An Extra Layer Of Protection

I was driving down Andrews Avenue. I was leaving the Boardwalk Club and then, I saw a sign that said free HIV and STD testing. It included testing for everything. In that moment, I just decided to take advantage and that it was time to get my periodic check and make sure everything was fine.

When I walked into Broward House, they gave me some easy paperwork to fill out. I waited for about 10 or 15 minutes for someone to be available to do the testing. The entire process was very quick and painless to be honest with you.

During the testing process the tester took me through each step of the process and how long it would take for the results of each test. For the HIV test that they gave me, the results are rapid, and you are kind of distracted while waiting for the result because the tester is talking to you and asking questions. They also gave me condoms; they gave me a bunch of different stuff for me to take home and talked to me a lot about safe sex. The tester mentioned PrEP and I said I was interested in taking it.

I had been thinking about starting on PrEP for a while. I am sexually active and try to always have safe sex. When the tester explained more about PrEP, I knew it was important for me to have an extra layer of protection just in case. You never know what could happen. It just makes me feel safer that if I do encounter or hook up with someone that is HIV positive, that PrEP would help protect me. I had done some research, so I was aware of possible side effects and the benefits of taking it.

At Broward House they gave me more information on the medication and explained the sign-up process and all the steps that were necessary to get the medication. The process to sign up for PrEP was also easy. I filled out some paperwork that was sent over to CAN Community Health. From there, CAN called me. They make sure that I get tested every three months for me to stay in the program. I got my medication, and I don't have to call or do anything else to get the medication. CAN just automatically mails it over. All the costs were taken care of as well, everything is free. I remember to take it every day because I’ve built it into my routine and take it every morning.