PrEP Experience

A few years ago, I had an HIV scare. At the time, I knew nothing about HIV or the ways that it can be transmitted. Shortly after this scare I set up a time to meet with a health educator at my local testing site to discuss prevention options. Working together we created a plan that was simple yet effective. One of the options that we discussed was pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP.

This once a day medication has helped expand the prevention options for gay and bisexual men. The pill helps to prevent HIV infection by at least 90 percent when taken daily and has an even higher rate of protection when combined with condom use. Current predictions from the CDC estimate that 1 in every 4 gay and bisexual men could benefit from use of PrEP.  

I decided to begin using PrEP nine months ago when I came to UNC. PrEP has been a good addition to the ways in which I protect myself against HIV. Initially, issues around availability, cost, and adherence made PrEP seem like an unlikely option. However, these concerns were addressed using online and local tools and resources available in North Carolina.   

PrEP is widely available throughout the Triangle area. This interactive map, created through UNC’s School of Medicine, helps both providers and patients identify PrEP providers throughout the state. On campus, I was able to simply talk with my primary care provider at the Student Health Center about my sexual health and interest in PrEP. My provider ordered a couple of blood tests, wrote me a prescription and sent me on my way. For students with insurance through UNC, the prescription is filled by a specialty pharmacy that delivers the medication directly to your home.

I initially thought cost would be one of the largest barriers, but found that PrEP payment assistance programs are available and may help to cover the cost of the medication. These programs are designed to help make PrEP more affordable and accessible for people with and without insurance. Originally, the prescription would have cost $30 with student insurance, but after co-pay assistance program was applied, the medication was free.

Lastly, daily adherence to this medication is key to its effectiveness. Users must take the pill at a similar time each day for successful use. I have found it helpful to set simple reminders or use apps that signal when to take my medication.

The introduction of PrEP has revolutionized the options that gay and bisexual men have to protect themselves against HIV. I share my experience using PrEP as a way to start a conversation on how to connect to resources and craft your own HIV prevention plan using the resources in your community.

-Ryan Drab, NCAAN intern

Thrilling Week for HIV Advocacy in NC!

The General Assembly is wrapping up their work today, and it’s anticipated that they’ll finish this year’s legislative session over the weekend.

In many ways, this has been a thrilling week to do HIV/AIDS advocacy in our state. We launched a campaign last December to support premium assistance for AIDS Drug Assistance Program patients in North Carolina. You showed up to support this campaign in a big way. Advocates spoke out in the media, met with legislators to educate them about this topic, and we packed the Senate gallery during HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day with dozens of community members from across the state speaking up for increased access to health insurance.

Our hard work paid off. The budget passed this week includes a provision authorizing ADAP to create a health insurance premium assistance program! On top of that, the legislature passed legislation legalizing syringe exchange programs in North Carolina. The governor is expected to sign both bills, and these measures are important tools our state needs to end AIDS and will save lives.

Even with these significant victories, I’ve been reminded of the challenges still ahead to make sure everyone in our community is afforded dignity and respect. The syringe exchange language was added at the last minute to a bill limiting public access to police body cameras opposed by many of our partners working in social justice. Legislative leadership has failed to repeal HB2, and is still discussing a proposed fix that would further stigmatize and shame our trans friends and family. Even in light of big victories, we must recommit ourselves to advocating for our entire community.

As we prepare for future efforts, I hope you’ll plan to join us later this fall at our annual HIV/AIDS Advocacy Conference hosted with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition. This year’s conference will be September 10th at Winston-Salem State University. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks. We’ve got some exciting things in store for this year, including a pre-conference the day before focused on PrEP access, dynamic workshops, and the opportunity to reconnect with movement leaders from across our state.

Our community is stronger when we work together. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

-Lee