To combat HIV transmission, the Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona are highlighting their PrEP/HIV Prevention program. Funded by a new grant, the initiative offers confidential services, including safe sex education, HIV testing, and risk assessments. Residents can also receive counseling and prescriptions for PrEP or PEP medications, which help prevent HIV before or after exposure. Financial assistance is available for those with Medicaid, private insurance, or no insurance at all. For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you, Kewanee (309) 852-5272; Colona (309) 792-4011; or Toulon (309) 852-3115, www.henrystarkhealth.com, or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This new PrEP/HIV Prevention grant includes and provides to local residents:
- Completely confidential and inclusive safe sex education, including how to reduce the risk of HIV transmission
- HIV testing for general screening or post-exposure to HIV
- Assessment of individual risk and potential need for PrEP or PEP treatment
- Counseling about PrEP and PEP treatment and necessary monitoring
- Prescribe prophylactic PrEP medication (Oral or Injectable)
- Prescribe PEP medication to reduce the risk of HIV after possible exposure