Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Launches New Service Line to Provide PrEP and PEP

Madison, Wis. – Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin today announced pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are available by prescription at all PPWI Family Planning health centers. PrEP and PEP are innovative and safe medications prescribed to those at risk of HIV exposure. To learn more and make an appointment, visit ppwi.org.

“Providing PrEP and PEP is the next step as we continue expanding services to provide the full range of sexual and reproductive health care services,” said Tanya Atkinson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. “When people walk through our doors, we are proud to offer services that will help them stay safe, healthy and strong.”

“PPWI is focused on meeting the needs of our patients across Wisconsin, and providing essential medications to prevent HIV infection is an essential piece of providing the care our communities need,” said Amy Doczy, Vice President of Patient Services at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. “Confidential, high-quality, affordable healthcare is our top priority, and we look forward to welcoming all individuals who need care regardless of their insurance or immigration status, gender and sexual identity.”

Oral PrEP and PEP medications are available for prescription at all PPWI Family Planning health centers.

PrEP is taken daily to prevent HIV and PEP is an antiretroviral medicine taken within 72 hours of a recent possible exposure to HIV. When taken as prescribed PrEP is about 99 percent effective at preventing HIV through sexual exposure and about 74 percent effective if exposed through injection drug use. Starting PEP after potential exposure does not guarantee HIV prevention, but the sooner it is started the better the possible outcomes.

Patients can be seen in-person or over telemedicine for PrEP and PEP services. Medication will be available at PPWI health centers or have a prescription sent to their pharmacy.

In 2021, the federal government announced that PrEP and PEP must be covered by all health insurers with no cost sharing on the drugs, and affiliated lab tests and clinic visits.

The addition of PrEP and PEP medications continues Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s expansion of services available to patients. In the past year Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has added vasectomy services, expanded access to gender affirming hormone therapy, resumed abortion services, and launched a new app, PP Direct.

To learn more about accessing care at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, or to schedule an appointment, do so here: www.ppwi.org

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.