and presented at professional conferences.
