Chatham County Public Health Department Introduces New Clinical Services at Siler City Clinic

PITTSBORO, N.C. — To better support the health and well-being of Chatham residents, the Chatham County Public Health Department is expanding the services offered through its Clinical and Community Services Division. Three new services are now available at the health department’s Siler City clinic: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, Hepatitis C treatment, and medication for opioid use treatment.

“Chatham County is large and growing, and offering these services aligns with our charge of assuring access to healthcare for our community,” said Chatham County Public Health Department Director Mike Zelek. “We are excited to now provide these high-quality services so that every member of our community is able to receive the care they need close to home.”

New Services Now Available

PrEP

• The Chatham County Public Health Department now offers Truvada, a once-a-day medication that protects against Human-Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Clinic staff will help interested individuals understand how PrEP works and help them determine if it aligns with their health needs — as well as provide HIV testing and support.
• The first three months of PrEP medication will be provided at no cost to uninsured patients.

Hepatitis C

• Testing and treatment for Hepatitis C are now available at the health department’s Siler City clinic. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can cause long-term liver problems. Patients with Hepatitis C who qualify can receive Epclusa, a once-a-day medication that can cure a Hepatitis C infection in 12 weeks.

  Treatment for Opioid Use

• Chatham County residents who are interested in treatment for opioid use now have access to Suboxone and Subutex, medications that reduce cravings without withdrawal symptoms, at no cost.

 Therapy and other support options are available but not required to receive medication.

According to the Chatham County Public Health Department, these new services are part of a broader strategy to expand access to healthcare options in Chatham County, a 2024 Chatham County Community Assessment health priority.

“Increasing access to prevention, testing, and treatment helps stop the spread of disease, keeps people healthier and promotes the well-being of our community,” said Chatham County Public Health Department Public Health Social Worker Elaina Young, “Everyone should be able to get the care they need and want when they walk into a health care space, and we are proud to strengthen local access by bringing these new programs to our clinic and community.”

Those interested can schedule an appointment or learn more about eligibility by calling the Chatham County Public Health Department’s Siler City clinic at 919-742-5641. Walk-ins may be available depending on clinic capacity.

To learn more about clinical and community services available at the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/clinicalservices.

To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/publichealth.