Florida pharmacies to help fight HIV epidemic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Florida has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the country. Starting this summer, a new law will make it easier to get treated before someone is infected.

“We know PEP access and expanding that access is a critical component to ending the HIV epidemic in Florida,” Equality Florida Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer said.

Nearly 125,000 people across Florida are living with HIV, according to the state health department. Under a new law, pharmacists will be able to screen someone who might have been exposed to HIV and offer prevention medication. This method of treatment, often known as PEP, is effective at preventing HIV if taken within 72 hours of exposure.

“We know how difficult it can be for folks to get into care, to find a primary physician who’s taking new patients. Let alone one who has expertise in PEP and HIV issues,” Maurer said.

Thousands of pharmacies across the state are already part of an agreement that will help expand access to care.

“This is an emergency situation that people aren’t aware of so educating the public is going to be very important in this process,” Florida Retail Federation Vice President of Government Affairs Angela Bonds said.

Rep. Gallop Franklin, (D) Tallahassee, said offering this service at neighborhood pharmacies helps the entire community.

“It helps them live longer productive lives, brings down the burden of the entire health care system, and people can still enjoy life and live a long time without fear of contracting a disease,” Rep. Franklin said.

Pharmacists will be able to start screening for HIV and begin this treatment when the law takes effect on July 1. Primary care doctors still handle preventative medications known as PrEP.

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