Title : Meeting the needs of adults aged 50+ with HIV through the new opening of a primary care clinic at the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada
Abstract:
Aging individuals living with HIV face distinct challenges, including managing comorbidities, maintaining continuity of care, and sustaining adherence to treatment. The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada provides integrated HIV services through its downtown STI clinic and newly opened primary care clinic. In 2025, a soft launch of a mobile unit further expanded access for patients facing barriers to traditional clinic settings.
Between January and October 2025, 179 individuals newly engaged in HIV care at the Center were analyzed. Patients were categorized as new (first-time HIV diagnosis), re-engaged (previously on treatment but out of care and returning), or transferred (patients moving care from other clinics while remaining on treatment). Two dedicated case managers, including the Ryan White Program Manager, provide support for care coordination, linkage to services, and navigation of clinical and social resources. Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and linkage to care were documented, and demographics were summarized for patients aged 50 and older.
In 2025, the Center provided HIV care to 506 patients, of whom 158 (31%) were aged 50 years or older. Among the 179 newly engaged patients, 55 (31%) were ≥50 years, comprising 11 newly diagnosed (20%), 18 re-engaged (33%), and 26 transferred (47%). HCV testing was completed for 39 aging individuals (71%), with 6 (15%) testing positive. Demographic characteristics highlight overlapping vulnerabilities: 15 Hispanic individuals (27%), 15 individuals of other racial/ethnic minority groups (27%), 24 men who have sex with men (44%), 5 women of color (9%), 4 individuals who inject drugs (7%), and 6 experiencing homelessness (11%).
HIV-specific services accessible to aging individuals include routine HIV laboratory monitoring, HCV testing and linkage to care, access to an HIV Peer Navigator who supports medication adherence and appointment retention, and on-site pharmacy and phlebotomy services that streamline medication pickup and laboratory access. The expansion into primary care has strengthened the Center’s capacity for consistent, coordinated HIV management, enabling improved monitoring of comorbidities common in older adults—such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mental health conditions—while providing timely interventions across the care continuum.
Preliminary observations suggest that the integration of HIV care within a primary care environment improves retention, enhances continuity of care for aging individuals, and reduces fragmentation between STI services, HIV management, and general health needs. This coordinated approach is particularly valuable for older adults living with HIV, who often require comprehensive, long-term support to manage both HIV-related and age-related health concerns.
These data demonstrate a substantial cohort of aging individuals engaged in HIV care at the Center. Integration of STI and primary care services, supported by dedicated case managers and Ryan White coordination, improves retention and continuity of care while addressing complex comorbidities. The mobile unit further expands access for hard-to-reach populations. Early observations suggest that coordinated, age-responsive HIV care enhances engagement, facilitates timely treatment initiation, and supports management of both HIV-related and age-associated health needs. Full 2025 data will be included if accepted for presentation.
