In Fall 2019, a nurse from Dyson Wellness Center (DWC) came into my CARD 101 class to inform us of their resources. I remembered asking her if NCC provides PrEP. “No,” she answered. Later, in Spring 2020, I traveled to Atlanta, where I toured Emory University. I noticed they provide PrEP for students at their clinic.
What is PrEP?
“Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is when people who are at risk for HIV take daily medicine to lower their chances of getting HIV,” according to DWC. “Studies have shown that PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV if it is used as prescribed. The presence of PrEP in the bloodstream can often stop HIV from taking hold and spreading in your body.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by 99%. As a gay college student where hookup culture is real, this information is essential because we all should practice safe sex.
Who should take PrEP?
“PrEP is for people who do not have HIV but who may be at a higher risk of getting the virus either through sexual activity or by injection drug use,” according to DWC. “PrEP may also be recommended if you have a partner with HIV and are considering getting pregnant.”
AIDSVu reported that in 2016, PrEP users were 25-44 years old and mostly men, which is not the average age for undergraduate students. Meanwhile, Hercampus stated that only 25% of college students are virgins in the United States. If more college students are having sex, why are they not taking PrEP?
NCC does not prescribe PrEP
PrEP is not available at NCC because “medical services at the Wellness Center are based on an acute care model,” according to DWC. In other words, Dyson is a branch of secondary health care where a patient receives active, but short-term treatment. PrEP users need frequent follow-up.
However, just because NCC does not offer PrEP does not mean they will not assist students interested in taking it. “If students feel they are interested in PrEP, they can always start with a provider at Dyson who can help them navigate the process,” according to DWC. Dyson can assist students with questions in asking their providers.
