Community representatives from around the country recently joined federal leaders from the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services to discuss improving access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and strengthening PrEP delivery systems in the United States. More than 250 sites participated in the national listening session that yielded many thoughtful suggestions from a diverse variety of community stakeholders.

During the listening session, twelve nonfederal partners – including NACCHO, the National Minority AIDS Council, Men’s Health Foundation, the U.S. Women and PrEP Working Group, and the AIDS Institute – shared their ideas for increasing PrEP access and uptake among high-risk HIV-negative populations. Speakers highlighted recommendations for action by federal, state, and local government agencies; healthcare providers and systems; healthcare payers; and others. Some general themes emerged, including barriers to PrEP access (e.g., HIV-related disparities, stigma, low provider awareness) and recommendations to improve access and strengthen PrEP delivery systems (e.g., community assessment, online training, increased medication access). Speakers’ suggestions will help the federal government implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy’s call for full access to comprehensive PrEP services for those for whom it is appropriate and desired.

An audio recording of the listening session, along with the speakers’ slide presentations, is now available. An in-depth recap of the session by Dr. Richard Wolitski, Acting Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy’s, also provides a more in-depth look at the specific barriers and recommendations discussed.