Through my capstone project, I gained extensive knowledge about the application of technology and AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) across the United States. A significant area of growth for me was time management, as I successfully completed all my project hours over two quarters. Additionally, I developed proficiency in creating and managing spreadsheets using Excel, mastering unfamiliar formulas, and building a website to present my findings. These technical skills were crucial in effectively organizing and displaying the data I collected.

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In terms of content, I deepened my understanding of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, including its origins and the critical role it plays in the existence of ADAPs in the U.S. I explored the intricacies of funding mechanisms for Ryan White programs and discovered the challenges posed by the lack of standardized criteria for ADAPs across different states. Discussions with my capstone supervisor were particularly enlightening, focusing on the disparities in access to information and the varied requirements for ADAPs among states. I learned about the profound impact of cost of living on ADAP eligibility criteria, highlighting significant inequities that affect individuals' access to necessary medications and services.

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A lot of my capstone work involved asking questions. I found that my curiosity about the reasons behind the structure of ADAPs led to deeper exploration. I discovered that geographic location and political climate seemed to significantly influence ADAP requirements, which became another topic of discussion with my capstone supervisor. My public health program training, particularly in finding information on health department websites, was critical to my success. The vocabulary and experience I gained in knowing where to look for this information were vital.

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However, I encountered several challenges during this project. The first challenge that I encountered was finding a capstone site. I had done thorough research into finding a capstone site that aligned with my values and interests and had two capstone sites that fell through prior to finalizing that I would complete my capstone project with the Department of Health. By the time I finalized my capstone, I had 10 weeks to complete my capstone hours and create an ePortfolio. The primary difficulties once I had secured my capstone site were sourcing reputable information on ADAPs and accessing publicly available data. Many states require case management for their ADAPs, meaning application information is often not readily accessible online. This obstacle made some aspects of the ADAP evaluation feel incomplete. Additionally, finding reliable sources was challenging for certain states. Navigating government websites can be particularly difficult without a clear understanding of where to find the necessary information. Fortunately, my experience from numerous projects in the public health program, which involved navigating various government websites, was beneficial. The specialized vocabulary learned during the program was also crucial in effectively addressing these challenges.

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Looking ahead, I am eager to continue this work and plan to apply to graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in epidemiology. For the project itself, I aim to advance my goal of equitable access to information by disseminating my findings in multiple languages. Additionally, I intend to enhance the spreadsheet by incorporating more categories, ratings, and criteria, making it as accessible and comprehensive as possible. While the current version of the spreadsheet is thorough, there is still room for improvement. Achieving this would require further collaboration with various health departments to obtain missing information, which I was unable to secure within the timeframe of my capstone project. Furthermore, creating a web-based database would significantly enhance the accessibility of this information.