The Northeast Health District has recently expanded its resources to better serve local residents. Two important additions to these resources are PrEP and naloxone. PrEP, which stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” is an oral medication that reduces the risk of HIV infection when taken daily as prescribed. It is now available at health departments in Clarke, Walton, and Greene counties, with plans to expand into other counties in the district in the future. Taking PrEP along with the use of condoms and other prevention methods can help protect against HIV.
In addition to PrEP services, the district now offers naloxone at all health department clinics. Naloxone is a nasal spray that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses overdoses. It is now 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.