Breaking Barriers: HIV Care and Support for Latinos at Legacy Community Health

In Harris County, where nearly half of Texas’s new HIV diagnoses are reported, the Latino community faces unique challenges—but also new opportunities for hope and change. Of the approximately 5,000 new HIV diagnoses reported annually in Texas, 40% occur in Harris County, with Hispanic/Latino individuals accounting for 22% of these cases.

These statistics highlight an urgent need for action to address the disproportionate impact on Latino communities.

Since its inception as a Montrose area clinic in 1981, Legacy Community Health has expanded into a comprehensive healthcare system with more than 50 locations across the Texas Gulf Coast. It offers confidential testing and treatment to support every community.

Most recently, a powerful movement has also emerged at Legacy to challenge the stigma surrounding HIV within the Latino community, empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Barriers to Care

The barriers to HIV care in the Latino community are complex. Language difficulties make it harder for many Latinos to navigate English-only healthcare resources. Additionally, socioeconomic inequalities, such as limited access to affordable healthcare and preventive tools like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), intensify the problem.

“One of the largest challenges we see is stigma around HIV,” said Jill Jahns, Health Navigation Director at Legacy Community Health. “Many people are afraid to be tested because they are not sure how their friends and family will react if the result is positive.”

“In my practice, I ensure patients are in a comfortable environment, free of judgment or critique,” said Legacy’s Dr. Vandana Shrikanth. “For Latino patients hesitant about HIV treatment, involving interpreters, health navigators, or even family members (with patient consent) can alleviate fear. Family involvement often minimizes stigma and creates a stronger support system for the patient.”

To address these barriers, Legacy Community Health offers bilingual, culturally sensitive services to support those who need both diagnosis and care. One of its most successful programs is AmistadesHTX. Amistades means friendship.

AmistadesHTX Empowers the Community

AmistadesHTX focuses on Hispanic men, but Legacy HIV Health Navigator Miguel Jacquez said he has seen others benefit from the program too. In addition to free HIV testing, AmistadesHTX offers access to PrEP and connection to primary care, as well as a social discussion group Cafe con Leche (a closed status-neutral group), and the media campaign Como Soy/As I Am.

“‘Como Soy’ gives space to members of the Latino community to discuss their lives, challenges, and successes around HIV testing, treatment, and prevention,” said Jahns. “This program helps normalize living with HIV and taking PrEP for HIV prevention.”

The commitment to sharing their narratives is where Latinos are empowering one another. By opening up about their journeys with HIV, mental health, and addiction, individuals create a ripple effect of support. Powerful stories, like parents embracing their LGBTQ+ or HIV-positive children, inspire change and foster healthier family dynamics.

As Miguel Jacquez emphasizes, “It’s brave to tell your story in front of people. It resonates, especially for those seeking services to remain healthy.”

Why Early Care Is So Important

More Latinos must know their HIV status early, as early diagnosis enables earlier treatment and better health outcomes. Texas Health & Human Services says that 1 in 331 Hispanic individuals are living with HIV in Texas, but Hispanic Texans, alongside men of any race, are most likely to delay testing.

Timely care after an HIV diagnosis is critical, but in 2021, 1 in 4 Texans diagnosed with HIV did not receive medical care quickly enough. Early and consistent treatment is essential for managing HIV effectively. In 2022, 7 out of 10 Texans with diagnosed HIV stayed in continuous care, and 87% of them achieved a suppressed viral load. This means they had such low levels of the virus in their bodies that they could not transmit it sexually. However, a recent CDC report reveals a troubling gap: Latino individuals are less likely to reach viral suppression, underscoring a major health disparity.

“Education about prevention, including PrEP, is vital,” said Dr. Shrikanth. “Many patients mistakenly believe they are not at risk because they are in monogamous or trusted relationships. Addressing these misconceptions and explaining the benefits of PrEP in an open and patient manner is key. For those worried about side effects, discussing injectable PrEP or prescription assistance programs can ease their concerns.”

Comprehensive HIV Services at Legacy

Legacy’s commitment to providing integrated HIV care ensures that individuals receive the medical, emotional, and practical support they need. Key services include:

• Comprehensive HIV Treatment: Legacy offers the most updated treatment options, including monthly injectables and IV therapy for treatment-resistant HIV.
• Mental Health Support: Counseling and therapy services are available to address the emotional challenges of living with HIV.
• Medication Adherence: Legacy Pharmacy provides free delivery of essential medications to ensure continuous treatment.
• Educational Outreach: Workshops and resources help raise awareness about prevention and treatment options.

Jahns shared a success story that illustrates the power of Legacy’s navigation services:

“Recently, there was a patient who was diagnosed with HIV through our navigation team. The HIV had been untreated and advanced to AIDS. The patient did not have a support system in Houston and was experiencing a lot of personal stress due to other circumstances. Their navigator worked with them almost daily for weeks to ensure they were making their doctors’ appointments and able to get their medication. Eventually, the navigator also helped the patient move to be closer to a friend and support system. Through the work of the navigator, the patient was empowered to take control of their health condition and was able to reach an undetectable viral load in just a few months. They are taking care of themselves, feel good, and have told the navigator that because of him their life has turned around.”

Join the Effort: Take Action Today

Legacy Community Health is committed to providing comprehensive care for any individual living with HIV. Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and educating the Latino community is critical.

• Get Tested: Access free, confidential testing at Legacy locations or through home test kits.
• Learn About Prevention: Explore tools like PrEP and DoxyPEP to protect yourself and your loved ones.
• Spread Awareness: Encourage open conversations in your community to reduce stigma and misinformation.
• Support the Cause: Volunteer, donate, or participate in Legacy’s community events.

Legacy’s work is building a healthier future for the Latino community because everyone deserves access to life-saving care. For more information about testing, prevention, and care, or to get involved in Legacy’s efforts, visit their website or call (832) 548-5000.