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County highlights 'Cancel HIV' campaign, details PrEP/PEP access and testing locations
Summary
Health department showcased a multimedia 'Cancel HIV' campaign and listed prevention and clinical services — condoms, PrEP (pill or bi-monthly shot), PEP within 72 hours, free clinic testing at Chevrolet and Laurel, and community partner outreach — while noting drug costs are often covered through manufacturer assistance programs.
County health staff demonstrated elements of a multimedia prevention campaign called "Cancel HIV" and described how the health department delivers prevention and treatment services.
"We encourage condom use. We offer pre exposure prophylaxis which you will be referred to as PrEP. It is for those that are HIV negative and high risk for HIV. It's either one pill a day or a shot every other month to prevent it," a presenter said, describing prevention tools the department promotes. The presenters told the Board that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must be administered within 72 hours of exposure to reduce infection risk.
Staff said PrEP drug costs are typically not funded directly by the county; instead, clinicians help patients enroll in manufacturer assistance (Gilead) and use sliding-fee schedules for clinical visits and cover lab costs when patients are in county care. "We are actually not funded to offer PrEP services, but we incorporate it into what we do," the presenter said while explaining the department's role in helping patients navigate assistance programs.
County clinics identified for routine testing and care included the Chevrolet Health Center (3003 Hospital Drive) and the Laurel maternal/child health location; presenters also described community-based testing through funded partners, mobile units and health fairs. The department said clinic-based HIV testing is offered at no cost to those who come to the health department.
