The past 15 years have seen a concerning trend, with HIV diagnoses either remaining unchanged or increasing across most counties, particularly among Hispanic Texans. The challenge many counties face underscores the urgent need to address geographic disparities in socioeconomic conditions, health outcomes, and public health infrastructures across Texas.

Community-based organizations, health organizations, and health departments across Texas must be supported to continue their committed and demanding community work. Their dedicated efforts require consistent technical assistance, a strong workforce supply, and adequate funding and resources.

• Strengthen, Monitor, and Evaluate Service Integration: Improve coordination between HIV, behavioral, and aging services to provide comprehensive, seamless care.
• Develop Comprehensive Health Plans: Formulate plans comprehensively addressing interconnected health and behavioral health issues.
• Secure Sustainable Infrastructure: Evaluate and secure sufficient funding for counties to strengthen local health infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas.
• Expand Support for Rural and Community-led Health: Increase funding for Rural and Community Health Centers (CHCs) and support Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to broaden access to essential services.
• Address Health Workforce Shortages: Implement short and long-term plans to mitigate the growing shortage of healthcare and behavioral health professionals statewide.
• Improve Healthcare Access: Enhance the availability and affordability of healthcare coverage and services to ensure equitable care for all Texans.

By addressing these interconnected challenges together, we can create a more effective, equitable healthcare system that meets the needs of all Texans.

See our full report about HIV diagnoses among Hispanic Texans.

For more information on the impact of HIV among Hispanic Texans:

https://ilhe.org/2024-texas-hiv-update/.

Latino Commission on AIDS @ Houston

6666 Harwin Dr., Suite 370

Houston, TX 77036

The Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Health Network led this critical data analysis through their Institute for Latinx Health Equity, our community-driven research and innovation program.