The Northeast Health District has announced an expansion of resources available to local residents, including 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. Taking PrEP along with the use of condoms and other prevention methods can help protect against HIV.
The district serves Barrow, Clarke, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties. All clinics in the district provide referrals for PrEP services, as well as free rapid HIV testing and counseling. Naloxone, a nasal spray that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses overdoses, is now offered at all health department clinics in the Northeast Health District.
PrEP services are currently available at health departments in Clarke, Walton, and Greene counties, with plans to expand into other counties in the district in the future. Naloxone 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