Buddies of N.J. Offers New Daily Medical Service to Prevent Contraction of HIV

HACKENSACK, NJ – June 27, 2017 – After welcoming one of its newest employees, Eric Cabrera, Buddies of N.J. has implemented a new medical service to its clients that will drastically decrease the rate of HIV-positive cases. Buddies now offers Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill that is over 90% effective in preventing HIV. This drug is designed as a preventative measure for people that do not have HIV, and are at high risk via sex or injection drug use. In an effort to contain the expansion of the HIV epidemic, this revolutionary prescription could be the vital contributor in monitoring the spread of the infection.

Since January, Buddies of N.J. has provided PrEP to high-risk, HIV negative individuals as instructed by the National HIV policy. In addition to the medical benefits provided by PrEP, it has also widened the clientele of the nonprofit. The opportunity to provide free HIV preventative medication has encouraged more youth within the LGBTQ community to work with the many services that Buddies has to offer.

Eric Cabrera, the office’s leading PrEP Counselor, works with referrals, insurance policies, education opportunities, and advocacy prospects to better those that have a high risk of exposure to HIV. In addition to his PrEP work, he also has installed informational sessions at Ramapo College to educate students on HIV exposure. Cabrera’s contribution to the office also includes free HIV testing. When discussing PrEP, he emphasizes that, “it is the most and only effective way to truly prevent HIV in addition to condoms.”

For those that are interested or have questions regarding the PrEP medication, please contact Eric Cabrera at (201) 489- 2900. If any individuals have questions regarding Buddies’ services, clinics, support groups, and more, please call the Executive Director, Mark Anderson, at (201) 489- 2900, or email him at mark@njbuddies.org.