Expanding Resources for HIV Prevention: Northeast Health District Offers PrEP and Naloxone Services

The Northeast Health District has recently expanded its resources to better serve local residents. This includes the availability of PrEP and naloxone. PrEP, or “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” is an oral medication that reduces the risk of HIV infection when taken daily as prescribed. The district serves Barrow, Clarke, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties. By taking PrEP along with the use of condoms and other prevention methods, individuals can protect themselves against HIV.

All clinics in the district provide referrals for PrEP services as well as free rapid HIV testing and counseling. Currently, PrEP services are available at health departments in Clarke, Walton, and Greene counties with plans to expand into other counties in the future. In addition to PrEP services, naloxone is now offered at all health department clinics in the Northeast Health District. Naloxone is a nasal spray that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses overdoses. It is available over-the-counter at no cost through a partnership with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Each kit contains two doses of naloxone as more than one dose may be required when dealing with stronger opioids like fentanyl.

For more information on PrEP and to be contacted by the Northeast Health District regarding treatment visit Project10: HIV Testing, PrEP & Prevention. For more information on naloxone and instructions on assisting someone experiencing an overdose visit Naloxone – Northeast Health District.