Community
HotBox cares about the community beyond the party. Knowledge is power — use these resources to stay healthy, protect your partners, and take care of yourself.
Regular testing is self-care. Knowing your status protects you and your partners. Aim for full-panel STI testing every 3 months if you have multiple partners.
DC Health — STD Clinic
Free & confidential STI testing at multiple DC sites. HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia & more.
Find a DC Clinic →Whitman-Walker Health (DC)
LGBTQ+-affirming primary care & sexual health services. Walk-in sexual health testing available.
Whitman-Walker Services →Chase Brexton Health Care (MD)
LGBTQ+-focused health centers in Baltimore & surrounding Maryland counties.
Chase Brexton Locations →GetTested.CDC.gov
Find free & low-cost STI testing near any zip code in the US.
Find a Testing Site →DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a single antibiotic dose taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It significantly reduces the risk of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
How DoxyPEP Works
Take 200 mg doxycycline within 72 hours of sex. Most effective when taken as soon as possible. Not a substitute for condoms — it's a safety net.
CDC DoxyPEP Guidelines →Where to Get It (DC)
Whitman-Walker Health and DC Health centers prescribe DoxyPEP. Ask your provider if it's right for you.
Whitman-Walker DoxyPEP →Telehealth DoxyPEP
FOLX Health and other LGBTQ+-affirming telehealth platforms offer DoxyPEP prescriptions online.
FOLX Telehealth →PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill or bi-monthly injection that reduces your risk of getting HIV by up to 99% when taken consistently. If you don't have HIV and have sex with multiple partners, PrEP is for you.
Daily PrEP (Truvada / Generic)
One pill daily. Highly effective. Generic versions are very affordable and often free with insurance or through drug assistance programs.
CDC PrEP Overview →Apretude — Injectable PrEP
No daily pills — just a shot every 2 months. Available through most sexual health clinics.
Learn About Apretude →Ready, Set, PrEP
Free PrEP with no insurance needed through this national program.
Get Free PrEP →PrEP Locator
Find PrEP providers near you across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Find a PrEP Provider →PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is emergency medication you can take AFTER a potential HIV exposure. You must start within 72 hours — the sooner, the better. Do not wait.
Where to Get PEP Now (DC)
Go to any DC emergency room or urgent care — they are required to offer PEP. You can also call the DC HIV/AIDS Hotline.
DC HIV Services →nPEP Hotline
National HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis Hotline — 1-888-448-4911. Available 24/7 for PEP guidance.
Call 1-888-448-4911 →How PEP Works
A 28-day course of antiretroviral medications taken daily. Most effective when started within 24 hours of exposure.
CDC PEP Overview →The JYNNEOS vaccine provides strong protection against Mpox. Two doses are recommended, 4 weeks apart. Gay, bisexual, and MSM (men who have sex with men) are a priority group — get vaccinated now.
Vaccines.gov Finder
Find Mpox vaccine availability near your zip code across the entire DMV area.
Find Mpox Vaccine →DC Health Mpox Info
DC Health provides Mpox vaccination at multiple locations. Appointments available.
DC Mpox Vaccination →Maryland Mpox Vaccine
Maryland Department of Health maintains a list of vaccination sites across the state.
Maryland Vaccine Sites →No excuses. Free condoms and lube are available all across DC. Pick them up regularly.
Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. Being part of the community comes with real joys and real stressors. You don't have to carry it alone.
Whitman-Walker Behavioral Health
LGBTQ+-affirming therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care in DC. Sliding-scale fees.
Get Counseling →988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 anytime. Confidential crisis support, 24/7. LGBTQ+ specialized support available.
Call or Text 988 →The Trevor Project
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ people. 1-866-488-7386.
Trevor Project →Black Men's Mental Health Resources
Therapy for Black Men connects Black men with culturally competent therapists nationwide.
Find a Therapist →HotBox Events prohibits hard drugs on premises. If you or someone you know needs support, these resources are here — non-judgmentally.
SAMHSA Helpline
Free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information service. 1-800-662-4357.
Call 1-800-662-4357 →DC Needle Exchange Programs
Harm reduction services including clean supplies and overdose prevention across DC.
DC Harm Reduction →Naloxone (Narcan) — Get It Free
Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses. Free at many DC pharmacies and health centers without a prescription.
Get Free Naloxone →KNOW YOUR STATUS. PROTECT THE COMMUNITY.
Testing regularly is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and everyone around you.
Find a Testing Site Near You