PrEP Program
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is for people who do not have HIV, but who may be at risk of contracting HIV infection through sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV.
People who use PrEP must be committed to taking it as prescribed and seeing their healthcare provider for required follow-up appointments.
PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is a powerful prevention tool that, when used with other methods like condoms, can provide greater protection. PrEP is available at the Howard County Health Department through the Reproductive Health Clinic. Call 410-313-7500 for more information.
HCHD Now Has Injectable PrEP
What is injectable PrEP?
Injectable PrEP is a prescription medication used to reduce the risk of contracting the HIV-1 virus during sexual activities. It is the first and only long-acting, injectable PrEP medication formulated for this purpose. The medication is designed to continuously help prevent the risk of getting HIV during sex, when taken as prescribed. Safe sex practices are still recommended.
How can I get injectable PrEP?
Before a person is prescribed the injectable PrEP medication, to reduce the risk of getting the HIV-1 virus, one must first be HIV-1 negative. All required screenings will be completed upon entering the PrEP program. Once a person is medically cleared to take the medication, it is administered every other month by a Health Department healthcare provider. All participants are routinely monitored by our medical team to ensure safety and success. Injectable PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections/ STI or pregnancy.
For more information about injectable PrEP for HIV prevention, call 410-313-7500.
PrEP Survey
Have you heard about injectable PrEP? Are you interested in getting injectable PrEP? Do you have concerns about injectable PrEP? Please complete this short survey to help our PrEP Program better understand your thoughts concerning injectable PrEP.
PrEP Navigator
A dedicated PrEP Navigator supports clients with their medical needs in the clinic and with social needs outside of the clinic, such as housing, transportation, health insurance, and employment. The program is open to anyone who is interested (regardless of residency, immigration, or insurance status). Our case management services will work with all patients to ensure cost is not a barrier for PrEP.
Call 410-313-7500 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm) to schedule an appointment or ask to speak to the PrEP Navigator.
Additional Resources
- Additional information and resources, especially for PrEP in Maryland: PrEPMaryland.org
- Locate PrEP providers anywhere in the US: PrEPLocator.org
- CDC PrEP Information
- PFLAG HoCo: Supportive community for LGBTQI+ individials and their friends/family
- Chase Brexton Columbia: Healthcare provider that offers sliding scale primary care, dental, behavioral health services and specializes in LGBTQ health.
- Health Department Condom Distribution Program
