Community Need
The data below show the scale of HIV, hepatitis C, and substance use challenges in California and the Inland Empire and explain why expanding pharmacy-based prevention and care is critical.
California Context
143,000 people are living with HIV
New HIV diagnoses increased by ~6% from 2019 to 2023, reaching nearly 5,000 per year
Hepatitis C causes more deaths than HIV, with a mortality rate 1.3 times the national average
An estimated 17% of Californians live with a substance use disorder as of 2025, nearly double the rate three years ago
Inland Empire Impact
Over 14,000 people are living with HIV
About 18% of infections remain undiagnosed
New HIV cases increased by 13% between 2020 and 2021
·Nearly 80% of new diagnoses occur among non-White individuals, with about one-third linked to substance use
Chronic hepatitis C is widespread, with more than 38,000 diagnosed cases
Overdose deaths have surged, nearly quadrupling in Riverside County since 2019, while fentanyl-related fatalities have increased by about 7,000% in San Bernardino County over the same period.
Gaps in Traditional Care
The region is designated as both a Medically Underserved Area and a Health Professional Shortage Area
Fewer than 10% of people eligible for PrEP are currently using it
Only about 2% of people who need medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder can access it
Many residents must travel 40 minutes or longer to reach HIV or hepatitis C care
Why Community Pharmacies
Community pharmacies are highly accessible, with over 90% of people in the region living within five miles of one
Extended hours and walk-in access make prevention services more accessible
Pharmacists are among the most trusted healthcare professionals in their communities
Studies show that 74 to 96% of patients screened for PrEP in pharmacies start PrEP, often the same day
Pharmacy-based services reduce stigma and improve access for underserved populations
Pharmacies have demonstrated their ability to deliver testing and prevention at scale during the COVID-19 pandemic
Pharmacies can provide integrated HIV, hepatitis C, overdose prevention, and substance use support in one accessible setting
What This Means for Care Delivery
These data highlight the need for new, accessible models of prevention and care. Community pharmacies and referring clinicians play a critical role in closing these gaps.