The Baltimore County Department of Health (BCDH) provides access to a comprehensive array of high-quality, culturally-sensitive, supportive social services that will promote wellness and assure client accessibility to informational and educational materials and resources, that will prevent disease and disability.
HIV infections are on the rise and can be prevented. If you are HIV-negative, at-risk or recently exposed to HIV, you may be able to protect yourself. The use of condoms and regular HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing is highly encouraged.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a once-daily pill that when taken as prescribed, can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent. People who are at high risk of contracting HIV infection should take PrEP—find out if PrEP is right for you or learn about risk factors and side effects. Most insurance carriers cover the cost of labs and medication. If you are uninsured, there are still options.
For maximum protection against HIV infection, PrEP needs to be taken as prescribed:
- If engaging in receptive anal sex—about 7 days
- If engaging in receptive vaginal sex—about 21 days
PrEP is not a cure for HIV and it cannot protect you from pregnancy or other STIs.
PrEP Services Available
BCDH's PrEP Navigators offer bilingual services, which include:
- Answering any questions you have about PrEP
- Conducting an initial assessment
- Contacting local medical providers to set up any appointments
- Providing you with prevention education
- Referring you to other services you may need.
Contact the PrEP Team
Contact our PrEP team at 410-887-5918 or complete the contact form below. One of our PrEP Navigators will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Learn More
Call 1-888-788-7737 to locate providers or learn more from the following resources:
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If you think you have already been exposed to HIV, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) might able to help and is covered by most health insurance plans.
Testing Locations and Schedules
You should be tested for HIV when behaviors put you at risk for infection. Our Communicable Disease Division provides weekly confidential Rapid HIV and Rapid Hepatitis C testing at different county facilities and health center locations. We use OraQuick Advance, a finger stick test with over 99 percent accuracy. This test detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, and provides results in just 20 to 40 minutes. You can request Hepatitis C or syphilis testing without having to get an HIV test. For more information on rapid HIV or Hep C testing, please call 410-887-2437.
Confidential STI testing is available at our Center Based Services' Health Centers. HIV and syphilis testing at these clinics require blood draws (needles). Please be aware that STI testing results will be available within two weeks. Some County Health Centers provide Rapid HIV testing, but they do not offer Rapid Hepatitis C testing.
| Location | Rapid HIV Testing | HIV/STI Testing |
|---|---|---|
Baltimore Highlands–Lansdowne | First and Third Thursday |
|
Baltimore County Department of Health | Monday to Friday |
|
Dundalk Health Center | Occasional Mondays |
|
Eastern Family Resource Center | Occasional Thursdays | Thursdays |
Essex Health Center | Wednesdays | |
Woodlawn Health Center at O.W.E Center | Occasional Tuesdays | Tuesdays |
Additional Testing Options
Testing is also available through the Harm Reduction Program, or call 410-887-2437 for an at-home HIV testing kit. View the "Why Get Tested" video for more information about the importance of HIV testing.
Services for HIV-Positive Individuals
Case management is a client-centered service that links clients with medically-appropriate levels of health care and support services. A social worker, nurse or human services worker provides access to a continuity of care, ongoing assessment of the clients’ needs and personal support systems to ensure that clients remain in care. Through case management, clients may be able to receive some of the following services:
- Dental Services—Referral to dental providers
- Emergency Financial Services—Help to pay utility bills and for other emergencies
- Housing Assistance—Emergency help for rental assistance and a limited number of housing vouchers
- Medical Care—Care given by Johns Hopkins Hospital working with Baltimore County Department of Health or referral to other providers
- Medications—Emergency help with payment for medication
- Outreach Services—Counseling and referral services for those who have dropped out of care or for those not yet getting medical care and other needed services
- Mental Health Services—Referral to mental health or psychiatric providers
- Substance Abuse Treatment—Referral to assessment centers
- Horizons Support Group—Friendship and support given in the Horizons Support Group and Women's Group. (Transportation is provided if needed and refreshments are served at no cost)
- Transportation Services—Transportation provided for medical appointments and other support services if funds are available
Call 410-887-2437 for an intake/brief phone interview. Proof of income, residency and being HIV positive is required.
About the Client Advisory Board
The Client Advisory Board (CAB) is a group of organized volunteers who are dedicated to educating the community on HIV prevention and related issues, and advocate on behalf of HIV-positive or AIDS-infected County residents