PlaySure Network 2.0 for HIV Prevention

In 2016, clinical and non-clinical providers in NYC partnered to create the PlaySure Network for HIV prevention. Medical clinics and front-line community partners work together in the network to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to services, such as HIV testing, HIV treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

From 2016 to 2022, this network of community organizations provided patient-specific approaches to sexual health and HIV prevention and treatment. Building on the network’s initial strengths and successes, and accounting for gaps and challenges in the city’s health system, a second iteration of this partnership was launched with clinical and non-clinical NYC providers in March 2022.

The PlaySure Network’s new service delivery model, PlaySure Network 2.0, offers a comprehensive health package of client-centered high-quality HIV prevention and sexual health services, as well as mental health, substance use and other supportive services in clinical and non-clinical settings. PlaySure Network 2.0 services at a given site are delivered together to meet a range of health care needs and improve individual health outcomes.

For more information about PlaySure Network 2.0, email HIVStatusNeutral@health.nyc.gov.

Goals

Partners work collaboratively with each other and the NYC Health Department to:

• Increase access to comprehensive health services for priority populations
• Priority populations are communities that experience multiple forms of systemic oppression, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. These communities are disproportionately affected by HIV.
• Increase provision of client-centered, affirming, non-stigmatizing and anti-discriminatory services
• Decrease inequities in access to and use of HIV prevention services and in related health outcomes experienced by priority populations

Elimination of Risk-based Screening and Language

PlaySure Network 2.0 approaches sexual health by focusing on sexual pleasure and well-being, instead of focusing on risk reduction. This approach is designed to both universalize and normalize HIV prevention within clinical (hospitals, clinics) and non-clinical (community based organizations) settings using the GOALS Framework for Sexual History Taking.

The GOALS Framework streamlines sexual history taking so that it is non-stigmatizing and not risk-based. Providers are encouraged to offer HIV and STI testing and prevention education and services to all patients.

Push Toward Universal Routine HIV/STI Testing and Offering of Supportive Services

In addition to offering HIV prevention and sexual health services, partnered agencies offer clients mental health, alcohol and substance use counseling, housing and additional supportive services.

Partners

PlaySure Network 2.0 is comprised of the following clinical and non-clinical agencies: