Although the HIV/AIDS epidemic emerged in urban areas, it has spread to rural America. Factors such as geography, availability of health care and social services and community perceptions make preventing and treating HIV/AIDS in rural areas a challenge.
The increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in rural parts of America has resulted in increased demands on rural health care facilities, many of which were financially unstable even before the emergence of AIDS. Many rural communities have not encountered large numbers of persons living with AIDS. The result is a lack of sources of social support for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and organized public health HIV prevention efforts.
Because HIV has been associated with urban areas, many rural residents perceive they have a lower risk of becoming infected. Concerns about confidentiality, stigma and discrimination keep people from getting tested. Because fewer HIV/AIDS cases have been reported in rural areas than in urban areas, community leaders and residents may not recognize that HIV is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Tim Gruber and Jenn Ackerman use both photography and video to tell stories for editorial and commercial clients.
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It makes sense. I’m from a small town but now live in one of the largest city in the world and it’s true. I catch myself thinking that if I lived in a remote or rural area, I’d be safer in many ways. However, I recognize and now reading your article that we have to be reminded of that fact everyday. It all comes down to education and support from our governments.