Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention in Grand Rapids, MI

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention option now widely available in Grand Rapids, Michigan. If you live, work, or go to school in the Grand Rapids area, PrEP may be an important tool to help you stay HIV-negative.

What Is PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medication taken by people who do not have HIV to lower their risk of getting HIV.

  • It is usually a once-daily pill that contains two antiretroviral (ART) medicines also used to treat HIV.
  • When taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% through sex.
  • PrEP can also reduce the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use, though it is less studied in this group.

In Grand Rapids, many primary care providers, infectious disease specialists, and sexual health clinics can prescribe PrEP, including practices affiliated with Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health.

How Is PrEP Taken?

Daily PrEP

Most people in Grand Rapids who use PrEP take one pill every day. Daily PrEP is recommended for:

  • People with ongoing risk of HIV exposure
  • People who may not be able to predict when they will have sex
  • People who inject drugs and share equipment

Daily dosing is the most studied and recommended approach in the United States.

On-Demand (Event-Based) PrEP

Some people may use “on‑demand” or event-based PrEP (sometimes called the “2‑1‑1” method) around the time they have sex. This method:

  • Is not recommended for everyone
  • Is off-label in the U.S. and should only be used under the direct guidance of an experienced HIV/PrEP provider
  • Is generally considered for cisgender men who have sex with men and not for vaginal sex or injection-related risk

Because on-demand PrEP has specific timing and dosing requirements, it is essential to talk with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider before using this option.

Who in Grand Rapids Might Benefit from PrEP?

PrEP is designed for HIV-negative people at higher risk of HIV infection, including those who:

  • Have a sexual partner who is living with HIV, especially if:
    • Their partner is not on treatment, or
    • Their partner’s viral load is not yet undetectable
  • Have multiple sexual partners and:
    • Do not always use condoms
    • Have partners whose HIV status is unknown
  • Have had a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as:
    • Gonorrhea
    • Chlamydia
    • Syphilis
  • Are men who have sex with men (MSM), including:
    • College students at Grand Valley State, Calvin, Aquinas, GRCC, etc.
    • People using dating apps for casual partners
  • Are transgender or non-binary people with sexual exposures that put them at risk for HIV
  • Share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment
  • Exchange sex for money, housing, or other needs

Your personal circumstances, sexual practices, and drug use patterns should all be part of the decision about whether PrEP is right for you.

How Effective Is PrEP?

When taken correctly, PrEP is one of the most effective HIV prevention tools available:

  • Up to 99% effective at preventing HIV from sex when taken daily
  • Highly effective at reducing HIV risk from injection drug use when combined with sterile injection equipment

However:

  • PrEP does not protect against other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis.
  • PrEP is most effective when combined with other prevention methods, such as condoms and regular STI testing.

Getting PrEP in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Where to Start

You can talk about PrEP with:

  • Your primary care provider (family medicine or internal medicine)
  • An infectious disease specialist
  • A sexual health or STI clinic
  • Community health centers and LGBTQ+ friendly clinics

Major systems in the Grand Rapids area that may offer PrEP:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health clinics
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers and community clinics

You can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department – for HIV testing, STI testing, and referrals to PrEP providers
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local community organizations focused on HIV prevention and LGBTQ+ health for navigation and support

If your current doctor isn’t familiar with PrEP, you can ask for a referral to an HIV/PrEP specialist in Grand Rapids or contact local public health services for a provider list.

What Happens at a PrEP Appointment?

Before starting PrEP, your Grand Rapids healthcare provider will:

  1. Confirm that you are HIV-negative

    • HIV blood test (or rapid test followed by confirmatory testing if needed)

  2. Check your overall health, including:

    • Kidney function tests
    • Liver function tests
    • Screening for hepatitis B and C
    • Pregnancy test (if applicable)

  3. Screen for STIs, such as:

    • Chlamydia
    • Gonorrhea
    • Syphilis
    • Other tests based on your sexual practices

  4. Review your medical history and medications

    • To check for potential interactions or reasons PrEP might not be suitable

  5. Discuss your HIV risk and prevention goals

    • Sexual behavior, partners, condom use
    • Injection drug use, if applicable

You’ll also receive information on:

  • How and when to take PrEP
  • What to do if you miss a dose
  • Other ways to reduce your HIV and STI risk

Follow-Up While on PrEP

While taking PrEP, you’ll need regular checkups—usually every 3 months. At these visits, your provider will:

  • Repeat an HIV test to confirm you remain HIV-negative
  • Check for STIs, even if you have no symptoms
  • Review any side effects or concerns
  • Renew your PrEP prescription
  • Monitor your kidney function (at least every 6–12 months, or more often if needed)

Kidney Monitoring

A small proportion of people on PrEP may develop changes in kidney function. For this reason:

  • It is very important to have kidney tests every 6 months (or as recommended by your provider)
  • If you have pre-existing kidney disease, your provider may:
    • Adjust your medication
    • Suggest a different PrEP option
    • Monitor you more closely

Possible Side Effects of PrEP

Most people in Grand Rapids who take PrEP experience few or no side effects. When side effects do occur, they are often mild and usually improve within the first month.

Common short-term side effects may include:

  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Mild stomach discomfort

Less commonly:

  • Changes in kidney function
  • Small changes in bone mineral density

If you notice side effects that:

  • Last longer than a few weeks
  • Interfere with your daily life
  • Worsen over time

contact your doctor or clinic. Do not stop PrEP without discussing it first, unless you are having severe reactions.

How Long Do People Stay on PrEP?

The length of time you take PrEP depends on your personal risk and preferences.

People may choose to stop PrEP if:

  • Their risk of HIV becomes low (for example, entering a mutually monogamous relationship with an HIV-negative partner)
  • They change their sexual behavior or drug use patterns
  • They do not want to take a daily medication
  • Side effects are bothersome or impact their quality of life
  • Another HIV prevention strategy works better for them

If you plan to stop PrEP:

  • Talk with your provider first.
  • In most cases, you should continue PrEP for 28 days after your last potential exposure to HIV before stopping.

If remembering daily pills is hard for you, discuss:

  • Reminder tools (phone alarms, apps, pillboxes)
  • Whether another dosing strategy or prevention method may be better

Costs, Insurance, and Financial Assistance in Grand Rapids

In Michigan, PrEP is covered by many:

  • Private health insurance plans
  • Medicaid
  • Some Medicare plans

If you are uninsured or underinsured:

  • Medication assistance programs from drug manufacturers may significantly reduce or eliminate PrEP medication costs.
  • State and local programs, sometimes coordinated through the Kent County Health Department or community-based organizations, may help with:
    • Medication costs
    • Lab tests
    • Clinic visits

Ask your provider’s office, a case manager, or local public health staff about PrEP assistance programs available in the Grand Rapids area.

Other HIV Prevention Options in Grand Rapids

PrEP is one powerful tool, but there are many effective ways to prevent HIV. Depending on your lifestyle and risk, a combination of methods may work best.

Condoms and Lubricant

Using condoms correctly and consistently can:

  • Reduce the risk of HIV
  • Protect against other STIs
  • Help prevent pregnancy

Options include:

  • External (male) condoms
  • Internal (female) condoms
  • Water- or silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction and prevent condom breakage

Condoms are available at:

  • Pharmacies
  • Some clinics and hospitals
  • Public health and community organizations in Grand Rapids

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

If you think you have been exposed to HIV (for example, a condom breaks, or you share needles):

  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medication regimen
  • Must be started within 72 hours (the sooner, the better)
  • Taken daily for 28 days

You can seek PEP at:

  • Local emergency departments (e.g., Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • Urgent care centers
  • Some sexual health or infectious disease clinics

Always mention that you are seeking PEP for possible HIV exposure so you can be seen quickly.

Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

For people living with HIV in Grand Rapids:

  • Taking HIV treatment (ART) as prescribed can reduce the amount of virus in the blood to an undetectable level.
  • When HIV is undetectable for at least 6 months, it cannot be sexually transmitted (U=U).

This is important for:

  • Mixed-status couples (one partner HIV-positive, one negative)
  • People considering PrEP in relationships with HIV-positive partners

Safer Injection Practices

For people who inject drugs:

  • Use new, sterile needles and syringes every time
  • Do not share needles, cookers, cottons, or other equipment
  • Seek out local harm reduction services and syringe access programs in West Michigan, where available

These practices reduce the risk of HIV, hepatitis C, and other infections.

Seasonal and Local Health Considerations in Grand Rapids

Living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan brings some local factors that can affect sexual health:

  • Cold winters and long indoor seasons can lead to more indoor socializing, parties, and substance use, which may increase opportunities for sexual contact and HIV risk.
  • College population and young adults in the metro area may have higher rates of casual sex and STI transmission.
  • Access to transportation can affect how easily people reach clinics for regular HIV and STI testing; telehealth and mail-order pharmacies may help.

Because of these factors, regular HIV and STI testing, open conversations with partners, and consistent prevention strategies like PrEP are especially valuable in the Grand Rapids community.

Is PrEP Right for You?

PrEP might be a good option if you:

  • Are HIV-negative
  • Have sex without condoms some or all of the time
  • Have partners whose HIV status you don’t know
  • Have a partner living with HIV who is not consistently undetectable
  • Have had an STI in the past year
  • Inject drugs and share injection equipment

The best way to decide is to speak with a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids who understands PrEP and HIV prevention.

Next Steps for Grand Rapids Residents

If you’re interested in PrEP in Grand Rapids, you can:

  1. Schedule an appointment with:

    • Your primary care provider
    • An infectious disease specialist
    • A sexual health or STI clinic

  2. Ask specifically about PrEP for HIV prevention.

  3. Get tested for HIV and STIs and have your kidney and liver function checked.

  4. Discuss your risk, goals, and preferences with your provider to choose the best HIV prevention plan.

You can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department – for HIV/STI testing and PrEP referrals
  • Local LGBTQ+ and HIV service organizations in Grand Rapids – for education, support, and navigation

Key Points About PrEP in Grand Rapids, MI

  • When taken daily or as directed by a knowledgeable provider, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV from sex.
  • PrEP is for HIV-negative people at risk of infection, including those with partners who have HIV or who have multiple partners and inconsistent condom use.
  • Regular follow-up every 3 months is essential for HIV testing, STI screening, and prescription refills.
  • Kidney tests every 6 months (or as recommended) are important to monitor for rare side effects.
  • PrEP does not protect against other STIs—condoms, regular testing, and safer sex practices are still important.
  • There are other HIV prevention options—including condoms, PEP, U=U, and safer injection practices—and the best approach may be a combination tailored to you.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and think PrEP might be right for you, reach out to a local healthcare provider or public health clinic to learn more and get started.