Louisville, KY — December 1, 2025 — World AIDS Day is recognized on December 1 as a time to honor individuals living with HIV, remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. When World AIDS Day was established in 1988, during the height of the HIV epidemic in the United States, treatment options were minimal. Currently, thanks to major advances in therapies and prevention, HIV has become a manageable chronic condition.
“HIV is not what it used to be, and it is not a death sentence,” said Kellee Duke, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, with the Family Health Centers Promise Program. “With regular care, HIV is treatable much like other chronic conditions, and people can live long, healthy, normal lives.”
Family Health Centers’ Promise Program, a comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment initiative, is celebrating its one-year anniversary of service to West Louisville and surrounding communities. The program was launched with grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to ensure that people knew their HIV status through testing, were accessing PrEP, were diagnosed early, were linked to care, and kept in care for viral suppression.
“While HIV testing and PrEP are available at all FHC primary care locations, the HIV treatment services are centered in the West Louisville to ensure patients receive the highest level of coordinated care,” said Carolyn Akakpo, PhD., who leads the program. “The most significant advancement is that viral suppression means people can live healthier lives with reduced risk of sexually transmitting HIV.”
The Promise Program provides a full range of services, all available on a sliding-fee scale, including medications:
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Medication that can prevent HIV infection when taken within 72 hours of exposure, available through FHC’s Immediate Care Clinics.
HIV Testing: Recommended at least once for everyone age 13 and older, with additional testing based on individual risk factors.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Oral and injectable options that significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection.
HIV Care and Treatment: Comprehensive medical care and support to help individuals achieve and maintain long-term health.
HIV Navigators: Staff that assist patients with scheduling testing, follow-up care, help with obtaining medication and other services as needed.
“The Promise Program reflects our commitment to ensuring every person—regardless of income, insurance, or background—has access to the care they need,” said Duke. “We promise that with consistent, supportive care, you can build and maintain a healthy future.”
To learn more about the Family Health Centers Promise Program, visit http://www.fhclouisville.org/promise-program/