Evergreen hosts open house as part of “PrEP Aware Week”

State raises awareness about daily pill to prevent HIV

BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 21, 2019 – Evergreen Health, in partnership with Community Access Services (CAS), will host an open house from noon to 5 p.m. on October 24 at 3297 Bailey Avenue for individuals interested in learning more about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a pill that when taken daily is 99 percent effective at preventing HIV. This event is being hosted in recognition of PrEP Aware Week, an initiative hosted by New York State to increase general awareness and education about PrEP statewide.

“Having a daily pill that prevents HIV has revolutionized our work and provided our patients and communities an incredible opportunity to address their sexual health,” said Jason Rein, nurse practitioner at Evergreen Health, the area’s leading provider of PrEP. “It is very important for all people who could benefit from PrEP to know it is available to them and is easier to take than they might think.”

Nationally, PrEP use has increased dramatically since it was approved by the FDA in 2012, however there is still a lack of awareness about the medication, as well as misinformation about its cost, access and side effects. Community Access Services’ mission is to address the epidemic of HIV and other diseases that challenge the health and welfare of urban communities.

“Our goal is to close the gap on PrEP education and increase access to communities of color, while dispelling any myths that would prevent someone from taking control of their sexual health,” said Kim Brown, executive director of CAS.

Event participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about PrEP and, if interested, screen for their eligibly to start treatment. The event is free and open to the public.

Evergreen Health fosters healthy communities by providing medical, supportive, and behavioral services to individuals and families in Western New York – especially those who are living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system. Additional information is available at Evergreenhs.org.

Community Access Services is a not-for-profit organization committed to addressing the epidemic of HIV and other diseases that challenge the health and welfare of urban communities in Buffalo and Erie County by assuring the availability of comprehensive care services, including prevention, education and treatment. Additional information is available at caswny.org.