Blum Center Program: Awareness to Access — A Conversation on PrEP

Why It Matters

The briefing aims to boost PrEP awareness and correct misconceptions that hinder prevention, which can reduce HIV transmission and prompt more people to seek testing and appropriate prevention services. Greater public understanding supports targeted clinical outreach and better sexual-health outcomes.

Summary

Mass General’s Blum Center hosted a live discussion featuring MGH sexual health clinic staff, led by program manager Eric Jakori and infectious disease nurse manager Teresa Manukus, to educate the public about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The session debunked common sexual health myths—emphasizing that many STIs are asymptomatic and testing is the only way to know—and clarified that PrEP protects only against HIV, not other STIs. Speakers outlined who should consider PrEP (people with HIV-positive partners, multiple partners, recent STIs, or perceived risk), distinguished PrEP from post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and encouraged routine testing and combined prevention strategies. Resources and follow-up materials will be available via the Blum Center website.

Original Description

In this chat from May 11, 2026, Eric Jaukkuri and Theresa Minukas, RN, address common misconceptions, barriers to access, and real world experiences related to PrEP. The goal is to move beyond awareness and empower people with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

This session is a collaboration between the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center and the Sexual Health Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital.