Accessing PrEP
So—first—just what is PrEP? Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is a prevention strategy in which HIV-negative individuals take one or more anti-HIV medications to reduce the risk of becoming infected when potentially exposed to HIV. PrEP is for anyone who does not have HIV and is sexually active. Individuals from all backgrounds and sexual orientations can benefit from HIV prevention strategies like PrEP.
Presently there are two daily oral medications as well as an injectable medication given every two months available to prevent HIV infection. All are highly effective when used as directed.
To make accessing PrEP easier, AIDS Delaware has partnered with Q Care Plus to provide another tool in the fight to end HIV. Q Care Plus provides flexible options like virtual provider visits with PrEP experts, convenient labs like at-home testing kits or in-person at traditional labs, and medications delivered right to your door. The partnership with Q Care Plus is the perfect option for people who don’t have a regular doctor or want a more convenient, discreet way to access PrEP.
“This partnership was a natural fit,” said John Gardner, Executive Director of AIDS Delaware. “Getting people tested so they know their HIV status is critical to ending HIV. For those who test positive, we help get them into care and onto life-saving medications. For those who test negative, we discuss PrEP as an extremely effective tool to help keep them that way.”
While PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms protect against most other STIs, as well as HIV and pregnancy. ▼
Up & Coming Young Artist
Kendall Victoria Deshields, who participates in West Side New Beginnings’ West Rehoboth Children and Youth Program, loves to draw, paint, and create various images through her artwork. She is 11 years old, and in fifth grade. Kendall started drawing when she was six years old. Kendall says she likes to draw because she would “like to become a famous artist.”
She enjoys drawing and painting brightly-colored flowers.
Kendall enjoys watching art on YouTube; she also likes to watch football, soccer, and softball. Her favorite subjects in school are reading, writing, math, English Language Arts, and science. She also loves to volunteer, is a leader, and does very well in school. Playing her clarinet is another joy.
Kendall enjoys spending time with her family (dad, mom, brothers, sisters, and extended family). Her hobbies (in addition to art) include making bracelets, being outdoors, bike riding, swimming, and traveling to Disney World—especially Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom. ▼
Coastal Delaware Running Festival
Focus Multisports’ annual Coastal Delaware Running Festival, presented by Grotto Pizza, will take place April 15-16, 2023. The festival will include a 5k, a 9k, a half-marathon, and a full marathon (Boston Qualifier). All four courses include some of the most beautiful landmarks on coastal Delaware, including the Rehbotoh Beach Boardwalk, Delaware State Park paths and landmarks, historic Lewes, Delaware, and more. Proceeds will benefit the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation and other local charities.
To date, Focus Multisports’ events have yielded over $600,000 in charitable donations benefiting many local charities and volunteer organizations. “We are proud of these events in particular because of the family-friendly aspect for both residents and visitors alike. By the attendance and the positive feedback, I think we accomplish that goal,” said Focus Multisports’ Race Director Rick Hundley.
“At Focus Multisports, Rick and I, along with our team of volunteers, enthusiastic participants, police, EMS, fire police, and public works departments, and through the generosity of our sponsors, make our community better through philanthropy and have fun while doing it. Our alliances strengthen local organizations and provide businesses with a platform to give back,” said Focus Multisports’ Race Director Ernie Felici.
For details and registration, see codelrun.com. ▼