Legacy Community Health Offers Comprehensive Care for HIV Patients

For decades, Legacy Community Health has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS care. Our history and ongoing commitment to inclusive care make us a trusted provider for individuals living with HIV.

With more than 28,000 HIV-positive people living in the Houston area, access to patient-centered care has never been more important. Our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals work together to serve over 7,000 HIV-positive patients annually, offering comprehensive and compassionate care.

This commitment to exceptional care is exemplified by leaders like Dr. Nathalie Vanek, who brings both expertise and empathy to the forefront of HIV treatment.

Dr. Nathalie Vanek’s Dedication to HIV Patient Care

Dr. Nathalie Vanek, an Infectious Diseases specialist who serves as Clinic Medical Director of Legacy Montrose, has dedicated her career to treating individuals with HIV. Her experience with the HIV community is deeply personal.

She chose a career in medicine, with a special interest in HIV care, due to a loss experienced early on when little was understood about the virus. “I grew up in the era of HIV when…people didn’t know what it was,” she says. “I had high school friends who were dying [of AIDS] when I was in high school. And in particular I had a very good friend, Simon, who died of HIV before there was a name for it.”

“He was a very close friend of mine. And I still think about him,” she shares. “I really felt like I had to do something to try to make a change, or that my friends were all going to die.”

Today Dr. Vanek is a leading voice in HIV care for both adolescents and adults. “I remember people feeling such a sense of relief when the first test for HIV came out. So I remember every step of the way through the whole HIV epidemic,” she says. Her passion resonates in her approach to patient care, ensuring every person feels supported and understood.

Comprehensive HIV Care: What It Means at Legacy Community Health

At Legacy Community Health, we know comprehensive HIV care is about treating the whole person—physically, emotionally, and socially. People living with HIV deal with unique challenges, and we’re here to address their needs with dignity and respect. Our focus is on creating a personalized plan that empowers our patients to live fulfilling lives.

Our HIV-related services are available at multiple locations, including Legacy Community Health in Montrose, the Wellness Bar by Legacy, and Gulfton Dashwood Infectious Disease clinic.

• LGBTQ and Adult Primary Care Services: We provide on-site primary and specialty care designed specifically for HIV patients. We offer access to the latest HIV prevention and treatment options, including monthly injectables and IV therapy for treatment resistant HIV.
• Medication Support: We offer medication adherence support and monitoring. Patients have access to innovative treatments like monthly injectable medications and IV therapy for treatment-resistant HIV. We also have free medication delivery with Legacy Pharmacy.
• Behavioral Health Services: Our counseling and mental health staff help patients navigate the emotional complexities of living with HIV.
• Support Services: Our social workers and case managers help patients with a variety of things, such as food assistance programs and nutrition counseling, financial assistance for low-income individuals, and finding the right support group and community connections.

We believe in patient-centered care, putting patient needs and preferences at the forefront of every decision to create a personalized plan that empowers every patient to live a full life.

Preventing and Managing HIV: Testing, PrEP, and PEP

“We wish the HIV epidemic was over; sadly it is not,” says Dr. Vanek. That’s why she stresses the importance of prevention in reducing the spread of HIV and quick treatment if infection does occur. “We always want people to be tested [for HIV] so that they know their status. If you’re unsure, or just want to be checked, come over to get tested.”

Testing and prevention are key to turning the tide against HIV, which is why Legacy Community Health is dedicated to offering accessible solutions that empower individuals to take charge of their health.

• Free, Confidential HIV Testing: Testing is the first step in knowing your status and taking control of your health. We offer free and confidential testing with rapid results at several convenient locations across the greater Houston area.
• PrEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication that reduces the risk of acquiring HIV by up to 99%. We offer same-day PrEP appointments, ensuring quick and easy access to this powerful preventive medication.
• PEP: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency treatment available within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. We offer patients this important intervention to reduce their risk of infection.

Beyond HIV: Our Holistic Approach to Health

Legacy Community Health understands that wellness extends beyond HIV care. In addition to our primary care services, we offer a comprehensive suite of services that include:

• Dental and Vision Care: Ensuring patients have access to essential healthcare services that improve quality of life.
• Endocrinology and Vaccinations & Immunizations: Offering specialized care for hormonal health and immunizations to prevent other illnesses.
• Pharmacy Services: With free medication delivery and a dedicated Pharmacy PrEP program, managing medications has never been easier.

By addressing the broader health needs of our patients, we ensure that people living with HIV can thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Empowering People to Take Charge of Their Health

Dr. Vanek highlights the growing need for awareness. The two largest growing populations of people with HIV in the Houston area are women and young people. “Women get [HIV] through unprotected sex. They may not know that their partner has it, and so we always want women not to be afraid to ask for STD testing,” she says. The other fastest growing HIV-positive group “is our young people, usually age 15-24.”

She adds, “People may not know that they know someone with HIV, but most likely, everybody does.”

For people living with HIV, fear of the unknown can be a barrier to care. Through education, advocacy, and community support, we help empower people to take control of their health. This often starts with a single first step.

Whether you need HIV testing or ongoing care–or just want to learn more–Legacy Community Health is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment by visiting us online or calling (832) 548-5000. We have over 50 convenient clinics across the Houston area and Beaumont that are ready to serve you.