Planned Parenthood in NYC announces PrEP for women on World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day this year was on 1 December. With the theme being Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships, Planned Parenthood of New York made an announcement about PrEP.

PrEP is a daily medication that protects against HIV at a high level. Typically prescribed to men who have sex with men, Planned Parenthood is highlighting that the treatment is available for women, too.

HIV among different NYC demographics

While New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) announced that new HIV diagnoses in the city have reached a record low, they failed to mention the specific demographics.

Though it’s true that HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men have vastly decreased, it turns out that 90% of new HIV cases since 2015 were among black and Latina women.

‘Planned Parenthood of New York City and our community partners are at the front lines of fighting HIV/AIDS in NYC, and we will not stop fighting until we end HIV/AIDS for good,’ said Laura McQuade, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of New York City.

‘On World AIDS Day, we’re thrilled to roll out PrEP at our Queens health center, which means that all five of our centers provide PrEP. We’re committed to making sure women know about PrEP. PrEP historically has been marketed to cis men who have sex with men – it’s essential that women know that it’s an option for them as well.’

PrEP prescriptions have increased in NYC between 2014 and 2016. The Body Pro reports that PrEP prescriptions rose 976% in this two-year period.

However, this increase was primarily among men with 95% of the prescriptions going to them. Additionally, black, Latino, and Asian men were about half as likely to receive a PrEP prescription compared to white men.

Social Marketing Campaign for Sexual Health

In addition to providing PrEP at all NYC Planned Parenthood locations, the organization is also incorporating PrEP into their Your Body Needs You social marketing campaign. The campaign is by and for women of color in the Bronx and Brooklyn and encourages them to take control of their health. The posters for the campaign now includes information about PrEP in addition to prevention and treatment for other STIs.

On #WorldAIDSDay, we’re thrilled to announce we now offer PrEP at all 5 of our health centers. PrEP is a daily pill that helps prevent HIV. https://t.co/SPK3kKiJId pic.twitter.com/CrkFDEtvOH

�� PPNYC Action Fund (@PPNYCAction) December 1, 2017

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