Phoenix, Ariz.—Oct. 11, 2024—Spectrum Medical Care Center will hold an open house and workshop for community-based agencies critical to helping end the HIV epidemic. The “Let’s Talk About PrEP” open house focuses on the most underutilized interventions for reducing HIV infection rates. The open house will highlight the positive impact of one-to-one conversations and demystify the most modern medications that reduce the spread of HIV.
“Medications that nearly eliminate the chance of HIV infection are underused,” said Spectrum Medical Care Center, Medical Director, Jose Rodriguez. “In our practice alone less than 50 percent of patients that could benefit from medication like PrEP are fully educated on it and we aim to improve that number with the help of our community partners.”
At the “Let’s Talk About PrEP” open house, local community partners including one-n-ten, Chicanos Por La Causa and health officials from the county, among others, will participate in an afternoon of discussion on strategies to approach people who can benefit from medications like PrEP. The event is a way to commemorate National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day which is dedicated to ensuring HIV education, prevention, care and access to treatment.
“It is worrisome that HIV rates among Hispanic/Latine communities continue to rise while the use of up-to-date medications that prevent infection are the lowest among this group,” emphasized Rodriguez. “As a way to positively impact these trends we will offer same-day appointments and same-day scripts for referrals from our partners.”
Attendees will hear an overview of PrEP patient education, along with updates on innovative approaches to STI and HIV testing and treatment. They will also hear firsthand from Spectrum Medical Care Center founder, Dr. Thanes Vanig, CEO Amy Sneor, key clinic staff who guide our patients through their PrEP journey, and from Gilead Sr. Community Liaison, Heather Smith.
The event, set for Tuesday, October 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Spectrum Medical – 52 E. Monterey Way, Phoenix, AZ 85012, is open to members of the news media.