A Pilot Project to Operationalize the Prevention Strategy of Post Exposure Prophylaxis Following Sexual Exposure to HIV in Combination With Educational Programming and Behavioral Risk Reduction Strategies in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County P-QUAD program is a combined effort of County, City, public health, community, academic, and private agencies and individuals in an effort to provide a comprehensive package of HIV prevention services of which PEP can be an integral component. These services are designed to be easily accessible, non-judgmental, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically appropriate to the relevant populations, community-based, and independent of ability to pay or insurance/documentation status. They will also provide vital linkages to associated services, routine HIV testing, and primary health care.

In its initial pilot project, 2 community-based sites will serve as facilities at which patients may present for screening for post-exposure prophylaxis services, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. At the sites, initial eligibility and testing will be performed, and an initial 14-day supply of PEP medications will be provided if appropriate, and referrals will be initiated. All subjects who are provided an initial 14-day supply will be required to return to the site for the remainder of the 28-day course of medication, follow-up testing, adherence counseling, risk-reduction programming, and other appropriate referrals. Follow-up with patients by phone, email, and mobile-phone text message will be used as appropriate to maximize program retention.