In collaboration with Centerlink and the CDC, HRA Santa Fe has developed a program of awareness and public information around the importance of LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities getting vaccinated against COVD-19. The “Pride is in Our Blood” program in New Mexico focuses on Indigenous Communities.
Being responsible for your health shows pride in your self/community/tribe/family. Show respect for those who came before by learning about and being vaccinated against COVID-19. Add to your plurals history by being a part of its future.
Be part of the conversation… #PrideisinOurBlood
CDC COVID-19 Resources
New Mexico COVID-19 Resources
- Here is a link to the COVID 19 resource available through the Indian Health Board in Albuquerque http://www.aaihb.org/covid-19-resources-.aspx
- COVID page http://db.aastec.net/covid-19/index.html
- Albuquerque Area Tribal Epidemiology Center https://www.aastec.net/
- Here is a link to some resource through First Nations Community Health Source https://www.fnch.org/tribal-covid-19-relief-fund/
- This organization is part of the University of New Mexico. https://www.fnch.org/
Other COVID-19 Resources
- https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20210723.390196/full/
- https://www.uihi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/COVID-19-Vaccination-Messaging-Guide_UIHIFormat.pdf
- https://www.uihi.org/projects/strengthening-vaccine-efforts-in-indian-country
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/tribal/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/tribal/about-covid19-vaccines.html
Other Health Resources
HIV Testing
HIV and HCV are insidious diseases that can linger in the body for years without showing any signs. That’s why it’s good to get tested for them if you’ve had any risks. The risks can include: unprotected sex with someone of unknown status (you don’t know if they have HIV or not), sharing needles (for HRT, substance use, or whatever reason), and others.
Any provider can order an HIV or HCV test. Southwest Care offers free rapid HIV tests that don’t require you to go to your doctor. They have walk-ins every Monday from 5:30-7:30, where you can show up without making an appointment. Or, you can call and schedule a time during the week when you can go in and get a test, just call (505) 490-1147.
It’s free. You just go in, the staff will prick your finger to collect two drops of blood, and they’ll talk to you about risks while the test runs (about twenty minutes). Then they’ll give you your results and it’s done. If you’re positive, they’ll help schedule your first medical appointment and tell you what to expect. It’s that easy.
PEP
If you’ve been exposed to HIV, there is something you can do. It’s called Post Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP. PEP is a medication that needs to be started within 72 hours of when you were exposed to HIV. The faster you get on PEP, the more effective it will be, so don’t wait three days to get on it, go right away.
PEP can be prescribed by any provider, but it’s usually done through specialists. There are PEP specialists at Southwest Care, if you need an appointment, call (505) 989-8154 and tell them you need a PEP appointment so they know it’s urgent and will schedule you right away.
PrEP
If you know you’re going to be exposed to HIV, you don’t have to wait until after the risk to prepare. There’s another medication, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP.
PrEP is a daily pill that can prevent you from getting HIV. It can be Truvada, Descovy, or generic. It can be prescribed by any provider, so you can get a prescription for it from your primary care practitioner. But, if you don’t have a primary care provider, or they don’t want to prescribe it, we have specialists who focus on that at Southwest Care.
To schedule an appointment, call (505) 955-9454. Once it’s prescribed, you can pick it up at any pharmacy. The staff at Southwest Care Pharmacy make sure every applicable copay card and insurance is billed (they default to signing you up for the Gilead Copay Card, among others) so there is often no copay. To transfer your PrEP prescription to Southwest Care, call (505) 989-8154.