At Central Outreach Wellness Center, we know that HIV impacts the most vulnerable communities the most, and we’re committed to improving access to HIV prevention and decreasing barriers to care.
Central Outreach Wellness Center is here to support you with expert HIV preventative care. We're leading the way in HIV prevention by offering:
Getting started with PrEP is easy—just visit PrEP2Me.com or stop by one of our clinics. We look forward to meeting you, helping you have safer sex, and fighting the spread of HIV!
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a medicine taken to prevent getting HIV. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.
PrEP can be taken as a daily pill or injection every 8 weeks. Daily use of oral PrEP or staying on schedule with your injectable PrEP is extremely important because it ensures that the medicine is working at its highest effectiveness.
For those who may have trouble remembering to take a pill every day, there are alternative options:
Whichever option you choose, it's important to remember that PrEP is only effective if taken consistently and as prescribed. This means taking it at the same time every day or following the dosing schedule recommended by your doctor.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (or PEP) is a medication taken for 28 days after a potential HIV exposure. PEP has to be started within 72 hours of the suspected exposure. The sooner after HIV exposure PEP is started, the better chance there is of preventing an HIV infection. If you have concerns about an HIV exposure contact or present to a clinic as soon as possible. You can also present to your local emergency department or urgent care if that's more accessible. After completing the 28-day course of PEP, it's often a good time to consider starting PrEP, and we're here to help!
To get started with HIV prevention or HIV testing, check out our online PrEP prescription program, PrEP2Me, make an appointment, or just walk into one of our friendly, welcoming offices during our regular clinic hours.
PrEP works best when you take it as prescribed. By following your doctor’s instructions and taking it consistently, you can significantly lower your risk of getting HIV. Remember, PrEP isn’t a one-time solution—it’s an ongoing treatment that needs to be taken regularly to be most effective.
Yes. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that can be taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV to help prevent infection. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after potential exposure – if you need PEP, call your nearest Central Outreach location right away.
PrEP and PEP are highly effective at preventing HIV, but they don’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancies. Using condoms provides an additional layer of protection and reduces the chances of STIs.
Most people handle PrEP and PEP just fine, but you might experience mild side effects like nausea, headaches, or feeling tired. These usually only last for a few weeks. Your healthcare provider will check in with you during treatment to make sure everything’s working well and help with any questions or concerns.