Pharmacies dispensing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are eligible to take part in a new harm reduction program, through the Alberta Community Council on HIV (ACCH), called Safe Sex Supplies program. As of April 1, 2019, patients taking PrEP medication can request free, safe sex supplies from participating pharmacies.
PrEP is the HIV medication taken by someone who is HIV-negative, before a potential exposure to HIV, to prevent HIV infection. When taken daily, PrEP can significantly decrease the likelihood of an HIV infection.
Pharmacies interested in offering the supplies to their PrEP patients should email ACCH. There will be a registration form, and one to one training will be provided. The only eligibility requirement is that the pharmacy must dispense PrEP medication and there are reporting requirements for pharmacies participating in this program. So far, one pharmacy in Alberta has registered, and five are considering joining the program.
The Alberta Community Council on HIV (ACCH), will pay for any supplies a participating pharmacy orders from the ACCH vendor using an online order form.
Right now, the program has no end date, it is based on the supply. Once the supplies run out the project is over however, a warning will be sent out before the stock is gone.
You can find out more about Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at PrEP Alberta.
