Massive 500 Percent Increase in Prep Use; New Research

There’s been a massive 500 percent increase in PrEP. But is that enough to end HIV?

New research shows a massive 500 percent increase in PrEP use to prevent HIV. During 2014 to 2017, several key aspects of HIV prevention dramatically increased. Which is great news! But these improvements were not across all groups. Moreover, only about one third of those vulnerable to HIV are now on PrEP. This is according to a study published Thursday from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study shows increases in usage of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent HIV in most demographic groups. However, use among black, Hispanic and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) remained low. According to the CDC, these groups are especially vulnerable for HIV infection. They accounted for roughly 40% of new HIV infections in 2017. But only 26% of black men that have sex with men reported using PrEP. On the other hand, 42% of white men that have sex with men reported using PrEP.

Conducting the Study

The study includes 20 urban areas through out the US and took place from 2014 through 2017. They interviewed over 18,000 MSM. But only about 7,800 met all the study criteria and were included. Only 6% of those vulnerable to HIV were on PrEP in 2014. However, 2017 that number had risen to over 35%. In other words, that’s a massive 500 percent increase in PrEP use. In addition, awareness about PrEP increases from 60% to 90% during the same time.

Conclusions

While a massive 500 percent increase in PrEP use is great news, it is not enough to end HIV. Therefore, more must done. There are “structural barriers associated with race that influence access to high quality care” researchers stated. They recommended developing HIV prevention strategies specifically to increase PrEP use among minorities. Read on to find more information and local resources.

Local Info and Resources

When PrEP was first approved in 2012, OIC was the first to prescribe it. Since then, our PrEP Clinic has continued to expand with some people driving an hour or more. If you’d like to make an appointment its simple, just click here or call (407) 647-3960 and someone from our Front Desk Team will be happy to help you!

Wait, what is PrEP again and how does it prevent HIV?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) – PrEP is a medical regimen that includes routine doctor visits, labs and taking 1 pill once a day to prevent HIV. Taking PrEP daily is up to 99% effective at reducing HIV transmission. PrEP is a preventative option for anyone that does not have HIV and is vulnerable to contracting HIV. Certainly condom education and use is an important component. To sum up, it’s a medical regimen that provides a comprehensive medical approach to preventing HIV.

HIV’s Impact on Central Florida’s Black Community

HIV disproportionately impacts the black community. Click here for information about HIV’s impact on our local black community plus a local health resource guide.

Where can I get PrEP?

There are many was to get PrEP. For example, your doctor/healthcare provider and many nonprofits are now offering it. Did you know that you may be eligible to receive PrEP services for FREE*?

Please PrEP Me – Is a national data base of doctors and organizations that provide PrEP.
FDOH PrEP Provider List for the entire state of Florida. Provides PrEP on a nominal sliding scale or FREE* to those that qualify.
Doctors Office – Many doctors provide PrEP. Just ask!
Florida Department of Health – Provides PrEP on a sliding scale or FREE* to those that qualify.
- Orange County (407) 723-4170
- Seminole County (407) 665-3000
- Osceola County (407) 343-2000
- Brevard County (321) 454-7155
- Lake County (352) 589-6424
Medicare/Medicaid/Veterans Affairs – Federal programs that provide health coverage for those that qualify including PrEP. Just ask!
Orlando Immunology Center – The first to prescribe PrEP in the Central Florida area. (407) 647-3960

Where can I get free condoms?

Certainly We all love FREE*! So click here for the most comprehensive list of free condom locations throughout Central Florida. In addition, it includes locations, free condom delivery, national resources plus an app!

Sam Graper,
Community Relations Manager,
Orlando Immunology Center
Proudly Serving Central Florida for Over 20 Years

Get connected on Facebook, Intsagram and Twitter. #BESTdoctors #OICorlando

*FREE – That is to say, provided at no cost to you. Everything has value. Above all, your health is the most valuable. The programs or services listed above marked “FREE*” are primarily paid for through various state and federal grants like Center for Disease Control prevention grants. As a result, many services are offered on a sliding scale which simply means people pay what they can afford. Whether its a “FREE” HIV test, “FREE” condoms, “FREE” HIV care, or “FREE” PrEP, it has tremendous value even though you might not pay. So whether you pay or not, you deserve easy access to HIV prevention options like PrEP.

References:

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Changes in HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men — 20 Urban Areas, 2014 and 2017

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