Residents of Yolo County now have broader access to medications that prevent HIV, thanks to an initiative led by the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The agency is offering services through the California Department of Public Health’s Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) along with new PrEP navigation services, to help both insured and uninsured individuals. According to the official announcement, these services are targeted at increasing HIV prevention by covering costs for PrEP and/or PEP medication, HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, treatment for STIs and hepatitis C, as well as covering medical visits related to PrEP.
The PrEP-AP program is designed to help those eligible to quickly gain access to important medication that can greatly reduce the chances of HIV contraction. Yolo County seems to have recognized an opportunity to combat HIV in their community and has been proactive in supporting underserved residents. "We are excited to announce this new service to support Yolo County residents in preventing HIV infection in the first place," Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County Public Health Officer, said in a statement obtained by Yolo County's official news release. Dr. Sisson also noted the high efficacy of PrEP, stating, "When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99 percent."
The expansion of PrEP access is made possible through state funding from the PrEP and PEP Initiation and Retention Initiative (PPIR), aimed to strengthen the reach of these prophylactic treatments across California. The initiative is yet another endeavor by Yolo County to safeguard its residents from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
For individuals interested in taking advantage of the PrEP-AP program, the process to enroll is straightforward. Residents can reach out to a Yolo County PrEP navigator by calling or texting "PrEP AP" to (530) 902-1119. This personalized navigation assistance aims to connect residents with the most suitable payment program and to directly link them to necessary testing services. In addition, PrEP-AP and clinical PrEP services are also reachable through Communicare+OLE clinics, further broadening the accessibility of these important health resources.
