PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Program

PrEP is not a stand-alone drug, but a prescribed way of taking commonly used HIV treatment medications to reduce the risk of getting HIV.  PrEP can be taken either as a long-acting injection or daily pill.  It has been shown to be 99% effective at preventing HIV when used correctly. PrEP is not a cure for HIV and should not be used as a substitute for using condoms to protect against getting HIV and other STIs.  Condoms are highly effective at preventing both HIV and STIs.

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Our dedicated PrEP Navigator provides personalized support for medical needs in the clinic, and care coordination and referrals for needs beyond the clinic — such as housing, transportation, health insurance, and employment. The program is open to everyone, regardless of residency, immigration status, or insurance. Our case management team ensures that cost is never a barrier to PrEP by helping clients navigate insurance coverage, financial assistance programs, and medication access.

Our team of qualified healthcare professionals works with every client to create a personalized care plan that supports their sexual health and overall well-being. Our providers coordinate HIV and STI testing, medication distribution and administration, and ongoing monitoring for any side effects or symptoms. They also help connect clients to additional services—including primary and specialty care, behavioral health resources, and continued follow-up—to ensure comprehensive, whole-person support.

Preventive sexual health testing is provided as a key component of your PrEP care to support your overall wellness, detect concerns early, and ensure your care aligns with your individual needs and lifestyle.

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What is injectable PrEP?

Injectable PrEP is a prescription medication used to reduce the risk of contracting the HIV-1 virus during sexual activities. It is the first and only long-acting, injectable PrEP medication formulated for this purpose. The medication is designed to continuously help prevent the risk of getting HIV during sex, when taken as prescribed. Safe sex practices are still recommended.

How can I get injectable PrEP?

Before a person is prescribed the injectable PrEP medication, to reduce the risk of getting the HIV-1 virus, one must first be HIV-1 negative. All required screenings will be completed upon entering the PrEP program. Once a person is medically cleared to take the medication, it is administered every other month by a Health Department healthcare provider. All participants are routinely monitored by our medical team to ensure safety and success. Injectable PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections/ STI or pregnancy.

For more information about injectable PrEP for HIV prevention, call 410-313-7500.

PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative, but have a higher chance of being exposed to HIV.  This can include people who:

• Don’t regularly use condoms and don’t know the HIV status of their partner(s)
• Have a partner who is HIV positive
• Have a partner who is at high risk for HIV
• Have many sexual partners, especially without regular condom use
• Recently had another STIs (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
• Do sex work that includes vaginal or anal sex.
• Have injected drugs, shared needles, or been in treatment for drug use in the past 6 months.

PrEP is covered by most insurance plans. A PrEP Navigator can help you understand your coverage options and work with your insurance to get your medication. You may also qualify for help with costs such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles through medication assistance programs. If you don’t have insurance, patient assistance programs may be available to help cover the cost of PrEP.  Contact us so that we can help.