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HIV Prevention at UTMB

HIV Prevention Patient Care

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a serious public health challenge in the U.S. and in Texas. The good news: we now have more tools than ever to prevent new infections. Prevention is essential not only to protect individuals but also to strengthen communities, promote health equity, and move toward ending the HIV epidemic. 

HIV Prevention 

We are committed to empowering communities across East Texas to stay healthy, informed, and safe. This resource page provides evidence-based information on HIV prevention—so that individuals, healthcare providers, and community organizations can work together for better health outcomes. 

How Texas AHEC East Supports HIV Prevention 

  • We collaborate with UTMB’s training and education networks to offer training, capacity-building, and resources for healthcare providers and community partners. 

  • Our network of regional Centers serves rural and high-need counties across East Texas, helping bring prevention tools to rural communities in need.

  • We emphasize health equity, workforce development, and community-informed strategies to ensure all individuals have access to prevention services. 

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HIV Prevention Strategies

| Key Prevention Strategies 

Below are foundational prevention strategies supported by national guidelines: 

  • Use of Condoms and Safer Sexual Practices: Consistent and correct condom use significantly reduces the risk of HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections. 

  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): 

    • PrEP: A daily or periodic medication for people who are HIV-negative and at elevated risk, shown to reduce transmission risk by about 99% when used correctly. 

    • PEP: A short-term course of medication begun within 72 hours after a possible exposure—meant for emergencies, not as a substitute for ongoing prevention. 

  • Treatment as Prevention (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable): For people living with HIV, taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) so their viral load becomes and remains undetectable means they cannot sexually transmit HIV. 

  • Avoiding Sharing Needles or Injection Equipment: For those who inject drugs, using sterile equipment or participating in syringe-services programs is key. 

  • Community Engagement and Health Equity: Prevention is most effective when tailored to local needs, addresses stigma, and engages communities in a meaningful way. 

Ryan White Program

| Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program 

What Is It? 

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is the largest federal program in the U.S. designed specifically for people living with HIV. It provides outpatient care, medication assistance, support services and capacity‐building for low-income or uninsured/underinsured people living with HIV. 

Authorized first in 1990 and reauthorized multiple times, it serves over half of all people living with HIV in the United States each year. 

Why It Matters for East Texas and UTMB 

  • If someone in East Texas is living with HIV, the Ryan White program may offer access to medical care, treatment support, case management and other essential services when other coverage is limited. 

  • This program supports efforts to reduce disparities in HIV care—especially in rural or resource-limited settings like those many of our rural counties face. 

How to Get Help 

Persons living with HIV who need medical care, support services or help navigating payment/coverage options should consult with their local HIV service provider, health department, or HIV-care clinic. Many partners are supported by Ryan White funds to deliver that care.

If you represent a clinic or community organization, Texas AHEC East can help connect you with training and integration of HIV-care linkage services. 

| Tools and Resources

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HIV Risk Reduction Tool

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HIV Prevention Resources

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Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

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Guidelines and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q: How often should I get tested for HIV? 
A: Everyone between the ages 13–64 should get tested at least once. If you have elevated risk (e.g., multiple partners, injection drug use, partner with HIV, men who have sex with men), you should test more frequently (for example every 3–12 months depending on your risk).

Q: Does PrEP really work, and who should consider it? 
A: Yes—PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed. You should consider it if you are HIV-negative and at higher risk (e.g., partner with HIV, multiple sexual partners, injection drug use). Always talk with a provider to see if it’s right for you.

Q: What does “Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)” mean? 
A: It means that a person living with HIV who takes antiretroviral therapy (ART) and keeps their viral load at an undetectable level cannot sexually transmit HIV to others. Regular care and adherence to treatment are essential.

Q: Can I prevent HIV transmission if I inject drugs? 
A: Yes. Use only sterile needles, syringes, and other equipment. Participate in syringe-services programs if available. Use prevention medications or ART as needed. Avoid sharing injection equipment. 

Q: What kind of tools or resources are available to help me or my organization? 
A: There are online risk-assessment tools, provider toolkits, fact sheets, downloadable materials, training modules and more (see Downloadable Tools section below).