TPAN knows that comprehensive prevention services are the key to reducing the spread of HIV. Our organization is dedicated to a non-judgmental, harm reduction approach to keeping our visitors safe.
Through a variety of approaches, 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, HCV, or STIs 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 North side via a mobile unit.
Couples testing is available during normal testing hours.
TPAN’s Office Testing Hours:
Mon - Thu: 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Fri: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Syringe Exchange (HART)
TPAN’s Health Access Resources Team (HART) ensures legal access to safe syringes
Offered in conjunction with the Chicago Recovery Alliance, TPAN’s needle exchange program provides safe and legal needle exchange and distribution of sterile injection equipment (cotton, alcohol pads and cookers). Exchange is available during TPAN's regularly scheduled hours on an as-needed, walk-in basis. Used syringes are disposed of in accordance with established biohazardous waste standards.
The syringe exchange program provides safer injection supplies, harm reduction counseling and peer support, including one-on-one and group sessions specific to vein health, safer injection procedures, and reduction of HIV and hepatitis transmission. TPAN hosts narcotics- and alcoholics- anonymous groups, as well as interagency referrals for addiction counseling, detox, and rehabilitation programs. Our HOTTER program provides substance abuse information for African-American men who have sex with men (MSM) between the ages of 18-29.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
One pill a day can prevent HIV transmission
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 a medication every day. In the event of an 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.
PrEP is the combination HIV medication Truvada. Truvada is comprised of two medicines: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (brand name: Viread) and emtricitabine (brand name: Emtriva). Truvada was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat HIV in 2004, and it was approved by FDA for use as PrEP in July 2012.
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.
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
Lifeline
Lifeline is an innovative 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.
Mobile Testing Unit
TPAN’s Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) provides local access for HIV and hepatitis C testing throughout Chicago. To find the MTU in your neighborhood, view our agency calendar for upcoming times and locations.
Mr. Sexx
TPAN's Mr. Sexx outreach and educational counseling program at Steamworks disseminates information about HIV treatment education, safe sex practices, high risk behavior, chemical dependency, and more. Outreach and HIV testing is provided free of charge on Friday nights at Steamworks Chicago.
Outreach and educational counseling: 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
HIV testing: 9 p.m.–midnight.