Tampa, FL—Jessica Arroyo’s journey into HIV prevention started long before she became PrEP Program Coordinator at CAN Community Health. It was personal.
In the early 1990s, she lost her godparent to the HIV epidemic—a loss that shaped her understanding of the virus and ignited a passion for public health. What began as personal grief turned into a lifelong mission to educate, empower and prevent.
Now, as PrEP Program Coordinator, Jessica works to ensure that everyone—including women—has access to PrEP, a daily pill or long-acting injection that can reduce the risk of HIV by up to 99%.
“Many women don’t realize they’re at risk because HIV prevention messaging has historically focused on men who have sex with men,” she said. “But the reality is, Black and Latina women continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV due to socioeconomic disparities, intimate partner violence and limited health care access.”
Despite the effectiveness of PrEP, only 7% of women who could benefit from it are using it. The barriers are complex. Many women simply don’t know PrEP exists, while others fear the stigma that can come with taking an HIV prevention medication.
“Women have told me they’re afraid of being judged for taking PrEP—that people will assume they’re promiscuous or living a certain lifestyle,” Jessica said. “But PrEP isn’t about judgment. It’s about health and choice.”
At CAN Community Health, she’s leading efforts to break down these barriers. Through the organization’s Community Health Initiative, Jessica and her team focus on education, outreach and support services tailored for women. They connect women to financial assistance programs, work with health care providers to normalize conversations about PrEP and empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. The impact is tangible: In 2023, 290 women enrolled in PrEP services at CAN, and that number continued to grow in 2024 with 426 women enrolled.
But for Jessica, it’s not just about statistics—it’s about people.
“We’ve had women come in unsure, scared or hesitant,” she said. “But after receiving education and support, they not only feel empowered to start PrEP, but they also go on to advocate for their friends and community members to do the same. That’s how change happens.”
Her message to women who are curious about PrEP but hesitant?
“This is about taking control of your own health. PrEP is safe, effective and empowering,” she said. “If you have questions or concerns, reach out—our team is here to support you every step of the way.”
Women interested in PrEP can learn more at CANPrEP.org, where Jessica and her team are working every day to ensure that no woman is left out of the conversation.
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ABOUT CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH:
CAN Community Health is the nation’s premier resource in ending epidemics with a mission of empowering wellness through compassion, community, and equity. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, CAN Community Health operates 40 clinics across Arizona, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. CAN Community Health was founded in Sarasota, Florida, and has delivered high-quality care to those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases for more than 30 years through outreach, integrated clinical practice, advocacy, education, and research. For more information about CAN Community Health and its services, please visit www.CANCommunityHealth.org.
