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Our Mission
Our Mission
The PrEP & PEP Workgroup of the Long Beach HIV Planning Group (HPG) is committed to expanding equitable access to biomedical HIV prevention strategies by increasing awareness, removing barriers, and facilitating connections to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services for individuals at the highest risk of HIV and STI exposure. By coordinating with local healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and public health agencies, we ensure that accurate, up-to-date information on PrEP, PEP, and emerging biomedical interventions—such as long-acting injectable PrEP and Doxy-PEP for STIs—is accessible and actionable. Our work prioritizes education, advocacy, and health equity to reduce new HIV/STI cases in Long Beach.
Equitable Access to
PrEP & PEP
Ensure free or low-cost PrEP and PEP services are available to priority populations most affected by HIV/STIs, including Black and Brown communities, transgender individuals, sex workers, and young MSM (men who have sex with men).
Work with healthcare systems, pharmacies, and clinics to streamline PrEP and PEP access, including same-day starts and telehealth options.
Address barriers such as insurance coverage, stigma, and lack of provider knowledge through targeted education and advocacy.
Education & Awareness
Develop culturally responsive outreach campaigns to increase PrEP/PEP awareness, especially in underrepresented communities.
Provide ongoing updates on biomedical advancements, including Doxy-PEP for STIs, long-acting injectable PrEP, and next-generation HIV prevention options.
Ensure healthcare providers, case managers, and outreach workers understand PrEP/PEP eligibility, prescribing guidelines, and patient assistance programs.
Policy & Advocacy
Advocate for expanded PrEP/PEP funding and policy changes that increase accessibility, including removal of prior authorizations and same-day PrEP initiation programs.
Support efforts to train healthcare providers on PrEP/PEP prescription guidelines and integrate services into primary care and sexual health clinics.
Partner with city and state health departments to align strategies with national HIV prevention goals, including Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) and the Long Beach HIV/STI Syndemic Plan.
Community-Based Partnerships
Work closely with LGBTQ+ centers, sexual health clinics, and harm reduction programs to ensure diverse and community-driven PrEP/PEP implementation efforts.
Support peer-led education models, including PrEP navigators and community ambassadors to increase uptake among key populations.
Facilitate workshops, provider trainings, and public forums to discuss emerging biomedical prevention tools and improve health literacy.
We envision a Long Beach where all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation, have barrier-free access to biomedical HIV and STI prevention options. Through collaborative community engagement, policy advocacy, and health system improvements, we strive to eliminate HIV transmission, reduce STI rates, and empower communities with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their sexual health.
The PrEP & PEP Workgroup is open to PrEP navigators, public health advocates, community based organizations, and HIV advocates passionate about HIV prevention. We welcome collaboration, fresh perspectives, and innovative solutions to ensure that all people in Long Beach have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves from HIV and STIs.
To join this workgroups, please email Ismael Salamanca, HIV/STI and Harm Reduction Syndemic Strategy Supervisor at ismael.salamanca@longbeach.gov
Ongoing PrEP Study
Ongoing PrEP Study
Survey Description
A brief survey about people’s thoughts and experiences with PrEP, even if they have not used it before. The survey also asks about people's experiences with health care in general and other related topics. Those who are eligible and participate in the full survey will receive a $25 Target gift card.
Survey Eligibility Criteria
Identify as Black/African American or Latinx
Be 18-35 years old
Live in or receive health care services in LB
Have had sex with or plan to have sex with someone assigned male at birth
Not living with HIV OR have not received a positive HIV test result
Contact Jaelen if interested: jaelenowens@cdrewu.edu
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