Lights of Legacy

More than 50 activists and advocates from Houston, Beaumont, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas joined Legacy Community Health Services for the 3rd Annual Texas HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Participants gathered in Austin the morning of February 18th for orientation and training on issues affecting the HIV/AIDS community. State Senator Rodney Ellis provided encouragement while outlining his bill ( SB 194 ) that would mandate opt-out HIV testing for health benefit/insurance plans. Other issues included Medicaid expansion, and funding for HIV/AIDS medication and prevention efforts. Representatives from the  Positive Organization Project (POP+) and the Ryan White Planning Council  joined Legacy staff and volunteers to share strategies and stories before dividing into teams to meet with legislators and staffers, including Representative Senfronia Thompson. This year's Advocacy Day was the first with a strong social media effort to include others who coul...

An interview with Januari Leo, Legacy’s Director of Public Affairs The first Lights of Legacy event for 2015 is just around the corner, and we’re inviting you to join us for the annual Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 18. We will meet with our elected officials about issues facing the HIV/AIDS community, healthcare funding, women’s health issues, and more. Januari Leo Director of Public Affairs Januari Leo, Legacy’s Director of Public Affairs, is spearheading this event for the Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition. We spoke with her about the history of Advocacy Day, why our voices are  so important, and the challenges ahead with the incoming Texas legislature. What is Advocacy Day? It’s a day of community activism sponsored by the Texas HIV/AIDS coalition, which is housed under Legacy. It was formed when drug manufacture Bristol Myers Squibb started a statewide coalition, targeting the big cities, trying to bring our “grasstops” (influential community members and opinion l...

“Let our New Year's resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.”  - Goran Persson, former Swedish prime minister As we wave goodbye to 2014 and welcome in the New Year, we want to thank you for helping us grow Lights of Legacy . Our new philanthropic group launched only eight months ago, but the 130 Lights of Legacy members have already contributed nearly $100,000.  Thank you for your support in helping us provide high-quality, compassionate health care to our clients. Parker Witt, Jerry Williams, Jim Mzyk, and Ken Council at Holiday Schmooze Many of you joined Lights of Legacy with a $1,000 contribution to our annual Holiday Schmooze , hosted by Kathryn and Jeff Smith. Proceeds from Schmooze benefit Legacy’s HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs. Check out the party photos here . You’ll find even more photos in the latest Our Legacy Today newsletter . We’re beginning a new tradition...

Dear Neighbors, I'm delighted to share an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands in our community.  Houstonians are known for being warm, welcoming and generous - and that spirit is reflected every day at Legacy Community Health Services. Formed in 1978, Legacy was the first to respond in Houston to the HIV epidemic of the 1980's.  Today, Legacy has grown into a system of full-service clinics offering health and wrap-around care to adults, children and families  of all kinds throughout southeast Texas.  I've had the privilege of supporting  this amazing organization for several years and have personally seen how their work touches the lives of so many. In addition to quality health care services, Legacy provides hope for a better future, and relies on private funding to keep its doors open to all.  Join the Lights of Legacy and join me in keeping the light of hope alive. Sincerely, Martha Turner

That's our legacy. At Legacy Community Health Services, we connect communities to health every day, in every way.  To some, that means getting the health care they deserve, but have never been able to access.  To others, it means feeling accepted, respected, and understood.  To all of us at Legacy, it means driving healthy change in our communities and being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Help patients and families who depend on Legacy to deliver  essential medical services. The Lights of Legacy is a philanthropic group that champions Legacy Community Health Services.  You can become a member with an annual or lifetime gift, 100 percent of which supports Legacy's goal of fostering healthy change in our communities. As a Lights of Legacy member, you do more than represent the largest federally qualified health center in Southeast Texas.  You also... share our belief in compassionate care, help patients and families who depend on Legacy to deliver essential medical services, become a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, advocate for the underserved and, drive healthy change in our communities

More than just donors, Lights are partners in Legacy's ongoing mission to provide  the highest-quality health care services to all who walk through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Legacy answers the call to provide devoted health care to individuals from all walks of life.  Your support helps us provide eyeglasses for patients without access to optometry services, vaccines for children so they can enroll in school, prenatal care for women without health insurance, and so much more. Lights of Legacy members enjoy activities throughout the year including social events, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.  Your involvement, at any level, makes a positive difference for Texans in need. Join Lights of Legacy today with an annual or lifetime gift!