A fully equipped medical office for patients requiring ambulatory care is now operating at the SETAC Community Center in Puerto Vallarta.
Attending people who require diagnosis and care of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in addition to post-exposure prophylaxis treatment for HIV and now Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the clinic is in permanent operation during the hours of attention to the public: Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm.
At SETAC’s medical office, patients are attended by surgeon and midwife Javier Mauricio Rentería Salazar, who is a “peer” doctor, trained and sensitized for the care required in this area.
The clinic was equipped thanks to support from the New York-based Broadway Cares / Equity Fight AIDS organization, and its Director Tom Viola, who’s generous contribution helped SETAC to offer medical attention in a safe space that’s free of stigma and discrimination.
The SETAC medical office can provide immediate treatment to patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since the State Council for the Prevention of AIDS in Jalisco (COESIDA) supplies the medications needed to treat syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, in addition to rapid tests for hepatitis B and C.
From now on, people who arrive at the SETAC clinic with symptoms of, or are diagnosed with any of these infections, will be able to be treated immediately.
The objective of this strategy is to cut the chain of STI infections in our key populations: men who have sex with men, gays, trans women and sex workers; and avoid abandoning these patient to the discomfort of being seen, and the fear of stigma or rejection they may feel, when seeking treatment at other health institutions.
The purpose of the SETAC Community Center, located at Aldanaca 178, 4A & 4B, in the Colonia Versalles neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, is to provide essential services to the community, including physical and mental health treatment, referrals, and education in an atmosphere of safety, free from discrimination. For more information, please follow SETAC on Facebook and Instagram call (322) 224-1974 or email [email protected].
