This epidemiological profile is produced with the intent to assist community-based organizations in planning and developing prevention programs and to help the CPG develop the Comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan for the State as a whole. The State Health Division Rural HIV Prevention Program focuses on development and support of community-based resources in rural communities. BCHS provides the majority of family planning services in the rural areas of Nevada. State Health Division staff conduct regular site visits across the rural areas to conduct basic community education sessions, professional trainings for staff of local hospitals or clinics, to facilitate community discussion groups or to assist with other projects. Professional trainings for staff of hospitals and clinics may take the form of trainings in bloodborne pathogens, counseling techniques or medical updates.
Many communities have only limited access to medical doctors.
Therefore, in communities staffed only with physician's assistants or CHNs, resources are allocated for the provision of any additional training or technical assistance support. Staffs of these agencies often see clients who are at risk for infection with HIV, TB, or STDs. The nature of rural life is such that anonymity is nearly non-existent and staff of these agencies is likely to have intimate knowledge of the personal behaviors of their clients. With appropriate training, these individuals are in an ideal position to highlight the consequences and implications of their clients' behaviors. Like all states, the State Health Division maintains a State AIDS Hotline.