Bipartisan push to expand HIV treatment access could save lives, boost public health | Opinion
Florida pharmacies play an important role in the state’s complex healthcare system. As retail storefronts staffed by trained and certified pharmacy professionals, Florida pharmacies help increase access to care by treating illnesses, offering tools for prevention and promoting health and wellness.
As we look for ways to tackle some of Florida’s biggest public health challenges, like the HIV epidemic, pharmacies are an important part of the strategy.
According to the Florida Department of Health, more than 120,000 Floridians are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Last year, Florida identified 4,606 new HIV diagnoses, but many with the virus are not even aware. An estimated one in 10 living with HIV do not know their status.
We believe we can end the HIV epidemic through treatment and prevention. Florida has adopted a comprehensive strategic approach in the form of Florida’s Unified Ending the HIV Epidemic Plan. Two of the four key components of the plan published by the state Department of Health focus on increasing rapid access to testing and treatment. That’s where Florida pharmacies come in.
This legislative session, we are advancing a proposal that will enable Florida pharmacies to expand critical access to screening and treatments for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV.
Senate Bill 1320 and House Bill 159 are a bipartisan legislative effort that prioritizes, first and foremost, community health. Over the long term, this legislation can effectively scale access to treatment that will save lives.
Treatments like post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is most effective within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV, can help prevent its spread and save lives. Studies have shown that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of getting HIV between 74% and 99% when taken daily. Currently, both medications require a visit to a doctor to get a prescription. However, access is limited, and time is of the essence.
There is a severe shortage of healthcare workers in Florida, which limits Floridians’ timely access to care and treatment. While Florida’s population is growing, our healthcare workforce is on the decline. According to the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, we are expected to face a shortage of 18,000 doctors by 2035. In addition, forecasts show Florida will face a shortage of 59,000 nurses by 2035.
Many Floridians already have to wait too long to receive the care they need. Without care, conditions can worsen. Through Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s Live Healthy plan, we’re pursuing measures to strengthen our pipeline of healthcare workers and advance new and innovative delivery methods.
In the meantime, we can increase access to PEP and PrEP through Florida’s pharmacies. There are more than 6,000 Florida pharmacy locations throughout the Sunshine State. Many offer extended hours and safe and convenient access, especially in at-risk population areas and underserved communities.
Florida pharmacists are trained and qualified to help our state fill that gap when it comes to the prevention and treatment of HIV. Pharmacists undergo rigorous training programs required by law, and they must be certified by the Florida Board of Pharmacy to administer vaccines and other treatments.
This legislation is a bipartisan effort that will help end the HIV epidemic once and for all. We’re grateful to have a strong network of pharmacies across Florida that can help.
Sen. Alexis Calatayud is a member of the Florida Senate representing District 38, which covers part of Miami-Dade County. Senator Calatayud is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1320. Sen. Shevrin “Shev” Jones is a member of the Florida Senate representing District 34, which covers part of Miami-Dade County. Rep. Gallop Franklin II is a member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 8, which covers Gadsden County and part of Leon County. Rep. Franklin is the sponsor of House Bill 159.
