CARE Prevention Program

The first cases of AIDS were diagnosed more than 30 years ago. Since then, the Bronx has experienced one of the highest rates of HIV infection of any county in the nation.

The CARE service department at MHHC has been a leader in providing comprehensive, compassionate care to people with HIV/AIDS for more than 39 years. Our mission is to improve the lives of those with HIV/AIDS in the Bronx and neighboring communities through excellence in medical and supportive care.

As an extension to the CARE department, a CARE Prevention Team was formed to specifically work one-on-one with you to provide:

Health Education
Risk-reduction counseling
Referral management
PrEP counseling
Facilitate linkage to care, HIV testing, STIs screening and increase adherence to treatment

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS!

What is PrEP? PrEP is an additional prevention option for HIV negative people.

Can I use PrEP and contraception together? Yes, PrEP can be taken with any kind of contraception.

Can I share PrEP with other people, my HIV-positive partner or use someone else’s HIV medication? It is important not to share your PrEP pills. Using other people’s ART pills can lead to side effects, allergic reactions, make the medicine less effective, or result in not having enough medication.

Does PrEP have side effects? Some people get mild side effects when they start PrEP. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and loss of appetite. In most people, these side effects go away after a few weeks.

What happens if you take PrEP and you are HIV-positive? PrEP should not be used as HIV treatment. HIV-positive people need a combination of three ARVs for treatment, given by the healthcare provider, according to their needs.

If I take PrEP, can I stop using condoms when I have sex? PrEP is an extra HIV prevention option and where possible, should be used in combination with condoms. Using condoms is still the best way to prevent HIV infection. Condoms protect against STIs and pregnancy when used correctly and consistently.

Is PrEP for me? Taking a pill every day for ongoing protection from HIV might not be for everybody, but it is an excellent option for people at high risk of getting HIV. Most people can safely use PrEP, but a healthcare provider will need to determine if there is any reason why you should not take it.

Where can I get PrEP? If you feel you are at risk of getting HIV, and want to find out more about PrEP, please call the CARE Prevention team at MHHC below.

Michelle Santiago (She/Her)
Prevention Coordinator
Burnside (85 w Burnside) & Harrison Circle (57-69 W Burnside)
Msantiago@mhhc.org
(347) 672-2281

Angeline Carela (She/Her)
Prevention Coordinator
BMW (1227 Edward L Grant), Melrose (779 Melrose Ave) & St. Ann (625 E 137th St.)
Acarela@mhhc.org
(929) 361-7691

Rukayyah Ali (She/Her)
Prevention Coordinator
Walton (25 E 183rd St) & Vanguard (825 E 233rd St)
Rali@mhhc.org
(929) 361-7704