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PrEP Services

What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a biomedical strategy to prevent HIV. PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV when taking daily.

PrEP is a combination of two drugs and prevents the virus from spreading in the body if exposed to HIV.

PrEP is for anyone who wants to protect themselves from HIV.

Why use PrEP?
There are many reasons people take PrEP. Some reasons include:

  • PrEP is a discrete HIV prevention strategy
  • Self-determination
  • Greater connection to and intimacy with one's partner(s)
  • To alleviate HIV concern
  • Feeling in control of one's sexual health
  • Increased sense of freedom

FAQ about PrEP

Will I have to take PrEP forever?

No. PrEP is a prevention strategy intended to be taken when there's a risk of HIV exposure.

Does PrEP transmit or make people more susceptible to HIV?

No. PrEP prevents new HIV infections. PrEP can protect people from getting HIV.

Will PrEP make me feel sick?

Depends. Some people experience side effects (such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain) during the first two weeks of taking PrEP.

Will PrEP damage my bones?

Probably not. One form of PrEP is made of TDF/FTC (two drugs). TDF was found to decrease bone density for some people in the original PrEP trials. Bone density levels seemed to go back to normal after stopping the drug, however, this is an open question and studies are going to better understand. Ask a navigator or provider for the most up to date information on this.

How to get PrEP

PrEP requires a prescription and follow-up appointments every 3 months. There are in-person and online options.
Ask a primary care provider (PCP)
  • PrEP can be prescribed by any provider who can prescribe. If you have a PCP ask them for a prescription.
Meet with a PrEP Navigator
  • Navigators support people throughout their PrEP journey with things like financial assistance, finding a prescribing physician, and attending follow-up appointments.

Set up an appointment with a Wellness PrEP Navigator by calling (810) 232-0888 or emailing questions@wellnessaids.org .
  • Look Online
Check out online prescribing services like Nurx and MISTR or visit pleaseprepme.org/online-providers

Prevention

Our values require that strict confidentiality be maintained concerning all information obtained by staff, volunteers, or interns regarding the organization, clients, and others served by the organization. We employ a harm reduction model to our everyday practices and believe in advocating for marginalized populations across a myriad of social justice issues. We treat everyone with dignity.

Since 1985, it has been our pleasure to assist in the care of individuals who are infected/affected by HIV/AIDS and promote prevention by educating, providing free HIV testing, and spreading awareness within the community. Since 1985, we have expanded our services to encompass much more than HIV awareness & testing.

Counseling & Testing Services

Our team strives to provide safe and confidential screenings to the community. We provide FREE HIV testing, counseling and referral services as well as testing for Chlamydia, Gonnorhea, and Trichomoniasis. In 2019 Hepatitis C screenings were implemented.

PrEP Navigation

Wellness AIDS Services ensures our clients are kept up to date on the latest technology and prevention efforts accessible. We provide clients with the resources to understand how PrEP prevents HIV/AIDS and how to access PrEP for those that meet the criteria for a prescription.

Informational Sessions (HIV/STI 101)

This 90‐minute information session is designed to present basic HIV information. Topics covered will include basic definitions, transmission, STIs, risk reduction and counseling, testing and referral. Info sessions are offered to our community partners to complement their services.

Condom Distribution

Wellness has partnered with multiple community partners to ensure free condom access throughout the Greater Flint Area.

Linkage to Community Resources

Wellness Services' staff conducts thorough outreach and engagement with medical and social service providers in the community to build a strong network of community partnerships. Through these partnerships, our staff can effectively help our clients by providing linkages to the resources and services they need to.

Self-Testing

Wellness Services Inc. is committed to safely and effectively meeting public health demands by making HIV testing more accessible to the community. Thank you for trusting Wellness Services to assist you with being your own health advocate. Finding out your HIV status can be scary, but Wellness Services is here for you as much or as little as you need us to be. Our mission is to help our clients Live Well no matter what their HIV status is!