September is Sexual Health Awareness Month: A Year-Round Guide to Staying Healthy

September serves as Sexual Health Awareness Month, highlighting the need for open dialogue about sexual health. Awareness campaigns shine a spotlight on health issues that need ongoing attention. At Legacy Community Health, however, sexual health is something we’re committed to year-round.

In June, our Health Navigation Director, Jill Jahns, contributed to the ongoing conversation with a KPRC interview for National HIV Testing Day. September is another opportunity to bring that same energy to broader community discussions about sexual health

Houston’s Sexual Health Crisis

According to recent data from Harris County Health, HIV infection rates in Houston and Harris County are higher than state and national averages.

“For new HIV infections and also for other STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, Houston/Harris County is higher than Texas and Texas is higher than the U.S.,” Jahns explains.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Gonorrhea cases in Texas have increased by 32% over four years
• Syphilis has surged by 79%, with Houston experiencing an active outbreak
• HIV infection rates grow faster here than anywhere else in Texas
• Chlamydia remains the second most reported STI, especially among ages 15-24

Breaking Down Myths

One of the biggest challenges is combating misconceptions that prevent people from seeking care.

Myth: Only certain groups of people are at risk for STIs and HIV.

Reality: This simply isn’t true. Mario Harper, Director of U.S. Business Action to End HIV, puts it clearly: “Everyone is HIV possible, is what we like to say.” HIV and other STIs don’t discriminate based on age or relationship status. As Jahns notes, whether you’re “single or in a relationship, in your 20s or your 60s, anyone can be affected.”

Myth: If I don’t have symptoms, I don’t need testing.

Reality: Many STIs don’t show obvious symptoms. This makes it easy to unknowingly pass infections to partners. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, you could be spreading infections without knowing it.

Myth: HIV is still a life-threatening diagnosis.

Reality: This is no longer true. With proper treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Treatment can lower the virus to undetectable levels, making transmission impossible. Medical advances have made it so that people can’t develop AIDS if they receive timely HIV treatment. Early diagnosis and consistent care have transformed HIV from a fatal disease into a manageable condition.

What the Experts Are Seeing

During her recent interview for National HIV Testing Day, Jahns shared concerning observations. Houston’s higher-than-average infection rates might result from people thinking they’re not at risk. This misconception is dangerous because it prevents proactive health measures.

The CDC recommends annual testing for individuals ages 13 to 64. Those at higher risk need more frequent testing. People with multiple sexual partners should get tested even more regularly.

Dr. Natalie Vanek, Clinic Medical Director of Legacy Montrose, has highlighted a particularly troubling trend: “The two fastest growing populations with HIV are women and young people between ages 15-24.” Women often contract HIV through unprotected sex, sometimes unaware of their partner’s status. “We always want women to not be afraid to ask for STD testing.”

Four Decades of Compassionate Care

Legacy Community Health has been at the forefront of care since 1982. We started as the Montrose Clinic and pioneered HIV testing in Texas through our Program for AIDS Counseling & Evaluation (PACE). Our commitment to confidential, compassionate care has never wavered.

From the beginning, Legacy prioritized complete privacy. We created off-site HIV testing areas for patients uncomfortable visiting the main office. This approach ensured people could seek help without fear of judgment.

Today, Legacy continues this mission through innovative programs:

• Rapid Start Program: Newly diagnosed patients begin treatment immediately
• ID Care Now: Concierge-style infectious disease care
• PrEP and DoxyPEP: Prevention options for those at risk
• Comprehensive STI testing: Available at multiple locations with flexible hours

Your Health Matters Every Day of the Year

To support the community’s year-round health needs, Legacy Community Health offers walk-in STI and HIV testing at multiple Houston and Beaumont locations. Many offer evening and weekend hours to accommodate your schedule.

Regular testing, open communication with partners, and quality health care access are essential tools. These protect both you and your community.

“Legacy has a team of people who will be there with you regardless of your test result,” Jahns assures patients. “You will not be alone. Someone will be with you to make sure you get what you need to live your healthiest life.”

Take Action Today

Ready to prioritize your sexual health? Call (832) 548-5000 or visit us online to schedule your confidential testing appointment.

We also offer At-Home HIV Test Kits for those unable to visit a clinic. Testing is available at these locations:

• Montrose • Gulfton Dashwood • Wellness Bar • Northline • AmistadesHTX • Southwest • Beaumont

At Legacy Community Health, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, judgment-free care. Not just in September, but every day of the year.