Meet Malik, Director of Support Services
At Q Care Plus, we strive to provide the highest quality experience while you’re getting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) online.
We couldn’t do this without our amazing support services team, led by Malik Knox. We sat down with Malik to hear more about his journey to Q Care Plus, his passion for social justice, and his mission to ensure marginalized communities have more access to PrEP by getting PrEP online.
Let’s Kiki!
Q Care Plus: Let’s start with your background. What experience or previous roles did you hold that lead you to this role?
Malik: I always had a passion for social justice. After college, I moved to California to work on a farm. It was amazing! Once I had finished my time there, I looked for a company that combined tech and social justice. I started working at a telemedicine company helping people navigate the process of getting on PrEP.
I met Quinton, Q Care Plus’s founder, at a biomedical conference. I was impressed by his vision for Q Care Plus. So, when the opportuntiy arised , I jumped on it!
I love the model of providing free PrEP through online prescriptions. I think this makes it more accessible, which is what I’m all about!
Q Care Plus: That’s amazing. So, you’ve been here since the beginning?
Malik: Basically! The company started seeing patients in September 2020 and I started November 2020.
Q Care Plus: So, you mentioned you wanted to do something focused on social justice. What about the HIV Prevention space appealed to you?
Malik: As a queer person, I’m familiar with the history of the HIV/AIDS crisis in our country! I know the impact it has had and the stigma it still carries. When I was ready to get on PrEP, I had my own struggles with the accessibility of it. So, I know how it feels and want to make a difference.
Q Care Plus: So, having been in the HIV Prevention world for a while, is there anything that you think sets Q Care Plus apart from other providers?
Malik: Definitely! Particular communities like low-income folks, undocumented folks, gender non-conforming people, nonbinary people, and in general folks who don’t have as much access to PrEP do have access with Q Care Plus. Because of our virtual model, we can be in spaces like the south and rural communities where HIV is still stigmatized. Of course, homophobia and transphobia can happen anywhere regardless of geographic location, but it can be more common in certain places.
For anyone who does not have access to medical care that is safe for them in their community, we can step in and help!
Telehealth is not the best fit for everyone, but it’s showing people around the world that it DOES work for a large number of people, and it provides access and you can get services from the comfort of your home.
The providers can be anywhere as long as they are licensed. Instead of having one provider at a doctor’s office that specializes in the thing you need, telehealth allows for you to have a pool of knowledgeable people around the country who can work from anywhere and get you the care you need, and it’s a big plus.
Q Care Plus: Absolutely! So, what is one thing you want people to know about HIV prevention work or a myth that exists within the space?
Malik: Two main things: First, HIV is NOT an immediate death sentence.
There have been a lot of strides made. There are plenty of people who live long, healthy lives while living with HIV.
Secondly, if you’re Undetectable, you’re Untransmittable. We call this U=U. It means that many people living with HIV can reduce the viral load of HIV to the point where they won’t transmit the virus.
Rapid Fire Fun Questions:
- What is your go-to Karaoke song? “Stand Up” by Ludacris
- What show are you binging right now? All of the “Real Housewives” episodes in existence and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” I am a superfan!! I have rewatched “Buffy” countless times.
- Coffee or tea? I prefer tea.
- “Drag Race” or “Queer Eye?” “Drag Race.”
- Best success story at work? My team is like a little family. We care about each other and support each other throughout the work week and beyond!
Learn More
If you’re ready to get PrEP online and work with our amazing providers and customer support team, go to qcareplus.com and create a profile today to get started. We are here for you from the first time you visit our website through getting your prescription!
