SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES
HIV & STD TESTING AND TREATMENT
We believe that regular testing for HIV and STDs is an integral part of a person’s overall health care plan.
If you are sexually active, be sure to get tested for HIV at least every six months and make screening for STDs a normal part of your checkup. Talk with one of our medical providers for a schedule that’s right for you.
HIV and STDs are often spread because people do not even know they have them. Many young gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and women of color in Los Angeles are at higher risk for HIV and STDs.
Getting tested regularly for HIV is one of the best ways to stay healthy and safe.
One in seven people who are living with HIV don’t know it, and most HIV infections are transmitted by people who do not know their status.
Testing for HIV is easy and quick.
PrEP & PEP
Take charge of your sexual health!
PrEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medicine regimen people at risk for HIV take to prevent contracting the virus. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. When taken daily, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV from sex or injection drug use.
How can I get PrEP?
APLA Health’s clinics provide exceptional PrEP care from knowledgeable healthcare providers. In addition to PrEP medical care and PrEP navigation services, our clinics also offer HIV testing, STD testing/treatment, primary care, behavioral health services including mental health and substance abuse counseling, and benefits navigation.
These services are available at low cost, and in some cases, for free. For more information, book an appointment today! You can also call us at 323.329.9730 or text us at 323.359.0846.
Locations
Out Here Sexual Health Center, Baldwin Hills
3741 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016
APLA Health Center, Mid-Wilshire
5901 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90036
APLA Health Center, Long Beach
1043 Elm Ave., Suite 302, Long Beach, CA 90813
PrEP Assistance Programs
APLA Health takes most insurance plans and offers PrEP assistance plans. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.
We do not take Kaiser Permanente insurance. Please call your Kaiser provider to learn how to access PrEP.
Need help paying for PrEP?
If you live in California and make below $62,000/year you may qualify for free PrEP. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.
PrEP-AP
Assists uninsured and underinsured clients with PrEP related medical visits and lab work
Gilead Advancing Access
Assists uninsured clients with full coverage of PrEP prescription
Gilead Co-Pay Card
Assists insured clients with PrEP prescription co-pays
PrEP FAQs
What are the side effects of PrEP?
What's the pill for PrEP called?
How long does it take for PrEP to be effective in my body?
Do I have to take PrEP every day?
Once I start PrEP do I have to take it for the rest of my life?
I'm transgender and am on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Can I still take PrEP?
Is PrEP just for gay and promiscuous people?
I heard PrEP is expensive. Can I can afford it?
I am not a US citizen. Can you still help me?
PEP
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
What is PEP?
PEP means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV, but the sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it once or twice daily for 28 days. PEP is effective at preventing HIV when administered correctly, but not 100%.
PEP is a good idea for you if in the last 72 hours you have:
- Had unprotected anal or vaginal sex with a partner whose HIV status you may not know
- Had sex during which the condom ripped
- Shared injection equipment
- Been sexually assaulted
A possible HIV exposure can be a scary experience. But remember, whatever happened during your possible exposure is not your fault. At APLA Health our compassionate and non-judgmental staff are here to help you through this time. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.
How can I get PEP?
Call us ASAP after exposure.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, please call us immediately at 323.359.0846 so that we can guide you through the next steps.
Calling on a weekend or between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the week? Go to the emergency department nearest to you:
Cedars Sinai Emergency Department
8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 90048
St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Department
1050 Linden Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813
Request a PEP starter pack.
The emergency department will prescribe a PEP starter pack, which is a 3-5 day supply of PEP. PEP is made up of two medicines, most commonly Truvada and Tivicay.
After a PEP starter pack is given you will then need to come to APLA Health as soon as possible to get the remaining one month supply of PEP. Call us at 323.359.0846 to make an appointment.
We will return your call at the beginning of the next business day for your continuation of care.
We offer PEP services at little to no cost.
If you have Kaiser Permanente insurance, please go directly to a Kaiser urgent care or emergency department. They will be able to assist you further.
I just finished PEP, now what?
Transitioning to PrEP after your PEP course may be a great idea for you. PrEP is one pill you take once a day for as long as you need it. Being on PrEP not only prevents you from getting HIV but prevents you from having to get on PEP again, which can be a scary and stressful experience. Speak to a PrEP Express Navigator today about getting on PrEP.