Introducing PrEP Talk: A Service Customized to Your Needs
The Raven Collective helped the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) (re)launched PrEP Talk—a simple way for Native people to get connected with proven HIV prevention tools. This collaboration raises awareness of HIV PrEP and doxyPEP and makes them easier to access across Native communities.
What Is HIV PrEP?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is medicine you take to prevent HIV before you’re exposed. When taken as prescribed, PrEP greatly lowers your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
PrEP might be right for you if you or your partner:
Have sex without a condom
Have a partner living with HIV
Inject drugs
Despite its effectiveness, PrEP use is low among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. In 2021, only 11%of AI/AN people who were eligible for PrEP received a prescription (compared to 20% of white people). Increasing awareness and access can change this.
What is doxyPEP?
DoxyPEP stands for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis—a strategy where a single antibiotic dose is taken within 72 hours after sex to help reduce the chance of getting certain bacterial STIs, like syphilis, chlamydia, and sometimes gonorrhea.
DoxyPEP is different from HIV PrEP (which is taken before exposure to prevent HIV). DoxyPEP helps prevent some STIs, not HIV.
DoxyPEP may be offered for people at higher risk of bacterial STIs. A healthcare provider can help decide if it’s a good option for you and how to use it safely.
Quick recap
PrEP: prevents HIV (taken before exposure, on a schedule)
doxyPEP: helps prevent some STIs (taken after sex, within 72 hours)
About the PrEP Talk Service
Getting started is easy: text PrEP Talk to 55251.
You’ll answer a few quick questions and be connected with an SPTHB team member for personalized care coordination—things like:
Finding a clinic or telehealth option that fits your schedule
Help with lab testing and prescriptions
Mail-order or pharmacy pickup options
Support with insurance, patient assistance, or no-cost programs
Culturally grounded information about PrEP and doxyPEP
Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to end or HELP for help.
Privacy, Cost & Support
Everyone’s privacy is respected. Conversations are kept confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law. Many people can get PrEP at low or no cost; our team will help you explore coverage and financial assistance.
Raise Awareness in Your Community
We have created flyers, posters, web banners, and social media assets, to help spread the word in clnics, schools, community centers, and online. Use these materials to connect your community with PrEP Talk.
Check out the examples of the materials The Raven Collective and SPTHB created below. Use this link to download materials for your facility.
Funding and Collaboration
This work is made possible through funding from the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund via the IHS HIV/HCV/STI Branch and Maniilaq Association.
Questions? Contact us!
If you have questions or need assistance, please get in touch with Alicia Edwards (alicia@theravencollective.org) or Robbie Bright (rbright@spthb.org).