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.