Gay and bisexual men are the group most severely affected by HIV in the U.S. Too often, HIV stigma can discourage men from speaking up. A conversation can be the first step toward understanding and reducing your risk of HIV and that of your partner.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to start talking about HIV prevention—including condoms, PrEP, testing, and treatment—you’ve come to the right place.
The Lake County Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) program, also known as Need2Know Lake County, provides comprehensive care and prevention services in Lake County.
Need2Know Lake County services include:
HIV counseling and testing
Screening for sexually transmitted infections
Free treatments to individuals diagnosed with a STI and their partners
Free harm reduction services and syringe exchange
Free safer sex supplies, like condoms and lubricant
Hepatitis C screenings and treatment
Risk reduction counseling
Social support for transgender, non-binary and questioning individuals.
Health education, treatment adherence counseling, support, linkage to care and partner services to individuals living with HIV.
Start talking. Stop HIV. Resources
Learn more about how to keep yourself and your partner from HIV with these resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Condoms are highly effective at preventing both HIV and other STDs.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can greatly reduce your risk of HIV.
Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy.
HIV Treatment keeps you healthy and protects others.