Notice: Clinic Renovations Update

The renovation at Primary Health Care’s University Avenue location (1200 University Ave) is now complete!

  • The east entrance is open for medical and Project patients.
  • Dental patients and homeless support clients can use the west entrance.
  • Pharmacy patients may access the building from the north, south, or west entrances.
  • Prevention services (HIV/STI testing) are now back at this location.

Let's Talk About It

As part of the CDC’s “End the HIV Epidemic” we have been working to reach populations who have been disproportionately impacted by HIV. Black/African American people account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV, compared to other races and ethnicities. Racism, HIV stigma, homophobia, poverty, and barriers to health care continue to drive these disparities.

We’re excited to share this video as one way the team plans to share information, and to encourage people to “Talk About It” when it comes to prevention, testing, care or treatment of HIV.

GET TESTED

GET TESTED

Schedule a free and confidential HIV and STI screening, PrEP consultation and follow-up.

SERVICES

SERVICES

We provide services to help people living with HIV move through the stages of HIV medical care.

EVENTS CALENDAR

EVENTS CALENDAR

View upcoming classes, group meetings, workshops, and outreach events.

About Us

At The Project, patients have access to a wide range of services, all conveniently located at our 1200 University Avenue campus. We offer medical and dental care, behavioral health services, case management, and other supportive resources—all under one roof.

Our compassionate team is committed to providing comprehensive care, ensuring that every patient receives the services they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

CONTACT & LOCATION

1200 University Avenue, #120
Des Moines, IA 50314

(515) 248-1595

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OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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FREE TESTING CLINIC HOURS

Monday -Thursday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Services

We provide confidential, free, or low-cost services to support individuals living with HIV through every stage of their medical care journey. From diagnosis to treatment, our team connects patients to vital resources that help them achieve optimal health outcomes and overcome barriers to long, healthy lives.

In addition to care, we focus on HIV prevention, offering outreach programs and access to the most effective tools to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Prevention

Condoms and Supplies

We provide free safer-sex supplies, including condoms, lubricants, dental dams, FC2 (female condoms), and bleach kits. You can also find safer-sex kit dispensers at various bars, community centers, and businesses throughout Des Moines.

Sexual Health Information

The Project at Primary Health Care offers education on HIV transmission, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and prevention methods like PrEP, PEP, and condom use. Sexual health resources are available to the public both online and in print. We also offer training and education for schools and community groups.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is a daily medication for people at risk of contracting HIV. When taken as directed, it reduces the risk of infection by about 92%. (Learn more)

Partnership for Health Intervention

This strategy emphasizes the patient-provider relationship, promoting consistent medication use and HIV prevention. Healthcare staff deliver key messages to help patients take every dose on time and prevent HIV transmission.

Testing and Diagnosis

The Project at Primary Health Care offers free and confidential testing services. (Schedule an appointment here.)

HIV Testing

We provide rapid HIV testing with results available in less than 30 minutes. (Click here to learn more.)

HCV Testing

Rapid Hepatitis C testing, based on your risk factors, with results in under 30 minutes.

Syphilis Testing

Testing is performed through a blood draw. *Results may take up to 4-7 business days.

Gonorrhea/Chlamydia Testing

Screening is done through a rectal swab, throat swab, or urine test. *Results may take up to 4-7 business days.

Trichomoniasis Screening

Screening is performed via a urine test. *Results may take up to 4-7 business days.

PrEP Consultation

During your consultation, you’ll receive a full HIV and STD screening along with a discussion to see if PrEP is right for you. Prescription is at the discretion of your provider.

Risk Reduction Counseling

With every HIV/STI test, we offer tailored prevention strategies to best suit your needs. (See CDC’s HIV Risk Reduction Tool.) (CDC’s HIV Risk Reduction Tool)

Linkage To Care

Delaying care can lead to poorer treatment outcomes and increase the spread of HIV. Our team is here to help you access the care you need.

Patient Navigation

Our nurses and case managers assist patients in overcoming barriers to accessing quality health care and treatment by guiding them through the healthcare system.

Coordinated Intake

During coordinated intake, our team—including a nurse, mental health professional, and case manager—conducts an interview to gather detailed information. This helps create a personalized care plan that supports clients in achieving their health goals and moving toward self-sufficiency.

Benefits Counseling

We help clients explore health insurance options and other available financial assistance programs to ensure they receive the support they need.

Transportation Assistance

We provide bus tokens, gas cards, and cab vouchers to help clients access medical care and supportive services.

Health Coverage Enrollment

We assist clients with enrolling in insurance plans, including ESI, IHWP, or ADAP-funded programs.

Insurance Premium Assistance

We assess if clients qualify for third-party insurance premium payments or ADAP-funded plans, helping reduce the financial burden of healthcare.

Engagement In Care

Ongoing treatment and support services help people living with HIV suppress the virus and maintain their health.

Support Group

We offer financial support for a weekly HIV support group to foster community and provide emotional care.

Support Services

Primary Health Care provides a wide range of supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including non-medical case management, emergency financial assistance, food pantry access, housing services, health education, legal services, linguistic support, transportation assistance, substance abuse counseling, and referrals to community resources.

Case Management

Our case management process ensures timely access to medical and psychosocial services, using a strengths-based approach to promote independence and self-sufficiency.

Housing Assistance

We provide housing assistance through the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program and Ryan White Housing Assistance. These programs offer long-term rental support, short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance, and help with first month’s rent and deposit.

Mental Health Services

Patients have access to on-site behavioral health services from licensed mental health professionals to support their mental and emotional well-being.

Prescription Drug Assistance

We assist patients in finding resources to help cover the cost of their medications, ensuring they can access the prescriptions they need.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Patients receive screenings, brief interventions, and outpatient therapy on-site, with coordinated referrals to inpatient treatment as needed.

Short Term Financial Assistance

Case-managed clients may apply for financial assistance to cover short-term expenses related to employment, education, or other supportive needs.

Health Outcomes

Achieving viral suppression allows people living with HIV to live longer, healthier lives and reduces the risk of sexual transmission by 96%.

Oral Health Care

Oral health is a critical part of HIV care, but access can be challenging. Our two dental clinics in Des Moines provide dental services, with financial assistance available for those who qualify.

Onsite Pharmacy

Our on-site pharmacy at the 1200 University Avenue location accepts Medicaid and offers low-cost medications for those without insurance, making essential treatments accessible to all.

Health Education

We promote ongoing health education to empower patients in managing their care and improving their overall well-being. Our program encourages patients to actively participate in health decisions.

HIV Medical Care

We provide comprehensive, up-to-date HIV medical care led by a clinician with nearly 30 years of experience. Our team includes nurse care managers, case managers, prevention specialists, and a behavioral health clinician.

Smoking Cessation

Our smoking cessation program offers prescriptions and over-the-counter aids, counseling, and support, and connects clients to Quitline Iowa for additional resources.

Primary Health Care

Our integrated approach provides lifelong primary health care, including preventive care, chronic disease management, acute care, behavioral health services, and substance use evaluations.

Adherence Counseling

Using a patient-centered approach, we help manage medication adherence through education, addressing barriers, and offering hands-on support.

Medication Management

Our team approach to medication management ensures the best outcomes for HIV care. Our HIV/primary care provider, nurse care managers, and pharmacists work together to maximize benefits and reduce potential interactions.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Those We Serve

At The Project, our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for people living with HIV and those at risk of infection. Every day, we help individuals overcome barriers to care, access vital health services, and achieve better health outcomes. But we can’t do it alone.

Your donation supports life-saving programs that provide free or low-cost medical care, HIV testing, mental health services, housing assistance, and more. Whether it’s helping someone receive their medications, providing a safe space for support groups, or connecting a patient with the tools to prevent HIV, your generosity changes lives.

When you give to The Project, you’re ensuring that every person who walks through our doors receives the care, support, and dignity they deserve. Together, we can continue to fight HIV, improve health outcomes, and offer hope to those who need it most.

How You Can Help:

  • $25 can provide a week’s worth of transportation for a patient to access medical care.
  • $50 can cover the cost of an HIV test for someone at risk.
  • $100 can help fund our support groups, offering a safe space for people living with HIV to connect and heal.
  • $500 can provide housing assistance to someone in need, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to live.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact. Your support helps us build healthier, stronger communities where everyone has access to the care they need. Join us in our mission to empower, uplift, and improve the lives of people living with HIV.

Donate today. Your compassion can change lives.

1200 University Avenue, #120, Des Moines, IA 50314

(515) 248-1595

This site (phctheproject.org) contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

This site presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

The Project of Primary Health Care, Primary Health Care is an Iowa non-profit, and is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit. All materials appearing on this site are copyrighted and property of their respective owners.

© 2020 The Project of Primary Health Care

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