- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessEducational
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every October 10
- Holiday emoji:
- đź’Š
National PrEP Day, observed every October 10, shines a light on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a powerful tool in HIV prevention. This day encourages education and access to PrEP, which can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%. Learn about this life-changing medication and advocate for broader access.
Expected National PrEP Day Deals
As a cause-driven observance, National PrEP Day focuses on increasing access to and awareness of PrEP rather than commercial deals. Organizations like MISTR, the day’s founder, offer free PrEP services to both insured and uninsured patients, making prevention accessible. Gilead Sciences, a leading manufacturer of PrEP medications, often supports educational campaigns and access programs. Non-profits such as the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and local clinics host free testing events and information sessions. Many community health centers provide sliding scale fees or assistance programs for PrEP. We encourage you to visit MISTR’s website or your local health provider to learn more about PrEP access and support services.
Platform Guide for National PrEP Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPrEPDay. Share infographics about PrEP efficacy and access, or personal stories (with consent) to reduce stigma.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PrEPWorks. Engage in real-time discussions, share news from health organizations, and live-tweet from awareness events.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPrEPDay. Host a Q&A with a local health expert or share resources for finding PrEP providers in your community.
National PrEP Day Hero
Dr. Robert Gallo
History of National PrEP Day
HIV has been one of the greatest public health challenges of the last half-century. Since the first cases were reported in the early 1980s, the virus has disproportionately impacted LGBTQ+ communities, particularly gay and bisexual men, Black and Latino communities, and people living in the South. Advances in medicine have transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition, but prevention has always been the ultimate goal.
In 2012, the FDA approved the first PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication, a once-daily pill that prevents HIV with up to 99% effectiveness. Despite its groundbreaking potential, PrEP uptake lagged due to stigma, lack of awareness, high cost, and unequal access. By 2023, only one in four people in the U.S. eligible for PrEP were receiving it, even though more than 39,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV that year.
MISTR, an LGBTQ-owned telehealth platform, set out to change that by making PrEP free, online, and available in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. By 2025, MISTR has signed up more than 500,000 patients. One in three people in the United States on PrEP get it from MISTR.
Recognizing the need for a national moment to rally awareness, MISTR launched National PrEP Day on October 10, 2025. The campaign’s goal: sign up 10,000 new PrEP users in 10 days, with support from celebrities, influencers, nightlife venues, and LGBTQ+ leaders. By spotlighting PrEP in mainstream and LGBTQ+ media and securing official proclamations from cities and states, National PrEP Day established itself as an annual reminder that we can end HIV, if we make prevention accessible to all.
Today, National PrEP Day is both a celebration and a call to action. It reminds us that HIV is still spreading, but also that the tools to stop it are already in our hands. Ending HIV is not a matter of science.  It’s a matter of will, access, and equity.
National PrEP Day timeline
Doctors report unusual cases of pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma, marking the beginning of the HIV epidemic.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves Truvada for PrEP, the first drug proven to prevent HIV transmission.
Tristan Schukraft launches MISTR at Palm Springs Pride.
MISTR becomes the first national platform to offer free PrEP bundled with DoxyPEP, cutting STI positivity rates by more than 50%.
The FDA approves long-acting injectable PrEP, providing a new option for people who don’t want a daily pill.
On October 10, MISTR launches the first National PrEP Day to drive awareness and access nationwide.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National PrEP Day
Local businesses can support National PrEP Day by partnering with community health organizations to host educational events or distribute informational materials about PrEP. Pharmacies can highlight PrEP services and offer discreet consultations. Healthcare providers can run awareness campaigns about PrEP eligibility and access, ensuring their staff are well-informed to answer patient questions. Consider a donation matching program for local HIV prevention non-profits.
National PrEP Day FAQs
When is National PrEP Day?
National PrEP Day 2026 falls on Saturday, October 10, marking a crucial moment for HIV prevention awareness. This fixed date ensures consistent annual observance.
How effective is PrEP?
When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
How many new HIV infections occur daily in the U.S.?
According to its founder, MISTR, over 100 new HIV infections occur every day in the U.S., underscoring the urgent need for continued prevention efforts like PrEP access.
What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is taken *before* potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection, typically as a daily pill or long-acting injection. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is taken *after* potential exposure, within 72 hours, to prevent HIV from taking hold.
How to Observe National PrEP Day
Get on PrEP
Visit mistr.com to sign up for free PrEP online and have it delivered discreetly to your door.
Share your status
Post on social media with #NationalPrEPDay to let friends and followers know you’re on PrEP and proud.
Attend a National PrEP Day event
Follow @heymistr on social media to find a National PrEP Day event near you.
5 Facts About National PrEP Day
PrEP prevents HIV
When taken correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV by up to 99%.
Over 100 infections daily
Every day in the U.S., more than 100 people are newly diagnosed with HIV.
PrEP is for everyone
PrEP isn’t just for gay men—women, transgender people, and heterosexual men can all benefit.
It's free and accessible
MISTR is the only national telehealth platform offering PrEP free to both insured and uninsured patients.
PrEP + DoxyPEP = next-level protection
Together, PrEP and DoxyPEP help prevent HIV and reduce STIs, giving people more control over their health.
Why National PrEP Day is Important
We can end HIV
National PrEP Day reminds us that we already have the science and tools to stop HIV transmissions in our lifetime.
It’s about equity
PrEP use lags most among Black and Latino communities, women, and people in the South. National PrEP Day pushes for equal access across all groups.
It normalizes sexual health
By celebrating PrEP openly, National PrEP Day reduces stigma and empowers people to take charge of their health without shame.
National PrEP Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 10 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 10 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 10 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 10 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 10 | Thursday |
Social Media Tips for National PrEP Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands