In recognition of World AIDS Day, Cook County Health and Cook County HIV Integrated Programs (CCHIP) announced the expansion of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) program – a preventive HIV medication used for people who are at higher risk of contracting the virus – to two community health centers in Belmont Cragin and North Riverside to accommodate the growing need of high-impact HIV prevention services. The first cases of AIDS were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 40 years ago in 1981. Today, the CDC estimates 1 in 7 people in the U.S. living with HIV are unaware of their infection. The CDC recommends individuals between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. “Expanding these programs is essential to ensuring equitable access to HIV care and supporting the Getting to Zero Illinois plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030,” said Israel Rocha Jr., CEO for Cook County Health.

“PrEP is a cornerstone of HIV prevention, and we are committed to making it available across Cook County, especially in communities that have historically been underserved.” This new expansion will help Cook County Health increase access to services in areas disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS, including communities of color and provide specialty care for patients closer to home. “Our team focuses on reducing stigma through patient education and engagement, as well as offering PrEP in the primary care setting to help normalize the discussion of HIV and reduce barriers to testing, prevention and treatment,” said Dr. Daniel Vittum, lead physician for Cook County Health’s North Riverside Health Center. “Our initial successes give us hope that we can not only reduce, but eliminate HIV transmission in our communities.” Currently, 1 in 5 individuals living with HIV in Cook County receives care from Cook County Health.