PrEP4Teens x TaskForce: More than a Match

When PrEP4Teens started, it was based at Northwestern University and focused primarily on research, collecting information and data from teens to create something that connects with young people and PrEP in an authentic, engaging way. Ideally something really cool!

Once the project had collected the data, we decided to do more than just share the findings and move on. We wanted to do more than publish a paper or two or hold a webinar. We wanted to take the teens’ wisdom and insights we gathered and bring the concept of a social marketing and community mobilization campaign for teens to LIFE.

Because the project focused so closely on spreading information through community, it needed a partner. TaskForce, an incredible, Black and Queer-led organization on the West Side of Chicago seemed like a good fit. We started connecting and working together in the summer of 2023. From that point onward we collaborated closely, securing new funding, hosting events together, building relationships, distributing swag, and all sorts of other fun things to get the word out that PrEP was – and IS – for teens, too! The plan, all along, was for Northwestern to eventually step back into an advisory role and for TaskForce to take the reins and run the show. As 2025 is upon us, TaskForce has the keys to the PrEP4Teens car, and is in the driver’s seat.

When it was born, PrEP4Teens was separate from TaskForce. That's not true, anymore: PrEP4Teens is TaskForce and TaskForce is PrEP4Teens. Projects for the community should live in the community. And TaskForce works tirelessly to serve the community. That includes bringing you all of the health information you could ask for!

Please be sure to follow PrEP4Teens on IG and TikTok and keep an eye on TaskForce too. The project recently received unrestricted funding from ViiV for the next three years, and we have funds from the Chicago Department of Public Health too. Many thanks to both these funders.

All of which means we have lots in store for YOU this year, and in the years to come. We hope you will join us in our mission to ensure all Chicago teens know that PrEP is a choice they can make for themselves if they want!

Like this blog? Read more about TaskForce at their website here!