Niagara County Department of Health's Sexual Health Clinic Supports PrEP to Prevent HIV

PrEP Aware Week will take place October 24 - 31, 2022. PrEP (HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a powerful, safe, and effective prevention tool to prevent getting HIV. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first PrEP medication. Over the last 10 years, more than 70,000 New Yorkers have made the decision to use PrEP to prevent HIV.

PrEP helps keep individuals healthy with regular screening for HIV and STIs. When taken consistently, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV by up to 99%. It is important to take the medicine as prescribed for it to be most effective. Many people taking PrEP report little to no side effects. People interested in PrEP work with a healthcare provider to determine how PrEP can be tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

“Being empowered to take action to protect one’s health is so important,” said Daniel Stapleton, Public Health Director. “The Niagara County Department of Health Nursing Division team is devoted to providing seamless coordination of health services to our patients. We can easily refer people interested in PrEP to get started with our partners at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Infectious Disease Clinic,” Stapleton concluded. If interested, call the Niagara County Department of Health Nursing Division at (716) 278-1900 to help answer any questions.

People may also visit the Niagara County Department of Health’s Sexual Health Clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm. No appointment is necessary. Confidential testing, treatment and counseling is available for anyone 12 years of age and older. Our clinic is a safe-zone, providing safe, welcoming, non-judgmental care to all individuals. Patients should bring insurance cards and be prepared to pay any co-pays due at the time of the visit. A clinic visit will cost no more than $55, however, we will work with people if unable pay this amount. No one will be denied services based on their ability to pay.

RESOURCES:
· Niagara County Department of Health Nursing Division’s Sexual Health Program
· Basic PrEP Q&As  
· New York State Department of Health 
· WNY End the Epidemic Initiative