Hello Toronto! Welcome to PrEP Squad TO, a new online, social media, and print resource developed by the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) with funding support from the Engage Intervention Fund. The resource aims to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, uptake, and access in Toronto’s Black gay/ bisexual male or transpersons who have sex with men (gbMSM) community. It is an adaptation of the PrEP Squad Washington DC campaign.

PrEP Squad TO will provide fun and sexy key messaging about PrEP, mobilize access through community partnerships with local ASOs, healthcare providers, among others. The resource features PrEP users, popular opinion leaders, and social media influencers as both disseminators of the campaign and models to encourage their peers to learn more about and consider taking PrEP. It will utilize several media platforms including video, a dedicated website, social media, print advertising, digital advertising, and more to engage individuals within the Toronto community.
“PrEP can prevent HIV transmission among Black gbMSM; however, uptake has been low. Several significant societal, institutional, and financial barriers need to be overcome to fully increase the number of Black gbMSM at risk for HIV who access PrEP,” said Garfield Durrant, Black CAP Men’s Prevention Coordinator. “PrEP Squad TO has the potential to reach a large and diverse audience, and increase uptake of PrEP among Black gbMSM by increasing knowledge and access, changing attitudes, and addressing stigma.”

To view the videos, access more resources, and download PrEP Squad TO marketing collateral, go here to learn more. Share widely and post about this as much as possible using the hashtag #PrEPSquadTO.