Breaking Barriers in the Fight Against HIV
Howard County Health Department Becomes One of the First to Offer a Bi-Annual HIV Prevention Injection
Columbia, MD - The Howard County Health Department is now one of the first health departments in Maryland to offer Yeztugo, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable medication proven to provide highly effective protection against HIV. This milestone reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to innovative prevention tools and reducing health inequities across the community.
Yeztugo represents a transformative approach to HIV prevention. By requiring just two injections per year, the medication helps remove common barriers associated with daily oral prevention options—such as adherence challenges, prescription access issues, stigma, and inconsistent pharmacy availability. The twice-yearly schedule offers substantial, long-lasting protection against HIV, making prevention easier and more accessible than ever.
“This is a powerful step toward ending new HIV infections in our community,” said Health Officer, Dr. Maura J. Rossman. “Yeztugo can be life-changing, especially for individuals who face the greatest structural and social barriers to care. Being able to offer this medication is both a treatment milestone and an equity milestone.”
"Howard County remains committed to leading with innovation, equity, and compassion when it comes to public health," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "I applaud Dr. Rossman and her team for becoming one of the first health department in our great state to offer this groundbreaking medication that will provide highly effective protection against HIV for our residents. This medication is more than just a new cutting-edge prevention tool, it is a major step forward in expanding access, reducing barriers, and empowering our residents to take control of their health."
Communities that have been disproportionately affected by HIV, particularly Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ residents, stand to benefit significantly from this new prevention option. Ensuring easy, stigma-free access to Yeztugo helps address long-standing disparities in HIV outcomes and supports the department’s commitment to provide inclusive, culturally responsive care.
In addition to administering the injection, the Howard County Health Department provides comprehensive case management and care coordination, ensuring individuals receive the support they need before, during and after starting Yeztugo. These services include assistance with insurance navigation, linkage to primary and specialty care, behavioral health referrals and ongoing follow-up to support overall wellbeing. “Offering Yeztugo is just one part of how we deliver care,” said Patricia Odetola, MSN,RN, Infection Prevention and Control Program Supervisor. “Our team provides each client with support so they can confidently take charge of their own health decisions.”
Residents interested in learning more about Yeztugo or scheduling an appointment can visit the Health Department webpage at www.howardcountymd.gov/health/prep-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-program or call the Howard County Health Department clinic at 410-313-7500.
In addition to HIV and PrEP services, the Howard County Health Department offers screening, testing and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). For more information visit www.howardcountymd.gov/health/sexual-reproductive-health-services or call us at 410-313-7500.
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