关键词：艾滋病毒/艾滋病；慢性疾病；医疗保健；医药
摘 要：With the availability of effective anti-retroviral therapies, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease has become a chronic disease. For the estimated 1.2 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS, adherence to regular medical care, in addition to medications, is crucial to HIV management and overall health maintenance. Many persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face challenges in accessing needed health care. Lack of providers who accept and treat PLWHA is one important contributor to inconsistent utilization of health care services among PLWHA. Ryan White medical providers are the safety-net providers who offer primary care and referral services to PLWHA irrespective of their insurance status or ability to pay. The report that follows addresses rural PLWHA, a population that has received little attention. First, the report examines the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in rural counties across 28 states in 2008.