PrEP Aware Week Returns!
Dear ETE Dashboard User:
The AIDS Institute has designated October 25-31, 2021 as PrEP Aware Week. The theme of PrEP Aware Week, 2021 is: “My PrEP, My __”, where each ambassador fills in the blank space of a word that is important to them when thinking about PrEP. The theme recognizes that PrEP is an individualized approach to HIV prevention and sexual health, as outlined in the updated clinical guidelines. “My PrEP, My ___” provides a broad umbrella for reaching all New Yorkers with tailored messages about PrEP that will speak to them as individuals and members of different, overlapping, diverse communities.
Some of you will remember that PrEP Aware Week 2019 was the first event of its kind in the nation and featured many wonderful events. In 2021, we are hoping that every health care provider, health care facility, local health department, community-based organization, social service agency, school or individual will help spread the word during PrEP Aware Week. We hope to reach people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities and abilities to ensure that all New Yorkers know about PrEP and can make informed and empowered decisions regarding their HIV prevention and sexual health choices.
The ETE Dashboard tracks data regarding PrEP uptake. Reviewing the available data, you will see much progress is needed to meet our ETE goals related to PrEP. To date, too many people are unaware of PrEP, mistakenly think it is unaffordable for them, don’t know where to get PrEP, fear stigma around PrEP, or have inaccurate information about side effects. Join the AIDS Institute and your fellow New Yorkers in our PrEP Aware Week efforts to fight these misconceptions and establish PrEP as a positive, effective way to promote sexual health and wellness for everybody.
In early October, the AIDS Institute will share a PrEP Aware Week social media toolkit featuring seven community PrEP ambassadors exploring the theme: “My PrEP, My ___”. In early October, you will find this toolkit and a host of other materials at campaigns.health.ny.gov/PrEP.
Click here for a list of ideas for how you can participate in PrEP Aware Week activities. Here is one way to get you started: Include this eye-catching PrEP Aware graphic in your email signature to spread the word to everyone seeing your emails, and encourage them to do the same:
You can also place the PrEP Aware Week graphic on your website or other social media platforms. Download the PrEP Aware Week graphic here.
Certainly, this year’s PrEP Aware Week is taking place during a time that looks very different from the first PrEP Aware Week held one year ago. New Yorkers have endured much heartache, loss, and uncertainty during the COVID-19 crisis. Our communities need us more than ever. PrEP is a positive, effective, and empowering way to save lives for everybody, even while staying home.
If you have questions or suggestions about PrEP Aware 2021, please email hivet@health.ny.gov