Rural AIDS Action Network

The Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN) assists persons living with, affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS in rural Minnesota. We do this through the following programs: medical case management; HIV counseling, testing and referral; health education/risk reduction; medical transportation reimbursement, support groups; and education and training.

RAAN is the essential lifeline for over 250 individuals at this writing. Our compassionate outreach makes a real difference every day. A client shared their gratitude on a client survey with RAAN:

Thank you all! I am so thankful for all of the resources RAAN has to offer me and my family. Transportaion, bills paid, food shelf etc. Too many things. That is huge help for me. Thanks again RAAN and staff

Put yourself in those shoes for a moment. You’re HIV positive, isolated and trying to figure out how to pay for life supporting medication. Like this person, half of RAAN’s clients are living in poverty. They need medical case management for their complex care, transportation to medical appointments, help with social services, and a supportive ear.

Your generous gift enhances lives – helping fill the gap between the cost of services and our partial government funding. Please send your gift today. We cannot fulfill our mission without community support. Thank you.

Demographics of individuals served by RAAN in 2010:

• Sixty-six percent of RAAN’s clients were male and
  34% were female.
• Forty-three percent were people of color.
• Eight percent were under the age of 25, 48% were
  between 25-44, 43% were between 45-64 years old and 1% were 65 years or older.
• Sixty-two percent were living below the federal
  poverty level.
• Fifty-one percent were HIV positive, 48% were CDC
  defined AIDS and 1% HIV positive AIDS status unknown

In 2010, PLWHA in greater
Minnesota along with those affected by or at-risk for HIV transmission, accessed essential, supportive, and preventative services through RAAN’s seven regional service networks. Since RAAN began collecting data in 1996, over 900 unduplicated people living with HIV/AIDS and their families have received services that extended and improved their lives. This year’s service achievements included:

• RAAN served 286 PLWHA. Of those served, 69 were
  new to the agency.
• RAAN’s partner clinics and infectious disease
  Specialists provided primary medical care to 204 PLWHA, who made 941 visits for medical care.
• RAAN staff and partner agencies conducted 736
  free rapid HIV tests. Each participant received a personal risk assessment and prevention education session.
• RAAN Medical Case Managers served 225 clients through 6883 visits or contacts.
• RAAN helped 95clients access medical services and
  adhere to treatment regimens by paying for doctor visits and prescription medications.
• 30 PLWHA attended at least one meeting of RAAN’s
  support groups in Mankato and Hibbing.
• RAAN provided medical transportation to 195
  clients.