PrEP in Nevada — pre-exposure prophylaxis, who qualifies, how to start

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily pill (Truvada, Descovy) or every-two-months injection (Apretude) that prevents HIV in people who don't have HIV. Taken as prescribed, daily-pill PrEP reduces the risk of sexually transmitted HIV by about 99% and the risk from injection-drug sharing by about 74%, per CDC. In Nevada, PrEP is available through primary-care providers, FQHCs, LGBTQ+ community health centers, and Ryan White Part C clinics — you do not need to see an HIV specialist to start.

To qualify for PrEP you need a recent negative HIV test (or one done the same day), a baseline labs panel (kidney function, hepatitis B, STIs), and a prescriber visit. Follow-up is every three months for a repeat HIV test and medication refill. Most insurance including Medicaid covers PrEP with zero out-of-pocket under the USPSTF Grade A preventive-services rule. The drug manufacturers (Gilead, ViiV) operate patient-assistance programs for anyone without insurance.

Nevada operates Nevada PrEP Drug Assistance Program, layered on top of the federal Ready, Set, PrEP program. Eligibility in Nevada goes up to 400% of the federal poverty line, which covers clinician visits, lab work, and medication. Apply through the state HIV program line at 1-775-684-4200 or any community HIV organization that holds a state PrEP navigation contract.

Black PrEP uptake nationally lags sharply — a 2023 AIDSVu analysis found that Black Americans account for 42% of new HIV diagnoses but only 14% of PrEP users. Long-time Black residents name Huntridge Family Clinic (Southern Nevada Health District) and Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) as the local institutions that show up consistently — both are listed below.

Huntridge Family Clinic (Southern Nevada Health District). The Huntridge Family Clinic in Las Vegas is Nevada's largest Ryan White Part A FQHC, serving more than 2,700 people living with HIV; Huntridge operates the HOPES Clinic's Nuestra Familia program for Spanish-speaking patients and a dedicated Black health equity initiative.

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). AFAN in Las Vegas is Nevada's oldest HIV service organization, operating Ryan White Part B case management across Clark County and the state's primary AIDS Walk fundraiser, with a peer-navigation team specifically serving Black men who have sex with men.