The Urgent Fight Against HIV in Black Communities: Legacy Community Health Leads the Way

HIV continues to devastate Black communities in Houston and across the U.S., fueled by systemic inequities that demand immediate action. In Harris County, Black Houstonians account for 50% of new HIV diagnoses despite being only 18% of the population—a staggering disparity (Harris County Public Health, Richon Ohafia, MPH). Nationally, the numbers are equally alarming: Black Americans, just 13% of the population, make up 42% of all new HIV cases, underscoring the urgent need to confront these deep-seated inequities head-on.

For more than four decades, Legacy Community Health has led the charge against HIV. Through comprehensive care, relentless advocacy, and education, Legacy stands firm in supporting those living with HIV and dismantling the stigma that perpetuates this crisis.

The Deep-Rooted Barriers to HIV Care in Black Communities

Not only do black communities face disproportionately high rates of HIV, Black women experience new diagnoses at rates five times higher than Hispanic women and ten times higher than white women.

These alarming numbers highlight not just a medical crisis but the pervasive effects of systemic inequities, including housing instability, limited access to healthcare, and systemic racism. The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS—whether it’s the shame or worthlessness individuals may feel, or the very real fear of discrimination—only serves to isolate them further and discourage them from seeking the care they need.

“In many communities, HIV stigma continues to be a barrier to people seeking out treatment and prevention services. Knowing your HIV status through testing can be intimidating, but it is the first step in knowing the best way to stay healthy,” says Jill Jahns, Health Navigation Director at Legacy Community Health. “People often think HIV only impacts certain groups of people, but someone can contract HIV regardless of their gender, race, age, or sexual orientation.”

Legacy Community Health offers free, fast, and confidential HIV testing at nine convenient locations across Houston and Beaumont. By addressing stigma and expanding access to services through walk-in clinics and full-panel testing by appointment, Legacy empowers individuals to take the first critical step: knowing their status.

Legacy’s Integrated Approach: Comprehensive HIV Care

Legacy’s commitment to compassionate, holistic HIV care ensures that everyone has access to the resources they need to live healthier lives. Our services include:

• Primary Care: Providing comprehensive HIV medical treatment, including cutting-edge options like monthly injectables and IV therapy for treatment-resistant HIV.
• Prevention Options: Offering PrEP, DoxyPEP, and other prevention tools to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
• Mental Health Support: Addressing the emotional and psychological challenges of living with HIV.
• Medication Adherence: Monitoring and free delivery of essential medications through Legacy Pharmacy.

“Integrating mental health support into HIV care has been vital to helping someone get holistic treatment,” explains Jill Jahns. “These services give someone a person to talk to right away who can help them process their new diagnosis and what it means for their continued health and well-being. At Legacy, our mission is to treat someone as a whole person instead of only treating their health conditions; these services help us do just that.”

“Education about prevention plays a major role,” adds Legacy’s Dr. Vandana Shrikanth. “So many patients assume that they are not at risk either because they are in a monogamous relationship or with a few trusted partners. Spending a few minutes discussing PrEP openly and patiently may help them decide to start on it. Another major misconception is that PrEP is unaffordable for the uninsured or too expensive in general. Having conversations about prescription assistance programs and generic options has worked well with my patients.”

Partners in Fighting Stigma and Empowering Communities

Addressing the stigma surrounding HIV is crucial in halting its spread, and Legacy is committed to this fight through partnerships like the Texas Black Women’s Initiative (TxBWI). Initiatives such as S.H.E. Ready provide Black women with education and safe spaces to make informed choices about their sexual health, empowering both individuals and communities.

Black women have always played a central role in the HIV/AIDS movement, stepping in when traditional systems have failed. From Dr. Rashidah Abdul-Khabeer’s grassroots condom education in the 1980s to Katrina Haslip’s advocacy for gender-inclusive AIDS definitions, their work has significantly shaped how HIV is understood and treated. Legacy honors these trailblazers and the Black women within its ranks who continue to lead the charge in creating a healthier future for all. Their dedication ensures that those affected by HIV receive not only the care and compassion they deserve but also the tools to thrive.

“I have always been passionate about healthcare and helping people live their healthiest lives,” said Jahns. “I originally wanted to be a doctor, but in school, I found the parts of medical care that I was most passionate about were public health. I got my degree in that field and have loved it ever since.”

“Now, people living with HIV can live just as long and full a life as someone who is not living with HIV,” adds Jahns. “As someone in public health, I also believe prevention is the best medicine, which is why PrEP is so important. Through this medication, a person can prevent the transmission of HIV. That is amazing. HIV treatment and prevention are pathways we can use to reduce HIV transmission rates in our city and across the nation.”

Get Involved and Support the Fight

While National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is February 7th, we invite you to join Legacy every day in engaging, educating, and empowering Black communities to end the HIV epidemic. By supporting prevention, seeking education, and standing against stigma, you can make a lasting difference.

• Get Tested: Visit one of Legacy’s locations for free HIV testing, or order a test kit to use in the privacy of your home.
• Learn More: Explore prevention options like PrEP and DoxyPEP, and ask about personalized care plans.
• Take Action: Spread awareness and encourage others to know their status.

For more information about testing, prevention, or care, visit our website or contact Legacy at (832) 548-5000.