New City, NY — The Rockland County Department of Health is joining communities across New York State to mark PrEP Aware Week, taking place from October 19 through 25, with the goal of increasing awareness about HIV prevention and access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This year’s theme, “PrEP Revolution,” highlights stories from PrEP users and advocates statewide who are helping to break stigma and empower others to take charge of their sexual health.
PrEP is a prescription medication—available as a daily pill or an injection—that dramatically reduces the risk of contracting HIV when taken correctly. It’s designed for HIV-negative adults and adolescents who may be at risk through sexual activity or injection-drug use. PrEP is also a key preventive option for pregnant individuals to protect both themselves and their babies during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
“PrEP has changed the way we prevent HIV,” said a Rockland County Department of Health spokesperson. “It’s safe, effective, and gives people the power to protect themselves and their partners. The more we talk about it, the more lives we can impact.”
Residents can access PrEP at the Rockland County Department of Health Sexual Health Clinic, open by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (845) 364-3771.
PrEP is also available through many local healthcare providers and clinics across Rockland County. The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Provider Directory offers a full list of locations where PrEP is offered.
When taken as prescribed, PrEP is 99 percent effective at preventing HIV transmission through sex. However, health experts emphasize that PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—so using condoms remains an important additional safeguard.
For those worried about costs, financial support is widely available. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover PrEP with no co-pays, and several assistance programs—including the Gilead Medication Assistance Program and New York State’s PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)—help uninsured or underinsured individuals cover medication and related healthcare expenses.
To learn more about how PrEP works, how to access it, and to find local providers, visit the PrEP Aware website or the New York State Department of Health online.