Ending the HIV Epidemic: Learn More About PrEP

Ending the HIV Epidemic: Learn More About PrEP

     Understanding the increased incidence of HIV in individuals with substance use disorder and/or mental illness, the community mental health centers and substance abuse treatment centers can serve as an important screening site for an at risk population and be a vital entry point for treatment. To quote our Assistant Secretary Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz in her in her November 2018 letter to colleagues, “Because drug use may weaken the immune system and lead to risky behaviors such as needle sharing and unsafe sex, people who use drugs — including injection drugs — have a greater likelihood of contracting HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases…SAMHSA understands that that increasing capacity and service delivery to those with substance use disorder will result in increased screening, detection, and then linkage to those with HIV/AIDS in this high risk population.” Knowing that we cannot effectively end this epidemic without addressing mental health and substance use, SAMHSA welcomes partnership at all levels from all stakeholders. SAMHSA’s commitment toward this health crisis has been longstanding, generating many products focusing on HIV. Knowing that the risk of further transmission is lower when individuals know their status and receive education, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz has recently reached out to colleagues to endorse greater utilization of oral fluid testing among all programs as it offers another tool for effective screening.

     We at SAMHSA would like to take this moment to inform all of our grantees, partners, and stakeholders that a new HHS initiative in Ending the HIV Epidemic is now starting. Ending HIV in the United States is within reach, but only if we all work together to get there. SAMHSA realizes that the populations we serve have a higher risk of exposure to HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP medications can significantly reduce the chance of contracting HIV when taken as directed. There are more than one million people at risk for HIV who could benefit from PrEP, a daily medication that is safe, effective, and prevents the spread of HIV. Yet, only a fraction of people actually get a prescription for this life-changing medication. Many people do not know about PrEP and how it can help them. And, many other people can’t afford to pay for the medication.
Ready, Set, PrEP is a new national program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that will provide PrEP to thousands of people across the United States. To qualify for the Ready, Set, PrEP program an individual must:

1. Test negative for HIV;
2. Have a valid prescription from their healthcare provider; and
3. Not have insurance that covers prescription drugs.

The program covers 100% of PrEP medication prescription costs. However, the cost of clinic visit co-pays and lab testing may vary based on patient income and insurance coverage.

     At SAMHSA we are proud to continue our ongoing commitment to HIV prevention and supporting Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America by raising awareness of the Ready, Set, PrEP program. You can make a difference and help end HIV in your own community. Tell patients and other healthcare professionals in your community about Ready, Set, PrEP and encourage patients to find out if they qualify by visiting the Ready, Set, PrEP website. Recognizing that the patients we serve face considerable barriers to accessing healthcare and that HIV still carries some stigma that precludes open discussions about prevention and treatment, we hope that this initiative toward prevention can make these conversations with healthcare providers more comfortable and productive. PrEP is a way to prevent people who do not have HIV from getting the HIV virus, by taking one pill every day as prescribed. To find out more about PrEP and if PrEP medication is right for your enrollees, see the Ready, Set, PrEP website or talk with a healthcare professional. Thank you for all the work that you do serving our vulnerable populations.