PrEP & Prevention
Comprehensive Prevention Services

TPAN knows that comprehensive prevention services are the key to reducing the spread of HIV. Our organization is dedicated to a non-judgemental, harm reduction approach. 

TPAN reaches thousands of people each year through testing, counseling, and education-and addresses the barriers that keep people from being tested and treated. Individuals who test positive for HIV or HCV are immediately linked to care and support services as needed. 

HIV and Hepatitis C Testing

We provide free, rapid HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) testing services, post-test counseling, referrals, condom and lubricant distribution at our office and throughout the city's Northside via a mobile unit. Concerned about your vulnerability for HIV infection? Learn more about transmission. 

HIV testing, HCV testing, and PrEP consultation services are available: 

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

12 PM - 4 PM

Walk-In Only

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Syringe Exchange Program

Syringe exchanges help to decrease HIV transmission among people who inject drugs.
Our Health Access Resources Team (HART) offers free sterile syringes and other health promotion materials and resources through our onsite syringe exchange program. In addition, we offer guidance on vein health, injection safety, and HIV and hepatitis prevention. TPAN now offers Fentanyl Test Strip Kits and Narcan as part of the HART Program at no cost Are you concerned about your vulnerability to HIV infection? Here's more information about injection drug use and HIV risk.
 

HART is available by walk-in on:

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

12 PM - 4 PM

* Walk-in services only. 

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PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

One pill a day can prevent HIV transmission

PrEP reduces the risk sexually transmitted HIV by 90%

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” an HIV preventative medication that, when taken as directed, can protect an HIV-negative person from contracting the virus. To reduce their risk of infection, an HIV-negative person takes medication every day. In the event of exposure to the HIV virus, the PrEP medicine in the person's bloodstream can help stop HIV from establishing a permanent infection in the body. 
 

Does PrEP work?

PrEP is most effective when taken consistently each day. According to the CDC, by using PrEP daily as prescribed, you can lower your risk of contracting HIV from sex by more than 90% and from injection drug use by more than 70%. Adding other prophylaxis strategies, such as condom use, along with PrEP can further reduce your risk. Two medications have been approved by the FDA for use as PrEP, your provider will help you to choose which one is right for you.

Is PrEP right for me?

PrEP is for those who do not have HIV, but who may be susceptible for becoming infected with HIV through sex or injection drug use. To be effective, PrEP must be taken every day, as prescribed. PrEP may be right for you if:

  • you are in an ongoing sexual relationship with an HIV-positive partner; or
  • you are a gay or bisexual man who is not in a monogamous relationship with a recently tested, HIV-negative partner, and you have had anal sex without a condom in the past 6 months; or
  • you are a heterosexual man or woman who is not in a monogamous relationship with a recently tested, HIV-negative partner, and you do not always use condoms during sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown; or
  • you have injected drugs in the past 6 months and have shared needles or injection equipment

HIV and Hepatitis C Rapid Testing/PrEP&PEP Referrals/Smarter Sex Supplies are available:
 

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

12 PM - 4 PM
* Walk-in services only.

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Lifeline

Lifeline is a program that allows participants to learn and master HIV risk-reducing behaviors, while receiving referrals to quality healthcare. Lifeline clients are helped to recognize their personal vulnerability for HIV/AIDS, come up with attainable risk-reduction goals, develop increased health awareness, improve physical and emotional health, and create healthier lifestyles. Besides goal-setting and health education, Lifeline helps clients to access social service and community resources, which help to mitigate health disparities. Eligible Lifeline clients are asked if they would like to participate during their HIV and/or hepatitis C (HCV) test session.

Lifeline is available by appointment only.

Contact

Erin at (773) 989-9400 x280 to learn more and enroll.

HIV Emergency Prevevention

What is PEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.
 
  • PEP must be started withing 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV. 
  • Talk right away (within 72 hours) to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV:  
  • during sex (for example, if the condom broke)
  • unsure of partner's status
  • through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers), or
  • if you’ve been sexually assaulted.
The sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it daily for 28 days.
 
  • PEP is for Emergency Situations
  • PEP is given after a possible exposure to HIV.
  • PEP is not a substitute for regular use of other HIV prevention.
  • PEP is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently.
  • If you are at ongoing risk for HIV, such as through repeated exposures to HIV, talk to your health care provider about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

How well does PEP work?

If taken within 72 hours after possible exposure, PEP is highly effective in preventing HIV. But to be safe, you should take other actions to protect your partners while you are taking PEP.  This includes always using condoms with sexual partners and not sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs.

Learn more about PEP here.
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