Can I get hepatitis C again after I am cured?

Yes. A cure clears your current infection but does not make you immune — you can be reinfected if exposed again. ACE can discuss judgment-free ways to protect yourself and arrange retesting if needed.

HIV, Hep C & STI Testing in Jacksonville | ACE Foundation of Florida

Jacksonville & Northeast Florida

Free, confidential HIV, hep C & STI testing — and a clear path to care.

Know your status in minutes. Whatever the result, we walk with you to treatment, PrEP, and coverage — judgment-free, insured or not.

Schedule an Appointment 💬 Text us — private & fast Call (904) 299-6777

● 100% free & confidential ● No insurance required ● Everyone welcome ● Safe-contact honored

HIV is manageable. Treatment = long, healthy life.

Hepatitis C is curable. 95%+ cured in 8–12 weeks.

Most STIs are curable. Fast antibiotics.

PrEP prevents HIV. Often $0 with insurance.

60 seconds · Free · Confidential

See if you can get cured or covered — today

Hepatitis C is curable. HIV is manageable. PrEP prevents HIV. Tell us how to reach you and we'll take it from there — no insurance needed, no judgment.

💬 Text us now Call (904) 299-6777

We'll only contact you the way you tell us is safe. This form isn't for emergencies — call 911 or 988.

✅ Thank you — we've got it. An ACE team member will reach out using your preferred method. Need us now? Text or call (904) 299-6777.

HIV Testing & Prevention

Where can I get a free HIV test in Jacksonville?

ACE Foundation offers free, confidential HIV testing in Jacksonville and across Duval County — by appointment, booked and confirmed in advance. We're not able to accept walk-ins, so please schedule first. It's quick, private, and open to everyone, whether or not you have insurance.

Get tested

Who should test, and how often

The CDC recommends everyone ages 13–64 get tested for HIV at least once. People at higher risk should test at least once a year — some every 3–6 months.

Source: CDC — Getting Tested for STIs

U=U

Undetectable = Untransmittable

Per the CDC, a person with HIV who stays on treatment and keeps an undetectable viral load has zero risk of transmitting HIV to sexual partners. Treatment protects you and the people you love.

Source: CDC — U=U

Treatment

A positive result is manageable

With today's medicine, people living with HIV live long, healthy lives. If you test positive, the most important step is simple — start care. We'll walk you there.

See: I tested positive →

Book a free HIV test

Hepatitis C Testing & Cure

Is hepatitis C curable? Yes — in almost everyone.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection that is now curable. Modern oral pills called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) cure more than 95% of people in just 8–12 weeks. The only way to know your status is a simple blood test — and we offer it free.

About 40% of people with chronic hepatitis C don't know they have it. A quick test could protect your liver — and your life.

Get tested

Who should be screened

All adults 18+ — at least once in your life.
Every pregnancy.
People with HIV and people who've injected drugs — and again if risk continues.

Source: HHS — Hepatitis C Basics

The cure

What treatment looks like

Once-a-day pills, usually for 8–12 weeks, with few side effects and no injections. Getting cured dramatically lowers your risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. We connect you to treatment and help with coverage.

Source: HHS — Hepatitis C Basics

Book a free hep C test

STI / STD Testing & Treatment

Free STD testing in Jacksonville — common, and curable.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are common — and all three can be cured with antibiotics. Many STIs have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know. ACE offers free, confidential STI testing and quick connection to treatment.

Get tested

When to get tested

Sexually active women under 25: chlamydia & gonorrhea yearly.
Gay/bi men & MSM: syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea at least yearly (every 3–6 months with multiple partners).
Pregnant: syphilis, HIV, hep B & C early in pregnancy.

Source: CDC — Getting Tested for STIs

Treatment

Curable with antibiotics

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all curable. Getting treated protects your health and your partners — and we can help your partner(s) get care too.

Tested positive? Start here →

Prevention

doxy-PEP

For some people, a single dose of doxycycline within 72 hours after sex can prevent bacterial STIs. The CDC recommends talking it through with a provider if you're a gay/bi man or transgender woman who's had a bacterial STI in the past year.

Source: CDC — doxy-PEP Guidelines (2024)

Book free STI testing

PrEP & PEP — HIV Prevention

What is PrEP, and how do I start it in Jacksonville?

PrEP is medicine that prevents HIV — a daily pill or a long-acting shot. It's highly effective when taken as prescribed, and under the Affordable Care Act most insurance and Medicaid cover it at $0. Uninsured? Assistance programs can often provide PrEP free. We help you start and handle the coverage.

PrEP options

Pick what fits your life

Daily pill — two FDA-approved options.
Shot every 2 months.
Shot every 6 months.

Source: NASTAD / FDA

PEP — emergency

Think you were exposed?

PEP must start within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure and is taken for 28 days. If it may have been less than 3 days ago, don't wait — call us now or go to urgent care/ER.

Start PrEP — book a visit

You got a result — here's the good news

Know your status → get treated. We walk with you.

A positive result is a starting point, not the end of the story. Here's the simple truth for each — and one clear next step.

HIV

Very treatable. People with HIV live long, full lives — and once you're undetectable, you can't pass HIV to sexual partners (U=U).

Hepatitis C

Curable. 8–12 weeks of once-a-day pills cure 95%+ of people. The sooner you start, the sooner it's behind you.

STIs

Curable with antibiotics. Quick treatment protects you and your partners — and we help with partner care too.

What happens next is simple

Book a private visit

Tell us as little or as much as you want. Safe-contact honored.

We handle the details

We confirm what you need and check or help with your coverage — insured or not.

You start treatment

We connect you to care — and follow up to make sure it actually happens.

Start Care Today Talk to someone now

You're not alone. Everything is confidential, and we only contact you the way you tell us is safe. This site isn't monitored for emergencies — in a crisis, call 911 or 988.

Schedule an Appointment

Book a free, confidential appointment

HIV, hepatitis C, or STI testing · PrEP · "I tested positive — I need care." Minimal info, your safe-contact preference, just a couple of taps.

HIV / Hep C / STI Testing & Linkage

Free · Confidential · Insured or not · Everyone welcome

📅 By appointment only — we're not able to accept walk-ins. Book below (or call) and you'll receive a confirmation for your time.

Pick a Time

Prefer to talk first? Call or text us at (904) 299-6777 — we keep it private.

Have insurance? You can add your plan details when you book so we can verify coverage before your visit — kept private on your record. No insurance? We'll help you get covered →

Trusted, confidential care — rooted in Jacksonville

🤝 In partnership with the FL Dept. of Health – Duval County 🎗️ Ryan White Planning Council member 🏛️ 501(c)(3) nonprofit 🔒 Your privacy protected ✅ Reviewed against current CDC & HHS guidance

Answers to common questions

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get free HIV testing in Jacksonville?

ACE Foundation of Florida offers free, confidential HIV testing in Jacksonville and across Duval County by appointment. Appointments are booked and confirmed in advance — we're not able to accept walk-ins, so please schedule first. Testing is fast, judgment-free, and open to everyone regardless of insurance or immigration status. Book a private appointment or call (904) 299-6777.

Is hepatitis C curable?

Yes. Hepatitis C is curable in almost everyone who gets treated. Doctors use oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pills that cure more than 95% of people in just 8–12 weeks. The first step is a simple blood test — ACE offers free hepatitis C testing in Jacksonville and connects you to treatment.

What do I do if I test positive for HIV?

Start care — it's manageable. With modern treatment, people with HIV live long, healthy lives, and once your viral load is undetectable you cannot transmit HIV sexually (U=U). Book a confidential appointment and we'll walk you to treatment and help with insurance, whether or not you're covered.

What is PrEP and how do I get it in Jacksonville?

PrEP is medicine that prevents HIV — a daily pill or a long-acting shot (every 2 or 6 months). It's highly effective when taken as prescribed, and under the Affordable Care Act most insurance and Medicaid cover it at $0; uninsured people can often get it free through assistance programs. ACE helps Jacksonville residents start PrEP and handle coverage.

Can I get free STD testing in Jacksonville?

Yes. ACE Foundation offers free, confidential STD/STI testing in Jacksonville, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These infections are common and curable with antibiotics. Book a private appointment or call (904) 299-6777.

Do I need insurance to get tested or treated?

No. ACE serves everyone, insured or not. If you're uninsured, our insurance coordinator can help you apply for coverage — and we'll connect you to testing and treatment in the meantime. Get help getting covered →

Is my visit confidential?

Yes. Your information is private, and we honor your safe-contact preferences — we'll only reach you the way you tell us is safe. This site isn't monitored for emergencies; in a crisis call 911 or 988.

Is hepatitis C treatment free, and what if I don't have insurance?

Cost should never stop you from being cured. Most insurance and Medicaid cover hepatitis C treatment, and manufacturer patient-assistance programs can make it free or low-cost if you're uninsured or underinsured. ACE Foundation of Florida helps Jacksonville-area patients navigate coverage, prior authorizations, and assistance so you can start and finish treatment. Ask us how →

How long does it take to cure hepatitis C?

For most people, hepatitis C is cured with one pill a day for about 8–12 weeks. A cure means the virus can no longer be found in your blood 12 weeks after you finish the medicine — and it's permanent. The first step is a simple blood test, which ACE offers free. See our hepatitis C treatment guide →

How much does HIV or hepatitis C testing cost at ACE?

Testing is free. ACE Foundation offers free, confidential HIV, hepatitis C, and STD/STI testing in Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida — no insurance required, open to everyone. You only need a booked, confirmed appointment. Book now or text us.

Can I get tested or treated without anyone finding out?

Yes. Your care is confidential, and we follow your safe-contact instructions — if you tell us not to leave a voicemail or to text only, that's exactly what we do. You choose how and when we reach you. Nothing sensitive is shared outside your care.

How do I get hepatitis C or HIV treatment in Jacksonville without insurance?

Start by reaching out — fill out the quick form, text, or call (904) 299-6777. ACE connects uninsured Jacksonville residents to free testing, to treatment (including the hepatitis C cure and HIV medication), and to our insurance coordinator who helps you apply for Medicaid, Marketplace, Ryan White, or assistance programs — whether or not you're covered today.

¿Ofrecen servicios en español? (Do you offer services in Spanish?)

Sí. ACE sirve a la comunidad de habla hispana de Jacksonville. Tell us your preferred language when you reach out and we'll make sure you're helped in Spanish. Pida ayuda aquí →

ACE

Care you can trust — rooted in Jacksonville

ACE Foundation of Florida works in partnership with community health providers and the Florida Department of Health in Duval County to bring testing, prevention, and linkage to care directly to our neighbors. Our infectious-disease content is reviewed for accuracy against current CDC and HHS guidance.

Medically & programmatically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Ellyson — Executive Director & Co-Founder, ACE Foundation of Florida; certified HIV counselor and tester; member, Jacksonville Ryan White Planning Council. [Confirm final public credential wording before go-live.]

Get Covered — Insurance Help

No insurance? We'll help you get covered.

Cost should never stop you from getting care. However you book, you'll be tested and connected to treatment — and if you're uninsured, our insurance coordinator Martha Rosario (Alyas Complete Care, our insurance-assistance partner) will personally help you apply for coverage.

Insured

Add your plan details when you book and our team verifies your coverage before the visit — so there are no surprises. Your insurance information stays private on your record.

Uninsured

Fill out the short form below. Martha will follow up using your preferred, safe contact method to help you find and apply for coverage — Medicaid, Marketplace, or a program you may qualify for.

🔒 Your privacy matters. We collect only what's needed to help you get covered, over a secure connection, and we honor your safe-contact preference. We will not ask for your Social Security number on this form. Your information is shared only with our insurance-assistance partner for this purpose. This site isn't monitored for emergencies — in a crisis, call 911 or 988.

Full legal name

Date of birth

Best way to reach you

Phone or email

Safe-contact preference — how can we reach you safely?

Street address

City & ZIP

Household size

Approximate household income — a range is fine

Current coverage

Preferred language

Eligibility question — so we can find the right coverage for you (we help everyone regardless)

Anything you'd like us to know? (optional)

I authorize ACE Foundation to share my information with its insurance-assistance partner, Alyas Complete Care, so their coordinator can contact me and help me find and apply for coverage.

A coordinator will follow up using your preferred contact method to help with coverage.

✅ Thank you — your referral is on its way. Martha Rosario, our insurance coordinator at Alyas Complete Care, will follow up with you using your preferred contact method. Need testing or care in the meantime? Book a confidential appointment now →

Patient Medication Guides

Just prescribed a medication? Start here.

Clear, judgment-free guides to the medicines that cure hepatitis C, prevent HIV, and keep people living with HIV healthy — plus priority support with refills, coverage, and staying on track.

Hep C cure PrEP & PEP HIV medication

Hepatitis C · Cure

Your guide to the pill that cures hepatitis C

Hepatitis C treatment is a once-a-day pill that cures hepatitis C in about 98% of people who finish treatment. If you've just been prescribed or referred for hepatitis C treatment, this guide explains what it is, how to take it, and how ACE can help you get it and stay on track.

Get priority hepatitis C treatment support Call (904) 299-6777

What it is

What is hepatitis C treatment?

Hepatitis C treatment is a prescription medicine that cures chronic hepatitis C (HCV). It combines two antiviral medicines in a single tablet taken once a day.

These medicines are called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). They stop the hepatitis C virus from copying itself, so your body can clear it. Hepatitis C treatment is pangenotypic, which means it works against all six main types (genotypes) of hepatitis C — so most people can take it without special genotype testing first.

✅ Hepatitis C is now curable for almost everyone. Hepatitis C treatment cures about 98% of people without cirrhosis or with well-controlled (compensated) cirrhosis.

"Cure" is real and lasting. A cure is called a sustained virologic response (SVR) — it means the virus can no longer be found in your blood 12 weeks after you finish treatment. Once you're cured, you're cured.

How to take it

How you'll take hepatitis C treatment

One pill, once a day

Take one tablet every day, with or without food. Pick a time you'll remember and keep it the same each day.

Usually 12 weeks

Most people take hepatitis C treatment for 12 weeks. If you have advanced liver disease, your provider may add another medicine (ribavirin).

Finish the whole course

Take every dose, even after you feel better. Stopping early or skipping doses can let the virus come back and resist treatment.

Missed a dose? Take it as soon as you remember that day. If it's almost time for the next one, just take the next dose — don't double up. If you miss more than a dose or two, call your pharmacist or ACE; we can help you get back on track.

🎯 About 12 weeks of a once-daily pill can cure a virus that used to require months of injections. Finishing the full course is the single most important thing you can do.

What to expect

Side effects — what's normal

Most people tolerate hepatitis C treatment very well, and side effects are usually mild. The most common are:

Headache and tiredness (the two most common)
Nausea
Trouble sleeping
Diarrhea

If ribavirin is added for advanced liver disease, side effects can include anemia (low red blood cells) and more fatigue — your provider will monitor you.

Call your provider, pharmacist, or ACE if a side effect worries you or won't go away. Most are manageable, and there's almost always a way to help you feel better while you finish treatment. Don't stop your medicine on your own — reach out first.

Stay safe

Important safety information

Tell us about every medicine & supplement

Some medicines can lower how well hepatitis C treatment works or cause problems. Before you start, tell your provider and pharmacist about everything you take — including:

Heartburn/antacid medicines (antacids, H2 blockers, proton-pump inhibitors) — these may need careful timing
St. John's wort (herbal)
Certain seizure medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine) and the TB medicine rifampin
Amiodarone (a heart-rhythm medicine) — can cause a dangerously slow heartbeat with hepatitis C treatment
Other HIV or hepatitis medicines

Two things your provider will check

Hepatitis B: you'll be tested for hepatitis B before starting. Hep B can "reactivate" during or after hepatitis C treatment, so your care team will check and monitor you. This is routine and important.

Pregnancy: This treatment by itself is used in pregnancy only when clearly needed — talk with your provider. If ribavirin is added, it must not be used during pregnancy (by patients or male partners of pregnant people) because it can cause serious birth defects.

Being cured doesn't make you immune

You can get hepatitis C again after you're cured if you're exposed to it. ACE can talk with you — without judgment — about simple, practical ways to protect yourself, and about hepatitis C retesting if you need it.

You're not doing this alone

How ACE Foundation supports your hepatitis C treatment

Being prescribed the cure is the hard part done. Getting it filled, paid for, and finished is where we come in — at no cost to you.

💊 Getting the medicine

We help you navigate the specialty pharmacy, prior authorizations, and refills so there are no gaps in your 12 weeks.

💵 Paying for it

We help with insurance, Medicaid, and manufacturer patient-assistance programs (like Gilead's Support Path) so cost isn't a barrier.

📅 Staying on track

Optional reminders and a real person to call. We'll help you make every dose and schedule your 12-weeks-after "cure" blood test (SVR).

🤝 Whole-person care

Questions, side effects, recovery support, or linkage to other care — we meet you where you are, with dignity and zero judgment.

Answers to common questions

Hepatitis C treatment: frequently asked questions

Does hepatitis C treatment really cure hepatitis C?

Yes. Hepatitis C treatment cures about 98% of people who have hepatitis C without cirrhosis or with well-controlled (compensated) cirrhosis. A cure means the virus can no longer be detected in your blood 12 weeks after you finish the medicine — this is called a sustained virologic response (SVR), and it's permanent.

How long do I take hepatitis C treatment?

Most people take one hepatitis C tablet once a day for 12 weeks. If you have advanced (decompensated) liver disease, your provider may add a second medicine called ribavirin for the 12 weeks. Take every dose and finish the full course even after you start feeling better.

What are the side effects of hepatitis C treatment?

Most people tolerate hepatitis C treatment well. The most common side effects are headache and tiredness. Some people also have nausea, trouble sleeping, or diarrhea. These are usually mild. If ribavirin is added, it can cause anemia and more fatigue. Tell your care team or ACE about any side effect that worries you — don't stop the medicine on your own.

Can I take hepatitis C treatment with my other medications?

Usually yes, but some combinations matter. Tell your provider and pharmacist about everything you take. Heartburn/antacid medicines may need careful timing; St. John's wort, the TB drug rifampin, and some seizure medicines can make hepatitis C treatment less effective; and the heart medicine amiodarone can cause a dangerously slow heartbeat with hepatitis C treatment. ACE can help you review your medication list.

Can I drink alcohol while taking hepatitis C treatment?

Alcohol doesn't stop hepatitis C treatment from working, but it's hard on your liver — the organ you're trying to heal. The healthiest choice during and after treatment is to limit or avoid alcohol. If cutting back is difficult, that's common and nothing to be ashamed of; ACE offers nonjudgmental recovery support and can help.

What if I can't afford hepatitis C treatment?

Cost should not stop you from being cured. Most insurance and Medicaid cover hepatitis C treatment, and manufacturer patient-assistance programs can help if you're uninsured or underinsured. ACE Foundation of Florida helps Jacksonville-area patients navigate coverage, prior authorizations, and assistance programs so you can start and finish treatment.

Can I get hepatitis C again after I'm cured?

Yes. A cure clears the virus you have now, but it doesn't make you immune — you can be reinfected if you're exposed again. ACE can talk through practical, judgment-free ways to protect yourself and arrange retesting if you ever need it.

★ High-priority referral · follow-up within 1 business day

Get ACE support with your hepatitis C treatment

Tell us how to reach you safely and we'll personally help with the pharmacy, coverage, and staying on track through your cure. It's free and confidential.

Your name

Phone or email

Best way to reach you

Safe-contact preference

What do you need help with? (optional)

Anything you'd like us to know? (optional)

🔒 We collect only what we need to help you, over a secure connection, and we honor your safe-contact preference. Please don't include medical details here — we'll talk privately. This site isn't monitored for emergencies; in a crisis call 911 or 988.

✅ Thank you — your request is in and marked priority. An ACE team member will reach out within 1 business day using your preferred contact method. Need something sooner? Call or text (904) 299-6777.

Sources & review. Based on FDA prescribing information for hepatitis C antivirals and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services / CDC hepatitis C information. Education only — not a substitute for your own care team. Reviewed for accuracy against current FDA labeling and HHS/CDC guidance.

ACE Foundation of Florida · Jacksonville, FL · (904) 299-6777 · A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Last reviewed Oct 2026.

HIV · Prevention

PrEP & PEP — medicine that prevents HIV

PrEP is medicine you take before possible exposure to keep from getting HIV. PEP is emergency medicine you start after a possible exposure. If you've been prescribed or referred for either, this guide explains how they work and how ACE helps you start and stay on them.

Get priority PrEP/PEP support Call (904) 299-6777

⏱ Think you were exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours?

PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) — the sooner the better. Don't wait for an appointment. Call ACE now at (904) 299-6777, or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care and ask for PEP (HIV post-exposure prophylaxis). After 72 hours it no longer works.

Prevention before exposure

What is PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine taken by people who don't have HIV to prevent getting it. Taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.

PrEP is for anyone who wants an extra layer of protection — there's no "type" of person who takes PrEP. You and your provider decide together. Before you start, you'll have a quick HIV test (PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative), and you'll check in for routine testing and refills along the way.

🛡️ When taken as prescribed, PrEP lowers the chance of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. It does not protect against other STIs — condoms and regular testing still help.

The PrEP options today

There are four FDA-approved options — two daily pills and two long-acting shots. Your provider helps you choose what fits your life.

Daily pill (option 1)

One tablet a day

One pill, every day

A once-daily pill approved for all adults and adolescents at risk through sex or injection.

Daily pill (option 2)

One tablet a day

One pill, every day

A once-daily pill. Not for people at risk of HIV through receptive vaginal sex.

Shot every 2 months

Long-acting, given by a provider

Injection every 2 months

A shot a provider gives every 2 months, after two starter shots a month apart. No daily pill to remember.

Shot twice a year

Long-acting, given by a provider

Injection twice a year

FDA-approved in 2025: a shot just twice a year (every 6 months), started with a short oral + injection initiation.

All PrEP options require a negative HIV test before starting and regular follow-up testing. Which option is right for you is a decision to make with your provider.

💵 What PrEP costs

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans and Medicaid cover PrEP — including the medication and the required visits and lab tests — at $0 out of pocket. If you're uninsured, manufacturer and state assistance programs can make PrEP free or low-cost. ACE helps Jacksonville-area residents sort out coverage so cost isn't in the way.

Emergency prevention after exposure

What is PEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is emergency HIV medicine you take after a possible exposure — for example after a condom breaks, after sex without protection with someone whose status you don't know, after sharing needles, or after sexual assault.

⏱

Start within 72 hours

Begin PEP as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure. Sooner is better. After 72 hours it no longer works.

Take it for 28 days

PEP is a pill (or pills) taken every day for 28 days. Finishing the full 28 days is what makes it work.

→

Then consider PrEP

PEP is for emergencies, not ongoing use. If you may be exposed again, your provider can move you onto PrEP for continued protection.

🚑 PEP is an emergency medicine. If you may have been exposed in the last 3 days, start it as fast as you can — call (904) 299-6777 or go to an ER/urgent care and ask for PEP.

You'll have an HIV test before starting PEP, but the first dose shouldn't wait for results. ACE can help you get PEP quickly and connect you to follow-up care.

Quick comparison

PrEP vs. PEP — what's the difference?

PrEP — planned protection

When: ongoing, before any exposure
Form: daily pill or a shot every 2 or 6 months
For: people who are HIV-negative and want to stay that way
Effect: ~99% lower risk from sex when used as prescribed

PEP — emergency response

When: right after a possible exposure (within 72 hours)
Form: pills, every day for 28 days
For: a one-time or recent possible exposure
Effect: can prevent HIV if started fast and finished

You're not doing this alone

How ACE Foundation supports your PrEP or PEP

🧭 Getting started fast

We help you get in for the HIV test and prescription — urgently for PEP (within that 72-hour window) and promptly for PrEP.

💵 Coverage & cost

Most insurance and Medicaid cover PrEP at $0; we help the uninsured find assistance so it's free or low-cost.

🔁 Staying protected

Refill reminders, routine testing check-ins, and help switching between pills and shots if your life changes.

🤝 Judgment-free, confidential

No lectures, no assumptions. We honor your safe-contact preference and keep everything private.

Answers to common questions

PrEP & PEP: frequently asked questions

How well does PrEP work?

When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. Long-acting shots and daily pills are both highly effective. PrEP does not protect against other STIs, so testing and condoms still add protection.

Is PrEP a pill or a shot?

Both options exist. There are two daily pills and two long-acting injections given by a provider — one every 2 months, and one (FDA-approved in 2025) given just twice a year. You and your provider choose what fits your life.

How fast do I have to start PEP?

As fast as possible. PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of a possible HIV exposure — ideally within 24 hours. The sooner you start, the better it works, and after 72 hours it is no longer effective. Call (904) 299-6777 or go to an ER or urgent care and ask for PEP.

How long do I take PEP?

PEP is taken every day for 28 days. Finishing the full 28-day course is essential. PEP is for emergencies — if you may be exposed again, your provider can transition you to PrEP for ongoing protection.

Does insurance cover PrEP?

Usually at no cost to you. Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans and Medicaid cover PrEP medication plus the required visits and lab tests at $0 out of pocket. If you're uninsured, assistance programs can make PrEP free or low-cost. ACE helps Jacksonville-area residents navigate coverage.

Where do I get PrEP or PEP in Jacksonville?

ACE Foundation of Florida helps Jacksonville and Northeast Florida residents start PrEP and get emergency PEP, and handles the testing, prescription, and coverage. For PEP, act immediately — call (904) 299-6777 or go to the nearest ER/urgent care.

★ High-priority referral · PEP requests handled same day

Get ACE support with PrEP or PEP

Tell us how to reach you safely. If this is about a possible exposure in the last 72 hours, please also call (904) 299-6777 now — time matters for PEP.

What do you need?

Your name

Phone or email

Best way to reach you

Safe-contact preference

🔒 We collect only what we need, over a secure connection, and honor your safe-contact preference. Please don't include medical details here. This site isn't monitored for emergencies; for a possible exposure call (904) 299-6777 or go to an ER/urgent care now.

✅ Thank you — your request is in and marked priority. An ACE team member will reach out using your preferred method (same day for PEP/exposure requests). For a possible recent exposure, please also call (904) 299-6777 right away.

Sources & review. Based on CDC PrEP and nonoccupational PEP guidance, hiv.gov, and FDA approvals (including long-acting PrEP options). Education only — not a substitute for your own care team. Reviewed for accuracy against current CDC/HHS guidance.

ACE Foundation of Florida · Jacksonville, FL · (904) 299-6777 · A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Last reviewed Oct 2026.

HIV · Treatment

Your HIV treatment — one goal: undetectable

HIV treatment is daily medicine (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) that lowers the virus to undetectable levels. People on treatment live long, healthy lives — and once you're undetectable, you can't pass HIV to sexual partners. If you've just started or been prescribed HIV medication, this guide is for you.

Get priority treatment support Call (904) 299-6777

What it is

What is HIV treatment?

HIV treatment is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). It's usually just one pill, once a day, that keeps the virus from copying itself so your immune system stays strong.

Modern HIV medicine is simple and effective. Many people take a single-tablet regimen — one pill a day that combines several medicines. There's also a long-acting injection option for some people, given by a provider every one to two months instead of daily pills. Your care team helps choose what fits you.

💙 HIV is a manageable, long-term health condition. With today's treatment, a person diagnosed and treated can expect a near-normal life span.

The most important thing to know

Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

When you take your HIV medicine as prescribed and your viral load becomes and stays undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV to your sexual partners. This is backed by large studies and endorsed by the CDC.

Reaching an undetectable viral load usually takes up to about six months of consistent treatment. Your provider confirms it with a simple blood test and keeps checking over time. Staying undetectable protects your health and the people you love.

🔬 U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable. A durably undetectable viral load means effectively no risk of passing HIV through sex (CDC).

Getting started

Start now, stay on it

Start as soon as you can

Today's guidance is "rapid start" — begin ART as soon as possible after diagnosis, sometimes the same day. Starting early protects your health.

Take it every day

Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Daily consistency is what gets you to undetectable and keeps you there.

Keep your check-ins

Routine visits and labs track your viral load and CD4 count and catch anything early. ACE helps you keep every appointment.

Missed a dose? Take it as soon as you remember, then continue your normal schedule — don't double up. If staying on schedule is hard (cost, side effects, a tough stretch), that's common and fixable. Reach out before stopping; ACE and your care team can help.

What to expect

Side effects — what's normal

Modern HIV medicines are well tolerated by most people. If side effects happen, they're often mild and improve within the first few weeks — things like an upset stomach, headache, trouble sleeping, or feeling tired.

If a side effect is bothering you, don't stop your medicine on your own. There are many HIV regimens, and your provider can adjust things to find one that feels right. Call your care team or ACE — we'll help you work it out.

You're not doing this alone

How ACE Foundation supports your HIV care

🧭 Linkage to care

Just diagnosed or new in town? We connect you quickly to an HIV provider and help you start treatment fast.

💵 Coverage & medication cost

We help with insurance, Medicaid, Ryan White, and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) so your medicine is covered.

🔁 Staying on track

Refill support, reminders, and help re-engaging if you've fallen out of care. No shame — we just help you get back.

🤝 Peer & whole-person support

Confidential, judgment-free support for the parts of life around your diagnosis — housing, recovery, mental health, and more.

Answers to common questions

HIV medication: frequently asked questions

What does "undetectable = untransmittable" (U=U) mean?

It means that when you take HIV medicine as prescribed and your viral load stays undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV to your sexual partners. It usually takes up to about six months of consistent treatment to become undetectable. U=U is supported by large studies and endorsed by the CDC.

Is HIV treatment one pill or many?

For most people today it's one pill once a day — a single-tablet regimen that combines several medicines. Some people are eligible for a long-acting injection given every one to two months instead of daily pills. Your provider helps you choose.

How soon should I start HIV medication?

As soon as possible — today's guidance is "rapid start," sometimes the same day as diagnosis. Starting early protects your immune system and gets you to undetectable sooner. ACE can help you start quickly.

Will HIV medicine make me feel sick?

Usually not. Modern HIV medicines are well tolerated. If side effects occur they're often mild and improve within a few weeks. If something bothers you, don't stop — there are many regimens and your provider can switch you to one that fits better.

What if I can't afford my HIV medication?

Help exists so cost isn't a barrier. Insurance, Medicaid, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) all help cover HIV care and medication. ACE Foundation of Florida helps Jacksonville-area patients enroll and stay covered.

I stopped taking my HIV medicine — can I restart?

Yes, and it's worth doing today. Many people pause treatment during hard times; restarting gets you back toward undetectable and protects your health. There's no judgment here. Contact ACE and we'll help you re-engage in care right away.

★ High-priority referral · follow-up within 1 business day

Get ACE support with your HIV treatment

Whether you're just starting, need help paying for medicine, or want to get back into care, we're here. Free, confidential, judgment-free.

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🔒 We collect only what we need to help you, over a secure connection, and honor your safe-contact preference. Please don't include medical details here — we'll talk privately. This site isn't monitored for emergencies; in a crisis call 911 or 988.

Sources & review. Based on CDC "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U), hiv.gov, and HHS HIV treatment guidelines. Education only — not a substitute for your own care team. Reviewed for accuracy against current CDC/HHS guidance.

ACE Foundation of Florida · Jacksonville, FL · (904) 299-6777 · A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Last reviewed Oct 2026.

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