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The HIV prevention medication PrEP — short for pre-exposure prophylaxis — has played a critical role in reducing the number of new HIV infections in recent years. It is highly effective when taken as prescribed every day, lowering the risk of sexual transmission and intravenous drug transmission by 99% and 74%, respectively.

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

Staying on track with PrEP treatment includes not only taking the medication as prescribed, but also regularly attending all follow-up appointments and completing recommended lab tests. Here’s an overview of ongoing medical care related to PrEP.

Note that PrEP is distinct from PEP — post-exposure prophylaxis — a prevention medication for emergencies and accidental exposures. Learn more about PEP.

If you think PrEP may be right for you, make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider as a first step. (Check with your provider about the possibility of telehealth appointments, if interested.) They can write you a prescription for PrEP and conduct an HIV test, which is required to begin taking the medication.

If you do not have a provider or are unable to get a prescription from your doctor, the following resources can connect you with a provider who will prescribe PrEP for you:

There are several FDA-approved oral medication options — Truvada®, Descovy®,  and a generic for Truvada — and as of December 2021, PrEP is now available as an injectable treatment option called cabotegravir (Apretude®).

For those who find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day, the injectable form may make it easier to stay on track with PrEP treatment. However, oral PrEP continues to offer highly effective prevention for anyone at risk of HIV infection.

Always consult with a doctor if you are interested in switching from one form of PrEP to another.

What is the typical schedule of medical appointments when taking PrEP?

Work with your provider to determine the frequency of your follow-up appointments. A typical schedule often consists of the following:

First follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks

Ongoing follow-up appointments every three months

What happens at the initial intake appointment?

If you are interested in getting started with PrEP, the first appointment will include an overview of PrEP as well as HIV testing and other lab work. If you qualify for PrEP and can commit to start taking the medication as prescribed, your doctor can write a prescription right away.

The baseline lab work includes the following:

An HIV test, to confirm that you do not have HIV at the beginning of your PrEP treatment

Testing to screen for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis

A blood test to measure kidney function (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

A blood test to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

What happens at the first follow-up appointment?

Your provider will have you come in for a follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss your experience with the medication so far, including side effects. It’s also a good time to share any other concerns, such as financial difficulties or medication adherence. Your provider will likely be able to refer you to resources.

What happens at ongoing follow-up appointments?

If you are taking oral PrEP, you will have follow-up appointments every three months. At these appointments, your doctor will:

Conduct an HIV test and assess you for symptoms of acute HIV infection to confirm that you still do not have HIV.

Provide a prescription or refill authorization of daily oral PrEP medication for no more than 90 days.

Discuss any challenges with medication adherence and answer any questions you may have.

Conduct screening for other STIs including syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

At the six-month mark, your doctor will likely measure kidney function. (Kidney testing may be more frequent depending on individual health factors.)

They may also ask about your interest in continuing with or stopping the medication. It is important to always consult with a provider before discontinuing or restarting PrEP so that they can evaluate your overall health and review lab work.

What if I have difficulty affording PrEP or related medical care?

PrEP continues to become more accessible. In addition to the availability of generic PrEP options and expanded health insurance coverage of PrEP, the following resources can help lower the costs of HIV prevention medication.

Many states have patient assistance programs to help people with a variety of insurance statuses access PrEP and related medical services at little to no cost. Read our previous blog for more on how to apply for state-funded PrEP assistance programs.

Many medication manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to offset the cost of medication. For example, Gilead, the manufacturer of brand-name Truvada, has the Gilead Advancing Access® program, which offers a copay card for those with insurance and a Medical Assistance Program for those who are uninsured.

The Ready, Set, PrEP program provides PrEP at no cost to eligible individuals without insurance coverage of prescription medications.

Alto is here every step of the way to make it as easy as possible to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started with oral PrEP and continue treatment.

We’re available to answer any questions you may have between your follow-up appointments. In addition, we will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider, if applicable, to ensure that you’re receiving the best PrEP option for your needs at the best price.

To learn more, reach out any time through Alto’s in-app messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Birth control is essential healthcare, allowing you to prevent pregnancy and take charge of your reproductive health. There are many contraceptive methods to choose from. Learning more about the available options can help you, and in some cases, your partner, make the best decisions for your needs and reproductive goals.

Choosing the Right Birth Control for You | Alto Pharmacy

Read on for an overview of some common birth control methods. Our list focuses on hormonal birth control, which contain synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones play a significant role in reproduction.

There are other options for contraception that must be used every time you have sex, including condoms and diaphragms. When used correctly, condoms and diaphragms are 98% and 88% effective at preventing pregnancy, respectively.

Permanent birth control is also available in the form of surgical procedures (tubal ligation for women and a vasectomy for men). These procedures must be performed by a healthcare provider. Discuss your options for contraception with your provider.

In addition, there are two options for oral emergency contraception to be taken after unprotected sex: levonorgestrel (Plan B®, Mirena®, Kyleena®) and ulipristal (Ella®). Levonorgestrel is sometimes available without a prescription. Ulipristal is prescription-only.

Like all forms of hormonal birth control, the pill stops ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovaries during each menstrual cycle. The hormones also thicken cervical mucus, an additional layer of pregnancy prevention that keeps sperm from reaching an egg, should one be released.

There are two types of birth control pills:

Combination pills, or combined oral contraceptives (COCs), contain both estrogen and progestin. (Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone.) COCs are the more common of the two types.

Progestin-only pills (POPs) contain only progestin.

In both cases, the pills come in a pack and you take one every day.

Many individuals choose the pill for its affordability and effectiveness. However, it must be taken on time every day in order to prevent pregnancy. You may find it helpful to combine taking your birth control with another daily habit such as brushing your teeth, or to set a reminder on your phone. The Alto app has medication management reminders to help you continue with your treatment.

While the pill is 91% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as prescribed, it does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have an STI or are unsure about a sexual partner’s health history, use condoms every time you have sex to protect your health and your partner’s.

The birth control ring, also referred to as the vaginal ring, consists of a small, flexible ring worn inside of your vagina. It releases hormones, which are absorbed through the vaginal lining, for ongoing pregnancy prevention. Like birth control pills, these hormones prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.

There are two types of birth control rings. NuvaRing® lasts for up to five weeks. It is worn continuously and typically replaced about once a month. It may also be used to skip your period.

An Annovera® ring lasts for a year. You wear it in your vagina for 21 days, take it out for seven days, and then put it back in your vagina to restart the cycle.

A vaginal ring must be used correctly to offer full benefits. That includes replacing it when needed and, in the case of an Annovera ring, taking it out and putting it back in on time. To stay on schedule, set reminders or alarms on your phone, or keep track on a calendar. You can also check out Planned Parenthood’s free birth control reminder app, Spot On.

The birth control ring is prescription-only. It does not offer protection against STIs.

The transdermal contraceptive patch releases estrogen and progestin through the skin and into your body to prevent pregnancy. There are two branded options available in the U.S.: Xulane® and Twirla®. Both patches may be worn on your belly, butt, or back. The Xulane patch can also be worn on your upper arm.

The birth control patch is worn for a total of 21 days. You will need to replace the patch during that time, wearing a new patch each week for three weeks. During the fourth week, you will not wear a patch so that menstrual bleeding may occur. The cycle then restarts.

A patch must be used correctly and on schedule to offer effective pregnancy prevention. Set reminders or alarms on your phone, keep track on a calendar, or use a birth control reminder app.

The birth control patch is prescription-only. It does not offer protection against STIs.

The birth control shot, also referred to as the depo shot or Depo-Provera®, is an injection administered about every three months. It contains progestin and works similarly as the above forms of hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Many individuals choose the shot for the convenience of the injection schedule and privacy. In order to experience the benefits of the birth control shot, you must stay on track and get a new shot every 12-13 weeks. In most cases, a doctor or nurse will give you the shot. In some cases, you may be able to get a supply of shots from a health center to self-administer.

Use a birth control reminder app or a calendar to stay on track with your injections.

Long-term use of the Depo-Provera shot may increase an individual’s risk for significant and potentially irreversible bone mineral loss. Additionally, it has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and is not recommended for those with a known or suspected breast malignancy.

There are two types of longer-term birth control: intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants. Both methods release hormones into your body to prevent pregnancy.

The implant (Nexplanon®) is a tiny, thin rod implanted into your arm that offers pregnancy prevention for up to five years. It must be implanted in a doctor’s office. If your family planning goals change, a doctor can easily remove the implant before it expires.

The IUD is a small device implanted into your uterus that prevents pregnancy. There are different types of IUDs that offer protection for varying amounts of time.

Hormonal IUDs release progestin to prevent pregnancy. There are four FDA-approved hormonal IUDs in the U.S.:

Paragard® is a copper IUD that does not contain hormones. It prevents pregnancy for up to 12 years.

An IUD must be implanted by a healthcare professional. It is reversible and can be easily removed.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a birth control method. While many individuals find these forms of longer-term birth control more convenient, they are typically more expensive than other forms of contraception.

Timing is essential with many forms of hormonal birth control. We make it easy to stick to the schedule, with free same-day delivery and medication management reminders in the app. In addition, our pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST (12 midnight EST) on weeknights to answer any questions you may have.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

HIV treatment has transformed drastically since the virus was first discovered in the U.S. more than four decades ago. While there is no cure, HIV — short for human immunodeficiency virus — has become a manageable chronic health condition like many others.

The Evolution of HIV Medication

Today, the majority of HIV cases in the U.S. do not progress into AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV. Not only that, but also 57% of individuals living with HIV are not at risk of transmitting the virus to others.

That’s a testament to the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the frontline treatment for HIV. ART is a combination of medications that keep HIV from replicating, stopping the progression of the virus and preventing transmission.

Take a look at the evolution of treatment for HIV and learn how ART works.

Early HIV medication and the introduction of ART

HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system, making you more vulnerable to other illnesses. It is transmitted through contact with the blood, semen, or vaginal fluids of someone who has HIV. As the virus replicates and spreads, it destroys your CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in your immune system.

The first antiretroviral HIV/AIDS medication, azidothymidine (AZT), was approved to treat HIV in 1987. AZT blocked proteins that allowed the virus to replicate and spread. A so-called “monotherapy” consisting of a single medication, it had promising results in early clinical trials but ultimately proved ineffective in slowing the progression of HIV. This was due in large part to the fact that HIV can quickly change into new forms that are resistant to an individual medication.

The introduction of ART in 1995 was a significant breakthrough. By combining multiple HIV medications, it helped prevent the virus’ resistance to a single medication.

ART is a combination of medications that lower your viral load, which is the amount of HIV in your bloodstream. When taken every day as prescribed, these medications can help individuals with HIV maintain an undetectable viral load, virtually eliminating their risk of transmitting the virus to others. This both preserves the strength of your immune system and protects the health of your sexual partners. Many people living with HIV are able to achieve an undetectable viral load within six months of starting ART.

There are several FDA-approved ART therapies available by prescription. Each medication included in the therapy plays a critical role. Collectively, these medications prevent the virus from replicating, reduce your viral load, increase your CD4 count, and restore your immune system.

Currently, there are five types of medications included in ART therapies.

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitors (NNRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs) prevent HIV from replicating.

Entry or fusion inhibitors prevent HIV from penetrating CD4 cells.

Integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) target a critical step in the replication of the virus, preventing replication after HIV has entered a CD4 cell.

Most of today’s HIV treatment protocols combine three medications from two or more of the five classes above. Medical advancements continue to simplify ART, with medication protocols that consist of a single daily pill or a monthly injection.

Your provider will closely monitor your body’s response to your protocol. Thanks to the variety of options, it is easy to make adjustments as needed if you experience side effects or don’t achieve the desired results.

HIV treatment is critical for anyone living with the virus, regardless of how long they have had it. If you have been diagnosed with HIV, starting ART as quickly as possible is the most important thing you can do to protect your health and others.

There are several ways to find a healthcare provider for HIV treatment.

If you have a primary care provider, ask if they offer HIV treatment or can give you a referral.

If you tested for HIV at a clinic, ask if they offer HIV treatment or can give you a referral.

Use HIV.gov’s search tool to find HIV treatment services near you.

Some HIV medications can prevent transmission of the virus to a developing baby. If you or your partner is pregnant, or if you are considering starting a family, let your healthcare provider know so they can recommend the best treatment option.

Taking ART as prescribed in the long term is critical to its effectiveness. That includes not only taking the medication itself, but also attending follow-up appointments and completing lab tests.

If you are having trouble staying on track with treatment, ask your provider or pharmacist for suggestions. Many individuals find it helpful to combine their HIV medication with another daily habit such as brushing their teeth, or to set a reminder on their phone. The Alto app has medication management reminders to help you continue with your treatment.

If you have tested negative for HIV, there are important HIV prevention medications that can help you continue to protect your health.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, can lower risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken as prescribed. It also reduces the risk of getting HIV from intravenous drug use by about 74%. PrEP may be right for you if you have a partner who is HIV-positive or unsure of their HIV status, or if you have multiple partners.

Read Debunking Common Myths about PrEP for more on getting started with PrEP.

PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower your chances of contracting the virus. It is only for emergencies and accidental exposures. If you anticipate ongoing risk of exposure to HIV, speak with your doctor about potentially taking PrEP for long-term protection.

Financial resources for HIV treatment and prevention

For many individuals, cost is a barrier to both starting and continuing to take ART and PrEP as prescribed. Fortunately, HIV prevention medication and treatment continue to become more accessible, with generic PrEP options and expanded health insurance coverage of PrEP and ART.

The following resources can also help reduce the cost of HIV treatment and prevention medication:

Patient assistance programs and copay savings cards from medication manufacturers

State-funded PrEP drug assistance programs

Get support navigating HIV treatment and prevention medication

Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started and stay on track with ART, PrEP, or PEP. We will coordinate with your healthcare and insurance providers to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the best price.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

About 9% of men and 11% of women in the U.S. have faced fertility issues. These challenges may feel overwhelming, but there are a variety of treatment options for both male and female infertility to support your family building journey.

Here’s an overview of the causes and symptoms of male and female infertility and common fertility treatments.

Infertility, Explained

About 9% of men and 11% of women in the U.S. have faced fertility issues. These challenges may feel overwhelming, but there are a variety of treatment options for both male and female infertility to support your family building journey.

Here’s an overview of the causes and symptoms of male and female infertility and common fertility treatments.

Infertility, defined as the inability to get pregnant after twelve months or more of unprotected sex, is a health condition that affects both men and women. Approximately one-third of infertility cases stem from a female reproductive factor, one-third stem from a male reproductive factor, and one-third stem from a combination of both or unknown causes.

These are some common causes of female infertility.

The majority of female infertility cases are caused by problems with ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovaries. There are several causes of ovulation disorders, including the following.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by a hormone imbalance that impacts ovulation. It is the leading cause of female infertility.

Excessive exercise, eating disorders, or stress, each of which can result in hormonal imbalances

Primary ovarian insufficiency, sometimes referred to as premature ovarian failure

Fallopian tube damage or blockage can prevent sperm from reaching an egg, or fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterus. Common causes of fallopian tube damage or blockage include pelvic inflammatory disease — an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes from chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other sexually transmitted infections — or a prior surgery in the abdomen or pelvis, including surgery for ectopic pregnancy.

Uterine or cervical issues such as the following can disrupt the implantation of an egg into the uterus or increase a woman’s risk for miscarriage.

Benign polyps or fibroids may block fallopian tubes or interfere with the implantation of an embryo. However, many women with these growths are able to conceive.

Structural issues with the uterus that are present at birth

Cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the cervix

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere. The abnormal tissue growth — as well as surgical procedures to remove it — can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the fertilization of an egg. In some cases, endometriosis may interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg, or embryo.

Male infertility is most often an issue of sperm production — including the quantity and quality of sperm produced — or of sperm mobility, which affects the sperm’s ability to find and fertilize an egg. A blockage in the testicle or damage to the reproductive organs can also contribute to male infertility.

Age is a factor in both male and female fertility issues. The quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs begin to decline as she enters her mid-thirties, and age factors into the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Many individuals and couples first learn of a fertility issue after trying to conceive without success, and the primary symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. There aren’t always noticeable symptoms, but the following may indicate an underlying fertility problem.

A menstrual cycle that’s irregular, absent, longer than 35 days, or less than 21 days

Unusually light or heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles

Erectile dysfunction or low sex drive in men

The timeline for seeking fertility treatment depends on your age. If you are under the age of 35, most health experts suggest consulting a reproductive specialist after a year of trying to conceive. If you are between 35 and 40, you may want to pursue testing or treatment after six months of trying to become pregnant. And if you are over 40, you may want to pursue testing or treatment before you start trying to conceive.

An evaluation for fertility issues and potential treatment begins with a conversation about your health history. Several tests may be used during the diagnostic process, including the following.

An hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an x-ray taken to examine issues within the uterus and fallopian tubes

Blood tests to measure hormone levels related to fertility and reproduction

Ovarian reserve testing, which evaluates the number of viable eggs in your ovarian reserve. These are typically used for women over 35 or those at risk of a low egg count for other reasons.

A semen test is used to diagnose most cases of male infertility. This identifies how many sperm you produce and whether the sperm are normal in shape and movement — healthy sperm have an oval head and long tail. In some cases, additional blood tests and/or genital ultrasounds may be used to rule out other health conditions.

Fertility problems do not mean that you won’t be able to have children biologically. There are many treatment options that can help increase your chances of conception. The most effective course of treatment depends on the underlying cause of your or your partner’s fertility issues. These are among the most common fertility treatments.

Forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART) including in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process in which eggs and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory and then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy. In addition to treating female infertility, IVF can also be used when male infertility is a factor.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination in which sperm that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation.

Injectable fertility medications including gonadotropins and oral fertility medications such as Clomid® and Femara® can treat fertility-related hormonal imbalances.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or treating a related health condition.

A fertility pharmacy partner you can rely on

Since 2016, Alto has supported more than 50,000 fertility journeys. We understand that fertility treatment is a significant investment — physically, emotionally, and financially — and we see ourselves as a partner in your health.

We offer free, same-day delivery seven days a week and temperature controlled packaging to ensure that your fertility medications always arrive in the right condition. And our fertility-trained pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST (12 midnight EST) on weeknights to offer any support you need.

Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

Resources for Affording HIV Medication

The HIV treatment and prevention landscape continues to evolve, with many effective medications. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), the frontline treatment for HIV since 1997, is a combination of medications that lower the amount of HIV in your bloodstream. When taken as prescribed every day, ART can help individuals with HIV achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load. As a result, more than half of all those living with HIV in the U.S. are not at risk of transmitting the virus to others.

On the prevention front, PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, can lower risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily and reduces the risk of getting HIV from intravenous drug use by about 74%.

For many individuals, cost is a barrier to both starting and continuing to take ART and PrEP as prescribed. Fortunately, HIV prevention medication and treatment continue to become more accessible, with generic PrEP options and expanded health insurance coverage of PrEP and ART. In addition, the following resources, including patient assistance programs and copay savings cards from medication manufacturers, can help reduce the cost of HIV treatment and prevention medication.

Read on to learn more about eligibility for these programs, and revisit our previous post on state-funded PrEP drug assistance programs.

Many pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs (PAPs) to offset the cost of prescription medications for individuals without insurance or with insufficient insurance coverage. If Alto is your pharmacy partner for HIV treatment or prevention, your medication protocol may include medications manufactured by Gilead, which offers the PAP outlined below.

If your medications are manufactured by a different company, contact them directly to learn about any available financial assistance including PAPs.

Gilead's Advancing Access® Patient Assistance Program

Gilead's Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program provides medication free of charge to individuals without insurance who meet program eligibility criteria. There are several ways to learn if you are eligible:

Call 1-800-226-2056 (Monday-Friday, 9 am to 8 pm EST)

Print the enrollment form and submit it via fax

Copay savings cards from pharmaceutical manufacturers can help offset the cost of prescription medications for individuals with insurance. If Alto is your pharmacy partner for HIV treatment or prevention, your medication protocol may include medications manufactured by Gilead or ViiV Healthcare, which offer the copay savings cards below.

If your medications are manufactured by a different company, contact them directly to learn about any available financial assistance including copay savings cards.

Gilead’s Advancing Access copay savings card

Gilead also offers a copay savings card for individuals with insurance to reduce the cost of copays. Those who are enrolled in any state or federally funded prescription medication program such as Medicare Part D and Medicaid, or who are in the Medicare Part D prescription coverage gap, are not eligible.

Learn more about program eligibility and terms and conditions.

The ViiVConnect Savings Card Program helps eligible individuals with commercial insurance save on copay costs for select ViiV Healthcare medications. Those who are enrolled in any state or federally funded prescription medication program such as Medicare Part D and Medicaid, or who are in the Medicare Part D prescription coverage gap, are not eligible.

If you do not have insurance coverage of prescription medications, contact 1-844-588-3288 to learn about additional financial assistance opportunities from ViiV.

Created to help individuals living with chronic health conditions access the treatment they need, the PAN Foundation offers financial assistance for medication costs, copays, and insurance premiums.

Learn what financial assistance you are eligible for.

Learn more about program eligibility and the application process.

Your financial well-being is our priority

At Alto, we understand how stressful it can be to navigate insurance coverage benefits and savings opportunities. We prioritize your financial wellness, working with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make ART or PrEP as affordable as possible. In addition to automatically applying coupon savings, we’ll connect you with any outside programs that require you to apply directly.

We also offer free, same-day delivery to make it as easy as possible to stay on track with treatment, and our dedicated HIV support team is here to answer any questions you may have about ART or PrEP. Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

Alto’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all who need medicine, building a pharmacy experience that serves people of all backgrounds. As we work toward a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system, we recognize the importance of diversity among physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other public health figures. In honor of Black History Month, take a moment to learn about five influential Black healthcare leaders past and present — those who paved the way and those who continue to break barriers today

Five Black Healthcare Leaders to Celebrate

Alto’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all who need medicine, building a pharmacy experience that serves people of all backgrounds. As we work toward a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system, we recognize the importance of diversity among physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other public health figures. In honor of Black History Month, take a moment to learn about five influential Black healthcare leaders past and present — those who paved the way and those who continue to break barriers today. (For additional inspiration, revisit the first post in this series.)

Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders: the first Black U.S. surgeon general

As a Black woman born to farmers in a rural, poverty-stricken area of Arkansas, M. Jocelyn Elders encountered numerous obstacles on her path to becoming the first Black U.S. Surgeon General in 1993. At 16, she met a doctor for the first time, but she didn't consider a profession in healthcare until she connected with Edith Irby Jones, the first Black person to attend the University of Arkansas Medical School, during college.

Throughout her career, Dr. Elders balanced clinical practice and research, increasing the public’s awareness of adolescent health issues. In 1987, Bill Clinton, then the governor of Arkansas, appointed Dr. Elders as head of the state’s Department of Health. The Arkansas state legislature mandated sexual education and substance misuse prevention programs in the K-12 curriculum in 1989 in large part because of Dr. Elders’ advocacy. During her tenure as Surgeon General, Dr. Elders continued to champion progressive policies, advocating for better sexual education programs, distribution of condoms in schools, and abortion rights. She remains active in the field of public health as a professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas School of Medicine.

Bernard J. Tyson: former CEO of Kaiser Permanente

As chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, Bernard Tyson transformed the company’s services to account for social determinants of health like food access and affordable housing as well as the importance of mental health and wellness. He was also instrumental in the development of the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, which trains physicians to be not only clinicians, but patient advocates and innovators, too. By shining a spotlight on how social determinants of health contribute to disparities in health outcomes, Tyson leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond Kaiser’s services.

Nadine Burke Harris: first surgeon general of California

A physician, researcher, advocate, and California’s first surgeon general, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has transformed how our society responds to childhood trauma. While running a health clinic in an underserved San Francisco neighborhood, she observed that preventative health practices and quality treatment didn’t resolve her patients’ risk for poor health outcomes. Drawing upon research from the CDC and Kaiser Permanente on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which linked early adversity to higher rates of chronic illness later in life, Dr. Burke Harris studied her own patients and found that more than 67% had experienced at least one ACE. She has helped increase public awareness of ACEs and toxic stress, advocating for universal screening of children and adolescents for signs of trauma. Her 2014 TED Talk, “How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across the Lifetime,” has been viewed more than 7.5 million times, and she published The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity in 2018.

Dr. Patrice Harris: first Black female president of the American Medical Association

Despite not knowing any doctors while growing up in West Virginia, Dr. Patrice Harris’ passion for medicine started early. The board-certified psychiatrist initially planned to pursue pediatrics but shifted her focus after discovering an interest in psychiatry during medical school. Her focus on child psychiatry allows her to merge her passion for children with her expertise in mental health. Throughout her career, Dr. Harris has focused on the role of implicit bias within the medical profession and how unconscious biases among healthcare workers influence health disparities.

Dr. Harris’ involvement in the professional healthcare community spans many leadership positions at state and national organizations. She became the first Black woman elected as president of the American Medical Association in 2020. During her tenure, she focused on a variety of health issues, from opioid addiction to COVID-19. She previously chaired the AMA’s Opioid Task Force, providing evidence-based recommendations to clinicians with the goal of ending the opioid epidemic.

Betty Smith Williams: first Black graduate of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

Betty Smith Williams was the first Black student to earn a nursing degree from Cleveland’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, in 1954, and the first Black individual to teach at a higher education institution in the state of California, but her individual accomplishments are only a part of her legacy. Williams has helped ensure that today’s aspiring Black healthcare professionals have the opportunities and support to break down barriers of their own. She was instrumental in developing the National Black Nurses Association and the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations, Inc. — initiatives that have elevated the voices of Black nurses within the profession. In uniting Black nurses, Williams hoped to create better health outcomes among the Black community. In her own words: "We had no voice, but we understood our culture and our unique needs better than anyone else.”

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An HIV diagnosis is the beginning of a lifelong health journey, and it’s understandable to experience many different emotions as you process this information. Remember that HIV is manageable, like many other chronic health conditions, and with treatment, you can live a full and active life. Though it may feel overwhelming to take action right after a diagnosis, getting started on HIV medication as soon as possible is critical to protecting your health and others. Here are the most important steps to take as you move forward.

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