Pharmacies Expanding Access to Community HIV Services
Community Pharmacies are Poised to Unlock Access to HIV Prevention Services, Particularly in Areas Where it is Most Needed
Despite progress in reducing new HIV infections, too many people continue to be at increased risk for HIV.
The HIV epidemic remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, affecting over 1.2 million people. Over 30,000 new infections occur annually, and available services do not reach communities equitably. There is still much work to do to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 in the United States.
There is an opportunity to more equitably reach people with critical HIV prevention services by unlocking the power of over 70,000 community pharmacies.
Community pharmacies offer an existing infrastructure that can be leveraged, in collaboration with medical care and public health systems, to expand HIV prevention and linkage to services.
Local pharmacies are in every community across the nation.
Community pharmacies offer an existing infrastructure that can be leveraged, in collaboration with medical care and public health systems, to expand HIV prevention and linkage to services.
People visit their pharmacy significantly more often than their primary care provider.
Patients need choices in accessing services that have become complicated by HIV stigma. Pharmacists are highly trusted in their communities. Expanding access to HIV prevention services, such as HIV screening and providing PrEP and PEP, at pharmacies could significantly increase capacity to reach communities who need it most.
- PrEP is medicine that greatly reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. PEP is a medicine that prevents HIV after a possible exposure and must be started within 72 hours or 3 days after exposure.
Community pharmacies can fill gaps in HIV screening, prevention, and linkage-to-care services and pharmacists need to be empowered to provide these services.
To realize this opportunity, federal and state policy needs to change to ensure that pharmacies have the authority to provide necessary prevention services and ensure that pharmacists are reimbursed or paid for providing patient services.
Bridging Gaps
Community pharmacies can play a crucial role in addressing geographic disparities in PrEP access, particularly in underserved areas where access to HIV prevention services may be limited. A recent study shows that we can increase access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) prescribing locations 20-fold!
Boosting Accessibility
With over half of the 70,000 pharmacies in the U.S. in medically underserved areas, community pharmacies can serve as vital entry points for essential HIV prevention and linkage to care services.
Empowering Choice
Individuals can choose to receive PrEP and other prevention services in a location that best suits their needs.
Saves Lives and Money
Early intervention through PrEP offered by community pharmacies can decrease HIV rates, reducing lifetime healthcare costs.
The Issue
The HIV Epidemic In The United States
Despite progress in reducing new HIV infections, too many people continue to be at increased risk for HIV
The HIV epidemic remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, with over 1.2 million people affected. Over 30,000 new infections occur annually, and services do not reach communities equitably.
The Goal
Ending the HIV Epidemic by 2030
Despite progress, there is still much work to do to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 in the United States. We are committed to expanding access to HIV prevention and linkage to care services.
We have an opportunity to more equitably reach people with critical HIV prevention services by unlocking the power of over 70,000 community pharmacies.
These pharmacies offer an existing infrastructure that can be leveraged, in collaboration with medical care and public health systems, to expand HIV prevention and linkage to services.
Providing Equitable Access
Preventative
When taken as directed, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%.
Cost Effective
PrEP is cost effective. Annually PrEP costs are approximately $900 but annual costs for HIV treatment can range from $32,000 - $69,000.
Opportunity
Leveraging Community Pharmacies for HIV Prevention
Community pharmacies are present in every community across the nation, providing an invaluable opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention efforts through team-based care.
Historically, teams supporting people with HIV have integrated various health professionals, including pharmacists. Now, it is time to enhance this team-based care for HIV prevention.
To effectively reach people in their communities and meet patient needs, we must build stronger collaborations between:
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Medical care systems
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Public health
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Primary care providers
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Infectious disease specialists
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Behavioral medicine providers
Community Pharmacies Offer Advantages
Extended Hours of Operation
More accessible for people with varying schedules.
Neutral Settings
Potentially less stigmatizing for those seeking services.
Frequent Visits
People visit their pharmacies significantly more often than their primary care providers, providing more touchpoints for prevention.
Expanding Prevention Services
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56% of community pharmacies are in Medically Underserved Areas/Populations or Health Professional Shortage Areas.
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80% of U.S. counties lack an infectious disease physician.
By unlocking access to pharmacies, we can increase access to PrEP services by 20-fold for those who need it.
Take Action
Help us overcome policy barriers for pharmacy-based HIV prevention programs.
Join us in advocating for policy changes to develop and sustain pharmacy-based HIV prevention programs. Your support can help remove barriers and expand access to critical HIV prevention services nationwide.
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