RESILIENCE AND RESULTS
RESILIENCE AND RESULTS:
ENDING THE HIV EPIDEMIC DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Legacy has been at the forefront of fighting the HIV epidemic since its very beginning. In recent years, the South has become the epicenter of the epidemic, accounting for an estimated 52% of new HIV diagnoses annually while accounting for 38% of the U.S. population. The South is behind in providing essential services for HIV prevention and treatment compared to the rest of the country. For example, 27% of PrEP users in the U.S. in 2016 lived in the South, although more than half of new HIV diagnoses occurred here. In the past year, COVID-19 magnified many of the systemic factors contributing to the epidemic, compelling Legacy to reevaluate its approach in helping to end the HIV epidemic. In 2019, Legacy expanded the number of locations at which it offers free walk-in HIV testing from four to nine, making it easier for community members to find testing nearby. Patient Educators were added to the expanded locations to provide support and linkage to care and financial resources. One important breakthrough in Legacy’s fight against HIV last year was the implementation of same-day PrEP. In the past, it could take patients several visits to a health care provider and several more days or even weeks to get started on PrEP. Legacy launched same-day PrEP so that patients can start the regimen within hours of their testing visit, providing patients with HIV protection the same day they are tested. This has been critical in empowering patients to take control of their health and immediately reduce their HIV risk. At the same time, Legacy’s Public Health and Marketing teams implemented an awareness and engagement campaign to reduce stigma associated with HIV and remove barriers to HIV testing, prevention and treatment. These efforts sought to educate a broad audience about HIV to normalize it, address misconceptions about risk and empower community members to seek testing and care while “owning their health.” While there is still work to be done in the fight to end HIV, Legacy’s innovation and outreach achieved substantial results. In 2019, Legacy provided 3,314 rapid HIV tests and completed 10,287 PrEP prescriptions. Legacy’s roots run deep in local, regional and national efforts to end the HIV epidemic and that commitment continues. While COVID-19 made it more challenging to connect with community members, Legacy opened new channels for people in Southeast Texas to find safe, non-judgmental spaces to engage with their health.
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