WORLD CLASS HIV CARE • STI TESTING • PREP/PEP/DoxyPEP

CLINICAL SERVICES

Nashville CARES is known as a leading innovator in the fight to eliminate HIV. Our CARES 360 clinic gives you convenient access to world-class HIV care and sexual healthcare, including STI testing.

Questions about other healthcare topics? Call 615-499-7406.

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FAST, DISCREET PREVENTION & TESTING.

Count on us for safe, hassle-free access to today’s most advanced preventative measures. The idea is to stop infection before it starts.

WORLD CLASS HIV CARE, HERE AND NOW

Whether you've been recently diagnosed or have been living with HIV for years, CARES 360 provides comprehensive HIV specialty care designed to support you through every stage of life, including

Individualized HIV treatment
HIV medication management
Primary care
Psychiatry

PrEP

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medicine that greatly reduces your chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. It’s available as a daily pill, or as an injection every two or six months. Taken as directed, PrEP as prescribed is up to 99% effective at preventing infection. Taking this simple step can make sex safer and increase peace of mind.

Have questions about PrEP but not ready to make an appointment? Call us at 615-921-0344 or read more below.

PrEP FAQ

Q Who should take PrEP?

PrEP is for people wishing to prevent HIV who may be exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use.

Q What does PrEP protect against?

PrEP reduces the chance of getting HIV, but doesn't prevent other STIs or pregnancy.

Q Is PrEP safe?

PrEP is safe when taken as directed by a medical provider. Some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue or stomach pain. These side effects are usually mild, and typically go away over time.

Q Can I take PrEP if I’m pregnant?

PrEP may be an option to help protect pregnant people and their babies from getting HIV while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Q Can I take PrEP if I’m on birth control?

It is safe to use both at the same time. There are no known interactions between PrEP and hormone-based birth control methods, e.g., the pill, patch, ring, shot, implant or IUD.

Q Can I take PrEP if I’m undergoing hormone therapy?

It is safe to use both at the same time. There are no known drug conflicts between PrEP and hormone therapy.

PEP

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication you can take if you believe you’ve just been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles or syringes. It is for emergency situations only. Taken as directed, it can be effective in preventing an HIV infection. But you must begin the PEP regimen within 72 hours of exposure – every hour counts.

PEP FAQ

Q Who should take PEP?

Talk right away with your healthcare provider, emergency room doctor or urgent care provider if you think you've recently been exposed to HIV during sex (for example, a condom broke), through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs or if you’ve been sexually assaulted. PEP must be started as soon as possible, and no later than 72 hours after exposure.

Q Who should not take PEP?

PEP is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently. It is not a substitute for regular use of other HIV prevention methods like using condoms with sex partners and safe injection practices. It is also not an option for anyone who tests positive for HIV.

Q How long does a person have to take PEP?

A full PEP regimen must be taken for 28 days.

Q Is PEP safe?

Yes, PEP is safe. But it may cause side effects like nausea, headaches or diarrhea in some people. If you experience side effects that make it difficult to take the medication, do not stop taking PEP before talking to your provider. In almost all cases, these side effects are mild and can be treated.

DoxyPEP

DoxyPEP means taking a particular antibiotic after sex to reduce your chances of getting syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Think of it as a morning-after pill for bacterial STI infections. It’s been shown to decrease the likelihood of contracting these by about 60%. It’s safe to take DoxyPEP while also taking PrEP to prevent HIV.

DoxyPEP FAQ

Q Who should consider taking DoxyPEP?

Talk to your healthcare provider about DoxyPEP if you are a gay or bisexual man or a transgender woman with a history of at least one bacterial STI (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea) in the past 12 months, or if you regularly engage in unprotected sex.

Q Is DoxyPEP safe?

Per the National Institute of Health, longer-term doxycycline use is generally safe and well tolerated. It may be associated with minor side effects, the most common being nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, headaches and dizziness.

On-Site Pharmacy

Filling your prescriptions shouldn't mean making an extra trip. NPS Pharmacy makes it easy for patients to get the medications they need, either via on-site pickup or mail. So now you can get your HIV medications and other prescriptions in the same place you receive care. NPS pharmacists understand HIV treatment, and can help with refills, insurance and prescription cost assistance. One location, a team who knows you and one less thing to manage.

STI TESTING

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are a group of illnesses that can be passed from person to person during sexual intercourse, oral sex or certain types of sex play. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. They’re typically spread through intimate sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth or anus, or with any of the membranes that line the urinary or genital tracts.

STIs affect men and women of all races, backgrounds, sexual orientations and economic levels. Symptoms vary between individuals – many people may not experience any symptoms at all. It’s also possible to have an STI with no symptoms, so you pass it on to others without knowing it. That’s why testing is so important to help sexually active people stay healthy.

We currently offer testing for the following sexually transmitted infections:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Trichomonas
• Herpes
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Hepatitis C

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CARES 360 COMMUNITY CLINIC

This beautifully renovated facility offers convenient access and plenty of free parking. We’re the only area health resource that provides same-day treatment for anyone testing positive for HIV. Studies show that 98% of patients who get into treatment within 24 hours of an HIV diagnosis become virally suppressed in two months or less. This significantly reduces the rate of HIV transmission. Beyond HIV support, we also offer a comprehensive range of LGBTQIA+-informed healthcare services.

Address:
633 Thompson Lane
Nashville, TN 37204

Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am - 4:30pm
Closed for lunch from 12-1pm

Make an appointment →

Visit CARES360.org

PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION

Nashville CARES offers psychiatric care and medications to our clinic patients. A staff psychiatrist meets with patients one-on-one to tailor a medication plan that works best for them. These services are offered in person at CARES 360, or via telehealth.

REGULAR TESTING, QUICK AND EASY.

If you’re sexually active, routine testing plays an important role in keeping you healthy. We make the whole process safe and discreet. Expert treatment or appropriate connection to care will be provided for all positive results. No appointment needed.