Since 1988, December 1 has been recognized as World AIDS Day. It’s a time for people to unite worldwide in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those special people in our lives who were taken away much too soon because of AIDS.

Community members and activists have done amazing work in the decades since the start of the HIV epidemic. At the same time, much work is left to do for a world without HIV.

Everyone deserves access to life-saving whole-person primary care, including sexual health care. Today, HIV is considered a chronic manageable condition, if people have access to the right tools and resources. Yet, the HIV epidemic rages on. In Texas, one in three people newly diagnosed with HIV identifies as black or African American. Two in five are Hispanic or Latino.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically interrupted the world’s efforts to end HIV. Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections had declined significantly since the start of the pandemic and many sexually transmitted infections are on the rise here in Texas.

At CommUnityCare’s David Powell Health Center patients receive inclusive, person-centered care that includes comprehensive sexual health care, PrEP, HIV testing and treatment. Regardless of who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what language you speak the care at CommUnityCare’s David Powell Health Center is both affirming and inclusive.

For more information visit https://www.davidpowellhealthcenter.org