Category Archives: Public Health

Legacy Advocates for HIV Decriminalization at National Conference

Members of Legacy’s Public Affairs and Public Health departments joined local people living with HIV (PLHIV) at the second annual HIV is Not a Crime National Training Academy last month in Alabama. The conference brought together activists and allies working to reform or repeal laws and statues that criminalize PLHIV.

Texas Veterans Still Not Getting the Health Care They Need

As we honor the fallen this Memorial Day weekend, it’s also a time to recommit to providing proper health care to veterans. Many veterans are not receiving the care they need in a timely manner in the VA health system. Community health centers like Legacy are ready and willing to provide high-quality care to them and their families.

The Pulse: State of the Galveston Bay; HIV Advocacy and Bernie Sanders

This week on The Pulse, Legacy Public Affairs Specialist Venita Ray discusses expectations for an upcoming meeting with Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders and other HIV advocates. Venita also provides some insight into a similar meeting recently held with Hillary Clinton. Heather Schiappa of the Galveston Bay Foundation reports on the “State of the Bay.” Is Galveston Bay …

Today is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) is observed annually on May 18th to recognize and thank all the dedicated individuals working to find a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine. It is also a day to educate about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research.

As Battle over Transgender Bathroom Policy Rages, Legacy Warns of Mental Health Consequences

All Gender Restroom Sign

Top Texas doctor specializing in transgender care: ‘I don’t want my patients pushed into even higher-risk categories.’

The Pulse: Anti-LGBT “Religious Freedom” Legislation, Zika Virus Update in Houston and more

On The Pulse this week, we dig into the the following headlines: – Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas, discusses “religious freedom” legislation – Legacy’s Dr. Ann Barnes, Chief Medical Officer, updates listeners on the pregnant woman in Houston who tested positive for Zika – Kathy Bilnoski of Faithful Paws talks about using mans best …

First Legacy Patient Tests Positive for Zika as Houston Flooding Sure to Boost Mosquito Population

Health center re-issues advisory to its patients. And to Congress. HOUSTON – Legacy Community Health, one of the nation’s largest community health centers, today announced its first patient, a pregnant woman, testing positive for Zika virus.  The woman had lived in El Salvador, where the virus is widespread, prior to coming to the U.S. earlier this year, …

PrEP: A Game changer in HIV Prevention

In America, new HIV-infection rates continuing to rise in many at-risk communities, prevention is the key in getting to zero new HIV infections. A new option in HIV prevention is pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP. PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool that, when combined with other prevention methods, can greatly reduce a person’s …