Ending the HIV Epidemic in Rural America: Understanding Local Factors and Other Health Issues
Ending the HIV Epidemic in Rural America (EHE-RA): Local Interventions, Co-Epidemics, and Social Determinants
This project creates computer models to help health departments in Southern states better plan how to stop the spread of HIV in rural communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111281 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that HIV continues to affect many people in the United States, especially in rural areas of Southern states, and particularly among racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities. This is often made worse by issues like poverty, lack of insurance, and limited healthcare access, as well as the opioid crisis. Our team is building advanced computer models, called the Johns Hopkins Epidemiologic and Economic Model (JHEEM), to predict how HIV epidemics will unfold in these specific rural areas. By working with local health departments, we aim to provide clear, evidence-based guidance on the best ways to use limited public health resources to prevent new HIV infections. This work will help tailor prevention efforts to the unique needs of each community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on understanding and preventing HIV transmission in rural communities, particularly among racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities in Southern states.
Not a fit: Patients not living in or connected to rural communities in Southern states, or those without HIV, may not directly benefit from this specific modeling effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and targeted public health strategies, ultimately reducing new HIV infections and improving care for people living with HIV in rural areas.
How similar studies have performed: Mathematical models have successfully forecasted urban HIV epidemics, but this project specifically adapts and applies these powerful tools to the unique challenges of rural settings.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fojo, Anthony Todd — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Fojo, Anthony Todd
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.