Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin expanding services to include HIV prevention medication

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications at all of its Family Planning health centers, according to a Thursday, Oct. 26 press release.

These prescriptions aim to reduce the risk of HIV exposure among at-risk populations. This expands health care access in Wisconsin, offering confidential and affordable options to individuals, regardless of their insurance or immigration status, gender and sexual identity.

Amy Doczy, Vice President of Patient Services at PPWI, emphasized the importance of these new services in the organization's press release.

"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 Doczy.

According to PPWI, PrEP is taken daily and is about 99 percent effective at preventing HIV through sexual exposure, and about 74 percent effective if exposed through injection drug use. PEP must be taken within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure and does not guarantee prevention.

Patients have the option for in-person or telemedicine consultations for these services. Medication can be picked up at PPWI health centers or sent to a preferred pharmacy. According to PPWI, all health insurers are federally mandated to cover the cost of PrEP and PEP medications, along with affiliated lab tests and clinic visits.

To learn more or to make an appointment, visit PPWI online.