Rapid Assessment, Response, and Evaluation Project (RARE): An HIV/AIDS initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4200.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - Table 8

Abstract #39973

Christopher H. Bates, BS and DaDera L. Moore, MSW, MPH. Office of Public Health Sciences/Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Ave, SW, Room 736E, Washington, DC 20201, 202-690-5560, CBates@osophs.dhhs.gov

RARE, as requested by the U.S. Congress in its Minority AIDS Initiative, was developed to work in partnership with local community officials, public health personnel and community leaders, to provide multi-disciplinary technical assistance to help fight HIV/AIDS within highly impacted ethnic/racial minority communities. By using the RARE methodology, participants in the project are able to: conduct rapid assessments that monitor the dynamics of local HIV/AIDS epidemics and their impact on vulnerable populations; identify rapid responses that are tailored to maximize HIV prevention and increase access to care; and build rapid evaluation to monitor the impact of intervention efforts on targeted communities. In Phase I, eligibility criteria targeted areas with the greatest need: metropolitan statistical areas with populations of 500,000 or greater; at least 50% of living AIDS cases within the MSA are among African Americans and Hispanics, combined; and 1,500 or more living AIDS cases among African Americans and Hispanics combined. Phase I was conducted in eleven U.S. cities and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Currently, Phase II eligibility criteria target communities that are: Eligible Metropolitan Areas or Emerging Communities as defined by the Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act; jurisdictions with at least 1,500 AIDS cases, 51% among African Americans and Hispanics; or represented by a member of a minority congressional caucus. RARE highlights the importance of identifying the dynamic social mixing patterns of populations in high-risk areas. Understanding the behaviors, attitudes, and values of these populations will illuminate how to best position HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention, care, and treatment interventions.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

1. Identify a federal initiative developed to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in ethnic and racial minority communities.
2. Articulate the different components of the RARE methodology used to identify the unique characteristics of populations often missed through traditional needs assessments.
3. Evaluate whether RARE could be a valuable HIV/AIDS needs assessment tool for their specific communities.

Keywords: Federal Initiatives, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment

HIV Service Linkage and Delivery, Research and Evaluation

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA