Public Health

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, meaning it’s a medicine you take before any possible exposure to HIV to keep the virus from taking hold in your body. Think of it like a seatbelt: you put it on ahead of time, not after something happens.

PrEP is prescribed by a healthcare provider, and it’s a proven, safe, and highly effective way to prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed:

• PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.
• For people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74%.

PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so using condoms and getting tested regularly are still smart, healthy habits alongside it.

PrEP comes in more than one form

Today there are multiple different FDA-approved options, so you and a provider can pick what fits your life. Options include:

• A daily pill — taken once a day, every day.
• An every-2-months injection — a shot from your provider six times a year.
• A twice-a-year injection — one of the newest options, given just two times a year.

Not sure which is right for you? That’s exactly what the Public Health Department team is here to help you sort out, all with no pressure and no judgment.

Here’s the honest truth: HIV doesn’t care who you are, how you live, or who you love.

It isn’t a “certain type of person’s” concern; it’s a human health concern. Anyone can be HIV Possible.

Anyone who is sexually active can benefit from knowing their status and understanding their prevention options, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship status, or background.

PrEP might be a good fit if you:

• Are sexually active and want an added layer of protection.
• Have a partner living with HIV.
• Aren’t always sure of a partner’s status.
• Don’t consistently use condoms.
• Have been diagnosed with an STI recently.
• Inject drugs or share injection equipment.

You don’t need to justify wanting to protect yourself. Choosing PrEP, getting tested, and asking questions are all signs of someone taking their health seriously, and that is something to feel good about.

The City of Racine Public Health Department has written, developed, and produced a series of original PrEP/HIV Prevention educational videos. These short, engaging clips explain what PrEP is, how it works, and why it’s an important tool for HIV prevention. They are designed to make reliable information easy to understand and accessible to our community.

The videos star Willow Newell (Miss Wisconsin 2025), Juliana Malacara-Garcia (Carthage College performing arts student), and Kaitlyn McKnight (City of Racine Public Health Department PrEP Navigator).  The YouTube playlist is found here, or can be viewed below. Follow for more @Racinehealth on Instagram, @RacineHealth on Facebook, and @RacinePublicHealth on YouTube.

Pick up free supplies at the Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic. Supplies are available Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM (excluding holidays).

Available Supplies

• Condoms
• Dental dams
• Finger cots
• Insertable condoms
• Water-based and silicone-based sex lube

If you are unable to pick up supplies in person, you can have them mailed to you for free. Read about our Mail Me Condoms Program.

Condoms and other harm reduction-related supplies are also available at a variety of locations throughout the Racine community through our Public Health Vending Machines and with the assistance of many community partners. View our Harm Reduction Map to find the resources most convenient to you.