Program Spotlight: HIV Prevention & Linkage to Care

by | Apr 18, 2019 | News, Program Spotlight, Sexual Health, Uncategorized

 

Sexual Health is one of OUTMemphis’s longest-running programs.

 

Here is what we are doing to prevent the spread of HIV and to improve the lives of people living with it.

 

 

The Sexual Health staff here at OUTMemphis perform HIV testing twice a week; Monday nights and Wednesday nights from 6:00p-9:00p. Here are a few facts about this service:

  • There is no appointment necessary for testing. Simply walk in between the hours listed above!
  • There is never a charge for testing at OUTMemphis.
  • The test is a small finger prick test that takes 20 minutes. 
  • This test is able to detect HIV within a three week window of infection, as opposed to previous tests that had a three month window.

In the 20 minute window between getting tested and receiving results, our Sexual Health team will provide a short HIV prevention counseling session and give you an opportunity to ask questions about sex and your health. This is all done in a non-clinical, non-judgmental, sex-positive way. There’s no stigma here!

After your test, you are given your results, along with the option to take a take-home HIV test with you for yourself or a friend. We also provide condoms, lubricants, and referrals to other organizations that can do STI screenings for more than HIV. Click here to learn more about HIV testing at OUTMemphis.

 

 

Our Sexual Health team are well-versed in the resources available around Memphis for getting on PrEP and PEP. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a once-daily pill that has been proven to reduce HIV transmission by upwards of 92%. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 30 day round of medicines that, if started within 72 hours of an exposure incident, can reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV by 92% as well.

Interested in PrEP or PEP? OUTMemphis staff can help connect you to clinics, pharmacies, financial assistance, and more. Click here to learn more about PrEP/PEP navigation services.

 

 

Getting an HIV test has one of two outcomes, and whatever the result, you are in good hands. OUTMemphis HIV testers can confirm an HIV test result in under an hour, and have experience connecting people to a wide range of treatment options. 

Have health insurance? Whatever the answer is, OUTMemphis staff can still connect you to HIV treatment and supportive services. 

Afraid of the process? OUTMemphis staff can serve as your advocate at your first appointments. 

Worried about what will happen when your family and friends find out? OUTMemphis staff can support you in planning disclosures to relationship partners, friends, and family. 

Have you already been diagnosed, but you had a lapse in care? OUTMemphis staff can get you back on track without even needing to take a new test. 

Are you looking for someone else like you, whose also living with HIV, to talk to? OUTMemphis staff can pair you with a peer mentor for information, advice, and support. 

If you would like to know more about our HIV testing, prevention, and linkage to care services, please visit our website, email us, or drop in and say “Hi” during our open hours!