In a major step toward improving access to HIV prevention, Mazzoni Center has expanded its offerings of Apretude, the long-acting injectable PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), to its Washington West location at 12th and Locust Streets — right in the center of Philadelphia’s historic Gayborhood.

This expansion is more than just a geographic convenience — it’s a powerful statement about health equity, accessibility, and dignity. While Apretude has already been offered at Mazzoni’s Bainbridge location, making it available at Washington West creates a lower-threshold, walk-in-friendly access point for individuals who might not be current primary care patients with Mazzoni. Now, anyone interested in long-term, discreet, and consistent HIV prevention can make an appointment by calling 215-563-0658 and begin receiving care without the barrier of transitioning providers.

Why Apretude Matters

Apretude represents a breakthrough in HIV prevention. Instead of taking a daily pill like Truvada or Descovy, individuals receive a single injection every two months. This long-acting formulation removes the burden of daily adherence — a crucial shift for people with chaotic schedules, housing insecurity, mental health challenges, or concerns about stigma and privacy.

For the LGBTQ+ community — and particularly for Black and brown queer people who are often underrepresented in healthcare access and overrepresented in new HIV diagnoses — long-acting PrEP is a game changer. It helps reduce the logistical and emotional toll that can come with managing one’s sexual health in a society still riddled with judgment and systemic barriers.

Mazzoni Center’s Role in Philly’s LGBTQ+ Health

Founded in 1979, Mazzoni Center has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ health and wellness in the Philadelphia area. As the only LGBTQ-focused health center in the region, Mazzoni offers everything from primary care and hormone therapy to legal services and housing support. By expanding Apretude access to its downtown location, the organization continues to meet the moment — making healthcare easier, safer, and more affirming.

The decision to offer Apretude at Washington West is particularly significant considering its proximity to so many LGBTQ+ spaces. This location isn’t just a clinic — it’s a literal crossroads of queer life in Philadelphia. Being able to stop by a place you know and trust, in your own neighborhood, for discreet HIV prevention is about as close as healthcare gets to being human-centered.

A History of Barriers — and a Reason to Stay Vigilant

This news also comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare access remain under pressure at the federal level. During the Trump administration, there were consistent efforts to limit access to PrEP and undermine LGBTQ+ health equity. These efforts ranged from challenging the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care mandates (which require insurance companies to cover PrEP) to installing officials who openly opposed LGBTQ+ protections.

In 2022, conservative legal groups filed lawsuits challenging the ACA’s preventive care provisions — including those mandating PrEP coverage — citing religious objections. While the Biden administration has fought to maintain these protections, the threat of rollbacks remains real. It’s not just political noise; these policies directly impact who gets to live a healthy life, who has the resources to protect themselves, and who is left behind.

That’s why organizations like Mazzoni Center are so critical. They aren’t just providers — they are advocates, educators, and protectors of LGBTQ+ health. Bringing Apretude to Washington West is a preventative health move, but it’s also a declaration: our health matters, our lives matter, and our access to care will not be dictated by political swings.

Getting Started with Apretude

For those ready to start on injectable PrEP, Mazzoni Center is accepting appointments now at its Washington West location. Whether you’re newly exploring PrEP options or looking for an alternative to the daily pill, Apretude offers privacy, consistency, and peace of mind.

To schedule, call 215-563-0658 or visit the Mazzoni Center’s official website. Your health, your community, and your future are worth every step.

Let’s continue to fight for access, dignity, and care — one injection, one appointment, and one community at a time.