HIV prevention has come a long way in the last decade. One of the most important advances is a daily medication that can dramatically reduce the risk of contracting HIV for people who are HIV-negative. It is called PrEP, and it is available right here in Central Florida at Diversity Healthcare in Winter Haven and Haines City.

If you have heard of PrEP but are not sure whether it applies to you, this guide breaks it down clearly.

What Is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a prescription medication taken by HIV-negative individuals before a potential exposure to HIV. When taken consistently, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV through sex by approximately 99%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For people who inject drugs, it lowers risk by at least 74%.

The most widely used form is a daily oral tablet. A newer option, an injectable medication called cabotegravir (brand name Apretude), is administered by a healthcare provider once every two months for patients who prefer not to take a daily pill.

Who Is PrEP For?

PrEP is appropriate for any HIV-negative adult who is at higher risk for HIV. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have a sexual partner who is living with HIV
• Do not consistently use condoms during sex
• Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past six months
• Inject drugs or share injection equipment
• Are unsure of a partner's HIV status

PrEP is FDA-approved and safe for adults of any sexual orientation or gender identity. At Diversity Healthcare, we provide PrEP in a judgment-free environment where your background and identity are respected, full stop.

What to Expect at a PrEP Appointment

Starting PrEP is simpler than most people expect. At your first visit, your provider will confirm that you are currently HIV-negative and order a short panel of labs: kidney function, hepatitis B screening, and STI testing. These baseline results make sure PrEP is safe for you before you start.

If your labs are clear, your provider can prescribe PrEP that same day. After that, you will return every three months for follow-up labs and a refill. Those visits are brief, and they keep your care on track without a lot of hassle.

What Does PrEP Cost?

Cost is the question we hear most often, and the answer is better than most people expect. Under the Affordable Care Act, most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover PrEP at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. If you are uninsured or underinsured, patient assistance programs through Gilead (Advancing Access) and ViiV Healthcare (Positive Steps) can cover the medication for little or nothing.

Our team can review your options with you at your appointment so you leave with a clear picture of what your costs will look like before you fill your first prescription.

PrEP Is One Part of a Bigger Picture

Sexual health is not a single conversation. It is ongoing. Alongside PrEP, our providers can discuss:

• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for after a potential HIV exposure
• Routine STI screening and treatment
• HIV education and risk reduction strategies
• Mental health support through our licensed therapist on staff

We take a whole-person approach to care. That means we look at your full health picture, not just a single concern. It also means you see the same provider at every visit, which makes a real difference in how comfortable those conversations become over time.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are in Winter Haven, Haines City, or anywhere in Polk County and want to learn more about PrEP, Diversity Healthcare is here for you. Our providers are experienced, compassionate, and committed to care that fits your life and your schedule.

We also offer telehealth appointments for established patients, so you can connect with your provider from home when that works better for you.

Book your appointment online at diversityhealthcarefl.com, call our office, or walk in during regular hours. Same-day and next-day availability is often open. Your first step toward better protection starts with one conversation.