Parents, family members, friends, and health officials are deeply concerned about HIV among our Black men, especially our gay and bi men.
We value their lives and health.
Together we can prevent HIV and protect our community.
Knowing your HIV status is basic.
Testing is free, fast , and easy. It gives you information to protect yourself and others. Annual testing is recommended, and free home test kits are available at awarehometest.com.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
provides up to 99% protection from HIV. It comes as a daily pill or bi-monthly injection. PrEP is safe and covered by most insurance plans.
We’ve been using condoms for over 40 years to stop HIV.
Condoms work very well if you use them correctly. They also prevent other STDs and pregnancies.
Why is testing for HIV so important?
Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to keep you, your partners, and your community healthy. This is the only way to control HIV.
Is testing free?
HIV testing often is provided at little or no cost within Ohio. Hamilton County Public Health's clinic has a variety of testing opportunities and low-cost payment options. The clinic also accepts many forms of insurance. In addition, the state of Ohio has partnered with organizations that will mail free home tests to you, plus many pharmacies carry at-home tests.
How often should I get tested?
Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. For people with certain risk factors, CDC recommends getting tested at least once a year. If you have sex without using protection (condoms or PrEP) you should get tested right away.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medicine that provides up to 99% protection from HIV. These antiviral drugs are called Truvada and Descovy (pills) and Apretude (injection).
Can anyone take PrEP?
PrEP is for HIV negative people at risk for HIV through sex or intravenous drug use. Ask your health care provider if PrEP is right for you.
Is PrEP safe?
PrEP is a safe and highly effective HIV prevention option. Some people get headaches or nausea which may last a few days.
How can I afford PrEP, and where can I get it?
PrEP is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans. If you don’t have any health insurance look for other special PrEP assistance programs that may cover the cost. Check out the resources below.
Do condoms really work?
Yes! Condoms are very effective at preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Why do people still get pregnant or get an STD even when they use a condom?
This happens when people aren’t careful. Make sure you don’t tear it when putting it on. If you feel the condom break, put on a new one.
What about lube?
Using a lubricant helps prevent tearing and gives more pleasure. Choose a water-based product.
Get judgement-free care.
Ready to take the next step in your sexual health? Hamilton County Public Health’s clinic provides testing for HIV and STIs, personal care items like condoms, safer sex education and more. Make an appointment for compassionate, affordable care in Hamilton County, Ohio, by calling (513) 946-7610 or visiting HamiltonCountyHealth.org.
Free home HIV test.
Go to this website to have a free test kit mailed to you: AwareHomeTest.com
Need help getting PrEP?
If you don’t have health insurance or a healthcare provider to talk with, go to this website: www.ohiv.org/free-prep. They have information about how you can get PrEP for free. Their PrEP navigators will help you. Enter your zip code to find testing locations near you and places to get PrEP:
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