Urban Health Plan is at the forefront of HIV prevention and treatment, offering our communities high-quality, affordable, and cutting-edge health services. We proudly serve everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or insurance status, and promote overall health to enhance every patient’s quality of life. We’re proud to have received the Peter M. Fox Excellence in AAHIVM Credentialing Award from the American Academy of HIV Medicine. This national recognition is given to agencies that qualify based on outstanding clinical services and quality of HIV care.
Our services include:
- HIV counseling, testing, and linkage to care
- Benefits enrollment assistance
- *PrEP – preventive medication against HIV infection
- Prevention education and services
- STI Testing and Treatment
- Treatment for co-morbidities and referrals to behavioral health care and substance use treatment
- Early intervention services, including medical case management, treatment adherence support, mental health care, nutritional counseling, and infectious disease specialty care
*PrEP & PEP:
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) are both preventive strategies used to reduce the risk of HIV infection, but they are used in different situations:
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis):
- What It Is: PrEP is a daily medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV infection before they are exposed to the virus. It’s highly effective when taken consistently.
- Who It’s For: PrEP is recommended for people who are at higher risk of getting HIV, such as those with an HIV-positive partner, people who have multiple sexual partners, those who don’t regularly use condoms or individuals who inject drugs.
- How It Works: PrEP prevents the virus from establishing a permanent infection if you are exposed. The most common medication used for PrEP is a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine, sold under the brand name Truvada or Descovy.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):
- What It Is: PEP is a medication taken after potential exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold. It must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure to be effective and is taken for 28 days.
- Who It’s For: PEP is used in emergency situations, such as after unprotected sex with someone who may be HIV-positive, a sexual assault, or sharing needles. It’s also sometimes used by healthcare workers after accidental exposure to HIV, such as a needle stick injury.
- How It Works: PEP involves taking antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) for 28 days to prevent the virus from replicating and spreading throughout the body. It is not 100% effective, so starting it immediately after exposure is essential.
Both PrEP and PEP are important tools in the fight against HIV and are part of comprehensive prevention strategies. Both are available at all UHP locations.
If you were recently exposed to HIV, please seek immediate medical attention.
Insurance Information
Most Health insurance is accepted, and patients will not be denied services based on their inability to pay. A Sliding Fee Discount Schedule is available for all patients, regardless of insurance status. The discounts are based on the current year’s Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The Health Insurance Assistance Program provides assistance in applying for health insurance through the New York State Health Marketplace and submitting renewal applications. For assistance with health insurance or to schedule an appointment with the health insurance team, please call (718) 589-2440.
