August 27, 2015
This post first appeared in thebody.com by Julie “JD” Davids.
As more people consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, the options for expanding their knowledge of PrEP are, well, expanding.
In July 2015, the Obama Administration cited PrEP as a top priority in its update to the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Just weeks later, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which opposed the FDA approval of PrEP two years ago and has campaigned against its use as a public health intervention, issued a statement laying out “principles” for PrEP usage.
So what resources are out there to assist individuals and providers in making decisions about PrEP? Here’s a quick look at a handful of the many options for PrEP information and support.
PrEP and HIV Prevention: A Quick Primer on a Hot Topic
This handy short video from your pals at TheBody.com gives the basics about PrEP, and also covers how people who take HIV treatment for themselves are a force of HIV prevention — all in a minute and a half!
A Video in English and Spanish: What Is PrEP?
To get a little more in-depth, turn to WhatisPrEP.org for a five-minute video that explains how PrEP works. Although this video came out a year ago, the basic information remains solid — and you can click on the page to swap into the Spanish language version.
Getting Yourself Prepared for PrEP: An Insurance and Access Flowchart from Project Inform
From the longtime community-knowledge bank on HIV prevention comes a comprehensive chart making the confusing hurdles to PrEP access — including insurance, public programs and assistance programs — easier to navigate.
My PrEP Experience: Stories from Real PrEP Users
This early and ongoing PrEP site features stories from PrEP users themselves, plus helpful information on PrEP for users, people who are considering using it and providers. New contributors are welcome!
PrEP Facts: Rethinking HIV Prevention and Sex
Nearly 9,000 people had joined this Facebook group by summer 2015. Its fast-moving discussions, debates, questions and answers seek to promote fact-based information, understanding, respect and compassion.
The HIV Prevention Pill: Facts, Fiction and How to Get It
What happens when activists and educators Damon Jacobs and Nelson Vergel do a video hangout about the use of Truvada (tenofovir/FTC) for PrEP? In just an hour they cover the landscape of research facts and misconceptions, and also how to access the highly effective prevention tool. Drop in and see for yourself!