HIV Prevention Program
Banyan Community Health is dedicated to reducing the number of people diagnosed with HIV in Miami-Dade County through community outreach and integrative prevention and care services.
HIV Prevention Services in South Florida
We offer confidential HIV testing and counseling, referrals for HIV preventative medication (PrEP) and post-exposure medication (PEP), as well as comprehensive health care for patients who are living with HIV.
Get Tested
We offer free and confidential testing for HIV, including rapid tests, at our community health centers in Miami. Testing is available to all, and people who may be at higher risk, such as those with substance use disorders and men who have sex with men, are encouraged to get tested often.
Know Your Status
Knowledge is empowering. Our compassionate and experienced staff provide a judgement-free space to discuss your risk factors for HIV infection and create a plan to keep you and the people around you safer.
Prevent HIV Infection
We take an integrated approach to HIV prevention, which may include behavioral health services, referrals for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is a medication therapy that can prevent HIV, and referrals for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which is a course of medication that may prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours of exposure.
Receive Comprehensive Care
An HIV diagnosis can create a lot of challenging feelings, but the most important thing to know is that support is available. HIV care is continuously improving and people who are HIV+ can live long and healthy lives with the right treatment. We can work with you on a care plan that includes effective HIV medications called antiretroviral therapy (ART) as well as behavioral health care and treatment for any co-existing conditions such as sexually transmitted infections or substance use disorders.
Get the Facts: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About HIV and AIDS
Experts estimate that more than 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV and more than 30,000 people are newly diagnosed each year. While important progress has been made with treatments and prevention efforts, HIV and AIDS are still an issue in the U.S. and in Florida.
Understanding the basics about this disease can help you prevent it and help our community support those who are living with HIV.
What is HIV?
HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that weakens the body’s natural immune system by attacking the cells that fight infections.
What is AIDS?
AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a disease that is caused by HIV. It causes irreparable damage to the immune system. People with HIV can prevent AIDS by taking medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART).
How are AIDS and HIV related?
People who have HIV can manage the virus with proper medical care that allows them to live healthy lives. When HIV is untreated, it causes AIDS.
How is HIV spread?
HIV is only spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone who has detectable levels of the virus in their blood. HIV can spread through semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and breast milk via body openings, open wounds, or injection. The most common ways that HIV spreads is through vaginal or anal sex and through shared injection drug equipment. Proper medical care can virtually eliminate the risk of pregnant women with HIV passing the virus to their babies, and this method of transmission is very rare in the U.S. HIV does not spread through touching, hugging, sharing drinks, or through the air.
Who is at higher risk of HIV?
People who have unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown or someone who has detectable HIV, as well as those who share IV drug equipment, are at higher risk of contracting the virus.
Anyone can get HIV, but certain groups of people have higher infection rates. Transgender women and men who have sex with men are at higher risk of HIV infection. Black and Hispanic/Latino communities are disproportionately affected by HIV.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
HIV testing is so important because the symptoms of early HIV infection, such as fever, muscle aches and a sore throat, are similar to a cold or flu and some people with HIV do not have symptoms at all—even though the virus is very easily transmitted to others during this early infection period.
If left untreated, HIV will typically cause no symptoms for several years, but will eventually develop into AIDS. People with HIV who receive consistent medical care with antiviral treatments can lead full lives without ever developing AIDS.
What are the symptoms of AIDS?
People with AIDS suffer from severe immune system damage that can leave them very weak and more likely to develop diseases such as certain types of cancer, pneumonia, and other infections.
How can I prevent HIV infection?
Fortunately, great progress has been made in HIV prevention since the initial epidemic of the 1980’s. Today there are HIV preventative medications (PrEP) and post-exposure medications (PEP) that can prevent HIV infection. You can also prevent HIV transmission with proper condom use.
How is HIV diagnosed?
HIV is diagnosed through testing of the blood or saliva. We offer free and confidential HIV testing at Banyan Health.
Is there a cure for HIV?
No, there is no cure for HIV but there are treatment options that allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
What are the treatment options for HIV?
Antiretroviral medicine is the standard treatment for HIV and it has several benefits; in addition to keeping you healthy, antiretroviral medicine can prevent infection transmission when taken regularly. Early and consistent treatment are key—getting care as soon as possible after your diagnosis and taking medications as prescribed will help you stay healthy.
How can I stay healthy with HIV?
The foundation of living a healthy life with HIV is working closely with a healthcare provider who specializes in HIV. Your provider will tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs, which can vary depending on your age, your lifestyle, and your medical history. In addition to medication, your provider may recommend ways to exercise, eat healthfully, and manage stress in order to feel the best you can.
Resources for people living with HIV
Despite all we know and all the progress we have made in the battle against HIV, there is still some misinformation and stigma around HIV/AIDS. A community of care can help you feel supported, as well as connect you to practical advice on things such as your legal rights and aging with HIV. Contact us for information on HIV support in South Florida.
