PPSNE Offering Prep at 18 Health Centers across Connecticut & Rhode Island
Contact:
Josh Morgan
Brand & Communications Manager
Office: 203.752.2900
Cell: 203.815.9825
[email protected]
For Immediate Release: Aug. 4, 2017
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe, daily pill that helps prevent HIV infection.
(New Haven, Conn.) – Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is offering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, more commonly called PrEP, at all of its health centers in Connecticut and Rhode Island. PrEP is a daily pill that can help prevent HIV. When taken daily, the chances of contracting HIV can be reduced by more than 90 percent.
“We are excited to offer PrEP as part of our comprehensive health care services in Connecticut and Rhode Island,” said Dr. Timothy Spurrell, Medical Director of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. “If you think you may be at increased risk for HIV, we invite you to make an appointment today to discuss if PrEP is right for you.”
PrEP is a good option for someone if they are at increased risk for HIV. Someone might consider starting PrEP if their partner is HIV-positive; if they and/or their partner have other partners and don’t know if they have HIV; if they have had an STD in the past six months or; if they have used injection drugs in the past six months and shared needles.
Rates of HIV remain a major concern in this country, particularly among young people and in specific communities. In the U.S., African Americans, Latinos and men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by HIV. In the United States, more than 1.1 million people are living with HIV and almost one in seven do not know it. In Connecticut, Rhode Island there are more than 12,000 people living with HIV.
“Planned Parenthood of Southern New England provides affordable and convenient HIV testing and services and sexual health information for all people,” Spurrell said. “Offering PrEP will better meet the needs of the communities we serve and help keep people safe and healthy.”
The medication used in PrEP is called Truvada. It keeps HIV from infecting the body if someone comes in contact with the virus. PrEP is even more effective when combined with condoms and other prevention options. PrEP is covered by most insurance programs and if you do not have insurance, Planned Parenthood can direct you to medication assistance programs that can provide PrEP for free or low cost.
Follow #PrEPnowPP on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about PrEP.
To make an appointment, visit ppsne.org or call 1 (800) 230-PLAN (7526).
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