Why National PrEP Day Matters
October 10 marks National PrEP Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness, education, and access to one of the most effective HIV prevention tools available today.
For Spectrum Medical Care Center, that mission hits close to home.
HIV prevention has been an important part of our work for nearly 30 years, and PrEP has transformed what prevention can look like. Today, people have more choices and greater control over how they protect their health than ever before.
That is something worth celebrating.
This year, we’re bringing that celebration to Phoenix with an afternoon of community, entertainment, education, and resources for our city’s first National PrEP Day celebration.
What Is PrEP and Why Is It Important?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is medication for people who do not have HIV that helps prevent HIV before a potential exposure.
When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV from sex by about 99%.
Since the first PrEP medication was approved in 2012, prevention options have continued to evolve. Today, people can choose from daily oral PrEP or longer-acting injectable options, including Apretude, which is administered every two months after the initial doses, and YEZTUGO, a twice-yearly injectable option.
Having more choices matters because HIV prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people prefer the routine of a daily pill, while others may want an injectable option that requires less frequent dosing. The right choice is the one that works for your health, lifestyle, and prevention goals.
National PrEP Day Is About More Than Medication
National PrEP Day is an opportunity to make conversations about HIV prevention easier, more visible, and free from stigma.
Knowing about PrEP is only part of the equation. People also need access to providers who can answer questions, help them understand their options, and make prevention feel like a routine part of taking care of their health.
At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we believe sexual health is primary health. Talking about PrEP shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or something that needs to happen behind closed doors. Taking pride in your health means having the information and resources to make decisions that work for you.
National PrEP Day gives us another opportunity to bring those conversations directly into our community.
Celebrate National PrEP Day With Spectrum Medical in Phoenix
On Saturday, October 10, Spectrum Medical Care Center is partnering with Charlie’s Phoenix, ViiV Healthcare, and Gilead Sciences to bring Phoenix its first National PrEP Day celebration.
Join us at Charlie’s Phoenix from 4 to 9 p.m. for an afternoon of PrEP education, community resources, activities, music, and more during Phoenix Pride weekend.
We’re also welcoming some special guests.
Jorgeous, known from RuPaul’s Drag Race, will join the celebration along with renowned dance music artist DJ Deanne, bringing plenty of energy to National PrEP Day.
And don’t head out too early. A special meet and greet with Jorgeous begins at 7 p.m. So arrive early!
The event is free to attend (between 4p – 7p), giving our community an opportunity to celebrate while learning more about the HIV prevention options available today.
PrEP Has Changed. Your Options Have, Too.
For years, “going on PrEP” typically meant taking a pill every day. That’s no longer the only option.
Daily oral PrEP remains a highly effective prevention tool, but advancements in HIV prevention have introduced longer-acting choices for people who prefer injectable medication.
Apretude provides bi-monthly injectable PrEP, while YEZTUGO offers HIV prevention with dosing just twice a year.
These advancements represent something bigger than convenience. They give people more choices in deciding how HIV prevention fits into their lives.
Prevention Is Something to Celebrate
National PrEP Day isn’t only about understanding a medication. It’s about recognizing how far HIV prevention has come and continuing the work of making those advancements accessible to more people.
It’s also an opportunity to normalize conversations about sexual health.
Whether you’re already taking PrEP, considering it for the first time, curious about injectable PrEP, or simply want to learn more, you deserve accurate information and the freedom to ask questions without judgment.
On October 10, we’re taking that conversation out of the exam room and into the community.
Come celebrate with us.
National PrEP Day Phoenix 2026
Saturday, October 10
4 to 7 p.m. (Free Admission)
Charlie’s Phoenix
Featuring special guest Jorgeous from RuPaul’s Drag Race and DJ Deanne, plus community resources, activities, PrEP education, and more.
Meet and greet with Jorgeous begins at 7 p.m. Arrive early – limited to the first 75 people.
Presented in partnership with Spectrum Medical Care Center, Charlie’s Phoenix, ViiV Healthcare, and Gilead Sciences.
Become a Patient
You don’t have to wait until National PrEP Day to take control of your HIV prevention.
Spectrum Medical Care Center offers daily and injectable PrEP options, routine HIV and STI testing, and personalized healthcare designed around your needs.
Whether you’re considering PrEP for the first time or interested in switching to a longer-acting option, our providers can help you understand your choices and find a prevention plan that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About PrEP
What is National PrEP Day?
National PrEP Day is observed on October 10 and focuses on increasing awareness, education, and access to PrEP as an effective HIV prevention tool.
How effective is PrEP at preventing HIV?
When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV from sex by about 99%.
Do I have to take PrEP every day?
Not necessarily. PrEP options now include daily oral medications as well as injectable PrEP. Apretude is administered every two months after the initial doses, while YEZTUGO is administered twice a year.
Does PrEP prevent other STIs?
No. PrEP is specifically designed to help prevent HIV. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections, which is why routine STI testing remains an important part of your sexual health.
Where can I get PrEP in Phoenix?
Spectrum Medical Care Center provides daily and injectable PrEP options in Phoenix. A provider can help you understand your options and determine which prevention plan best fits your healthcare needs.
Do I need an appointment to attend the National PrEP Day event?
No. Phoenix’s National PrEP Day celebration at Charlie’s Phoenix is free to attend on Saturday, October 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.