Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, which makes a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If left untreated, it may also lead to AIDS.

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is severely damaged by the infection and if not treated in a timely manner can lead to death.

Fever, sore throat, rash, joint pain, inflamed lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, mouth lesions. Symptoms may resolve after initial infection but will later return in a more threatening manner.

HIV can only be spread through contact with certain bodily fluids such as blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

There is no cure for HIV, but it can me medically managed and kept under control below a certain range. We can even stop it from spreading to other people in what is called U=U (undetectable = untransmissible).

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and can lead to liver inflammation and cirrhosis.

Hep C can be spread through contaminated blood, sexual contact, sharing toothbrushes or razors, infected needles.

Most people don’t have symptoms but they can include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, jaundice, and abdominal swelling.

New treatments are available to cure Hep C in almost everyone.

Project Vida provides HIV and Hep C treatment services for you.

• Can HIV be cured? No, but it can be medically managed

• Can Hepatitis C be cured? Yes!

• Register to Project Vida -

  — If you have insurance, make sure PV accepts your insurance type (most insurances are accepted)

  — Fill application online or pick up a registration packet at any PV facility

  — Once registered, consult fees will vary based on income and household size

  — Schedule an appointment with our specialist

• Appointments can be scheduled by calling our Case Manager at 915-465-1191 extension 346

• Your specific treatment options will be reviewed with you during your appointment

• A valid ID (Texas preferred)

• Proof of address (Texas preferred)

• Insurance card - if any

• Proof of income (last 2 paycheck stubs or last year’s taxes)

  — If no income - letter of SNAP benefits, Social Security, or letter of support

• If HIV positive, proof of diagnosis if available

• Vaccination Cards including Covid-19 if available

Enrollees of the Ryan White Program benefit from a range of services including medical and lab visits, case management (medical and non-medical), mental health services, oral health services, transportation assistance, and health insurance support.

• To qualify for the program, individuals must have an HIV diagnosis, reside in Texas (with proof of residency), and fall below a specified income threshold.

• Valid ID, proof of Texas residency (e.g., utility bill), and proof of income for the last 30 days (e.g., pay stubs, income tax documents) are required for registration.

Enrollment requires regular medical and documentation visits at least twice a year. Failure to comply with appointments or provide necessary documentation by the due date will result in funding cancellation unless renewed.

• ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program)
  ADAP provides FDA-approved medications to low-income individuals with HIV who have limited or no health insurance, ensuring access to necessary treatments contingent upon compliance with medical visits.

• Project Vida Health Center Discounts (PVHC)
  PVHC offers discounted medical visits based on income eligibility. Patients must renew registration annually for continued access to discounted services.

To obtain or refill prescriptions, patients must stay current with lab work and medical visits. Failure to do so may result in denial of refills.

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PreP) is a new way to protect yourself from HIV. It’s as easy as taking one pill a day to prevent new HIV infections. It can be taken as long as necessary as long as you are HIV Negative.

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment that can help prevent a permanent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV. Your provider will determine what treatment is right for you based on how you were exposed to HIV.

• We can help you obtain PreP and PEP at zero or low cost regardless of insurance. See registration and scheduling instructions under 'How do I get started' mentioned above or call our PreP Navigator.