Department - Author 1

Journalism Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Journalism

Date

6-2016

Primary Advisor

Tom Maier, Dan Eller

Abstract/Summary

The following study investigates the need for Pre­exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County in order to develop an effective health outreach and advocacy program that could increase the adoption of PrEP treatment and in turn decrease new HIV transmissions in the community studied. The sponsor of this study is the Access Support Network (ASN), a non­profit organization that provides supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. ASN launched this study after observing the effectiveness of PrEP in metropolitan cities. At the same time, ASN also noticed a rise in new HIV transmissions, particularly among injecting drug users (IDUs) and young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Consequently, the research conducted for this project focuses on these groups and the healthcare professionals that interact with them. In addition, this paper examines the barriers to receiving PrEP treatment and attempts to strategize solutions to these obstacles as part of the project’s implementation plan. Furthermore, the recommendations and plan of action that will be outlined within this study can be utilized by other communities as a model for implementing PrEP beyond San Luis Obispo County.

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