Legacy Promotes Health Equity While Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) is a time for celebration. It recognizes the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities throughout the nation. In Texas, Hispanics account for 40% of the population and are an essential part of the state’s cultural fabric, adding to its diversity and strength.

This time is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that still exist, particularly when it comes to health disparities. Barriers to health care access, language differences, and socioeconomic factors continue to disproportionately affect Hispanic and Latinx communities, highlighting the need for ongoing education and resources to improve health equity.

October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

HIV remains a critical concern for Hispanic and Latinx communities. Although these populations make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, they account for over a third of all new HIV infections. This disparity underscores the importance of National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), which is observed on October 15 and focuses on raising awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS on the Latinx community while promoting prevention, testing, and treatment.

The persistence of misinformation around HIV and AIDS continues to create barriers to care. Many people may hesitate to seek help because they are unsure of what to expect or are unaware of the resources available to them.

At AmistadesHTX by Legacy, we are offering free, confidential HIV testing from 9 AM to 6:30 PM at our location: 5420 Dashwood Drive, Suite 201, Houston, TX 77081. In addition to testing, you can ask about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and Doxy PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) appointments. We also offer comprehensive treatment options for those who need them.

The time is now and National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day gives us the opportunity to bring awareness to the Latino/a/x communities with an emphasis on Preventing new HIV infections by reducing stigma and Health inequities that are impactful in our community,” says Miguel Jacquez, Latino Outreach Coordinator from AmistadesHTX, a group working to support health initiatives in Hispanic and Latinx communities.

What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation, can contract HIV.

Preventive measures, such as condom use and other safe practices, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV. While there is no cure, medical advancements allow people living with HIV to manage the virus effectively. With proper treatment, individuals with HIV can live long, fulfilling lives.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV, which helps reduce the viral load in the body. With consistent treatment, the virus can become undetectable, meaning there is an extremely low risk of transmission.

“Younger generations have not seen or have experienced the Health and Social injustices that People living with HIV/AIDS went through in its infancy, Continued knowledge of HIV/AIDS is imperative when it comes to becoming informed as an individual. We need to continue with the Advocacy and Awareness to instill the severity on this topic to future generations,” said Jacquez.

Prevention and Treatment

At Legacy Community Health, our goal is to make HIV and AIDS services accessible and seamless. We offer free, confidential HIV testing in the greater Houston area and Beaumont, with walk-in options available to ensure ease of access.

For those who test positive for HIV, we provide antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps manage the virus and prevents progression to AIDS. For those who test negative, we offer prevention methods like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a medication that reduces the risk of contracting HIV.

We understand that language barriers and cultural challenges can make accessing health care difficult for many in the Hispanic community. That’s why we provide bilingual services and culturally sensitive care to ensure that every patient feels welcome and respected.

“AmistadesHTX by Legacy is here to offer opportunities to the Latino/a/x community by celebrating life and culture as it relates to stigma reduction on topic by normalizing discussions such as HIV/AIDS. We do this on Social media through Visual campaigns like #ComoSoy and through hosting status neutral discussion groups like ‘Cafe con leche,’” said Jacquez.

In addition to medical treatment, Legacy offers emotional and social support services, ensuring that our care addresses the full spectrum of well-being for our patients and their families. We are committed to supporting everyone in their health journey.

For more information, visit Legacy Community Health.

Legacy in Action

• Ongoing health disparities affect Hispanic and Latinx communities (40% of Texas population), including barriers to health care.
• National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (Oct. 15) raises awareness of HIV’s impact on Latinx populations, who account for over a third of new HIV cases.
• Legacy Community Health provides free, confidential HIV testing to encourage prevention and early treatment.
• Prevention and treatment: Legacy offers HIV prevention (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) to help manage HIV and improve health outcomes.
• Bilingual and culturally sensitive care ensure the Hispanic community feels welcome and supported at Legacy.
• Legacy also offers emotional and social support services to address patients’ overall well-being.