HIV/STI/PrEP/PEP Resource Hub
The Will County Health Department HIV/STI Program works to ensure that individuals at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV or other STI’s in Will County are provided with high quality HIV/STI prevention and care services.
STI TESTING & TREATMENT
HIV Prevention
Rapid Testing
Will County Health Department STI/HIV program provides FREE rapid HIV testing on site with results in 15-20 minutes, at the Joliet Location (501 Ella Ave). Free rapid testing is also available at various locations throughout the county and community events.
We Partner with the Will County Community Health Center’s Mobile Dental Van Team to bring our rapid HIV testing services to the community, providing a private onsite confidential environment at various events across Will County, upon request
Outreach
The STI/HIV program partners with various colleges, bars, and events to provide education about STI’s/HIV and to distribute condoms in the community during the year and upon request.
Presentations
The STI/HIV Department provides presentations to high school health classes, churches, colleges, and other community organizations upon request.
Condom Distribution
FREE condoms are available at the Health Department (501 Ella Ave Joliet), the Community Health Center (1106 Neal Ave, Joliet), and our Bolingbrook office (323 Quadrangle Drive, Bolingbrook). Additionally, we do monthly condom distribution to various community sites targeting high risk populations for HIV and other STIs.
If you’d like more information on rapid testing, outreach and presentations or are a community organization and would like to inquire about becoming a condom distribution site, please call 815-727-8830 or fill out our request form here.
PrEP/PEP
What is PrEP?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is medication for people who do not have HIV that significantly lowers their chances of getting infected. When used as prescribed, PrEP is about 99% effective at preventing HIV infection through sex and reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% among people who inject drugs. Our Care Clinic currently offers daily pills (Descovy or Truvada) and injectable (Apretude) PrEP options. Weekly appointments are available at our Care Clinic to access PrEP.
What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is the use of antiretroviral drugs after a single high-risk event to stop HIV seroconversion after a possible exposure. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective—and always within 72 hours of a possible exposure. When taken as directed PEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by more than 80%. PEP must be taken as directed for 28 days. Skipping doses makes PEP less likely to work. You will be able to get PEP at our Care Clinic.
Getting Access to PrEP/PEP
Cost and access to medication can be a challenge for many people. If you need help to afford your medication, our Care Clinic has assistance for you. Our Care Clinic has access to financial assistance programs including, but not limited to: Gilead, PrEP4Illinois, VIIV Connect, etc. Medication and scheduled lab testing will either be free or at a reduce cost.
If you’d like more information on PrEP/PEP, please call 815-727-8830 or fill out our request form here.
PrEP Medication Information
CDC PrEP Medication Guide
Descovy Informational Video
Apretude Information Sheet
Truvada Fact Sheet
PEP Medication Information
Care Clinic
Overview
The Will County Health Department’s HIV/STI Care Clinic works in partnership with our Community Health Center to use best practices in the prevention and treatment of HIV, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promotes high quality services for the health and wellbeing of those living with and impacted by HIV and STIs. Access to PrEP/PEP is among our many HIV Prevention priorities. Our certified health educators and PrEP navigators are dedicated to offering a seamless service, ensuring every patient has access and ongoing support throughout their PrEP journey.
HIV/STI Testing
Appointments for HIV/STI testing is available at our Care Clinic at the Will County Community Health Center (located at 1106, Neal Ave, Joliet, IL).
HIV Treatment & Care
Our infectious disease doctor, Dr. Dan Garganera, specializes in the treatment of Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV care, while also offering general infectious disease consultations. More information on Dr. Dan Garganera and the infectious disease clinic can be found here.
Medical Case Management
Our Ryan White Case Managers help patients navigate various HIV+ related services in their community and to get access to the services they need.
Case management includes:
- Assistance with medication to manage patient’s HIV
- Medication adherence programs
- Financial assistance
- Referrals for medical care and reengagement
- Assistance with food, housing, and other services
If you are seeking to request appointments for HIV/STI testing, treatment, and medical case management please call 815-727-8830 or fill out our request form here.
STI Testing & Treatment
STI Services
Many Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) show mild or NO symptoms. Getting tested for STI’s is the only way to know if you have one.
At the Care Clinic you can receive:
- STI testing
- On-site treatment if testing is positive
- Safe sex education and counseling
- STI education
- FREE CONDOMS
Vaccines
Many vaccines are offered with the Care Clinic. Vaccination is one measure in greatly lowering the risk of getting an infection.
Vaccines offered include:
- HPV
- Hepatitis A & B
- Mpox
- Flu
- Covid-19
- Many others!
If you’re seeking to get tested for an STI or have other questions about STI Services, please call 815-727-8830 or fill out our request form here.
HIV/STI Care Clinic & PrEP Services Request
Interested in getting more information on HIV/STI Testing and treatment or PrEP?
Fill out the form below and someone from our Care Clinic will follow up with you.