Here’s to Good Health: Latinos Salud Expands Healthcare Services and Community Reach

Visiting a health clinic often makes people feel like just another number, but Latinos Salud wants patients to feel like family. Founded in 2008 to provide HIV prevention education and resources to the gay Latino community, under the leadership of Executive Director Stephen Fallon, PhD, Latinos Salud has not only expanded into healthcare services, but also the communities it serves. For this interview, Dr. Fallon discusses the evolution of Latinos Salud and the vital services it provides to the South Florida community.

Megan Fitzgerald: For those who may not be familiar, could you tell us about Latinos Salud and its mission?

Dr. Fallon: Latinos Salud started with a specific focus: addressing the rise of new HIV infections among young gay Latino men in South Florida. It was clear that this population was being disproportionately impacted, and that was our starting point. But as the needs of our community evolved, we expanded.

The shift also happened because we recognized that Latino men don’t only date other Latino men, and our clients’ needs were much broader than just HIV prevention education. We needed to provide more comprehensive services, including HIV care, biomedical prevention options like PrEP, and resources for different age groups and populations.

Megan Fitzgerald: Although there have been incredible advancements in HIV care, South Florida continues to have the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in the nation. Why do you think that is?

Dr. Fallon: South Florida is unique for a number of reasons. First, we’re a region of immigrants—many people come here without any concept of how to access healthcare or HIV prevention resources. For some, there’s also a cultural stigma around discussing sexuality, especially in Latino and Caribbean communities, where homophobia and religious repression are still prevalent.

These factors lead to people not prioritizing their health, and engaging in risky behaviors without the necessary knowledge or protections. Then there’s the issue of tourism. South Florida is a global party destination, and while people come here for fun, they often don’t think about the health risks that come with high-risk behaviors like condomless sex, which further fuels the epidemic.

Additionally, the HIV epidemic here is so entrenched that the risk factors are higher for everyone. It’s not just about individual behavior—it’s about the community’s knowledge and access to prevention tools.

Megan Fitzgerald: You mentioned cultural norms. How does the Latino culture influence the way people approach their health, especially when it comes to HIV?

Dr. Fallon: In many Latino cultures, there’s a tendency to put family and community first, which sometimes means putting personal health last. This cultural norm can make it difficult for individuals to prioritize their sexual health or seek out care. Additionally, the fear of stigmatization around discussing HIV or sexual health issues can cause many people to avoid the conversation altogether. We try to change that by building trust and emphasizing the importance of self-care while respecting cultural values.

Megan Fitzgerald: What role does Latinos Salud play in addressing these issues in the community?

Dr. Fallon: We’re focused on increasing awareness, providing education, and offering access to critical services like testing, counseling, and medications. It’s important to us that people know we’re here for everyone—not just for the Latino community, but for anyone who needs help. We’ve worked hard to expand our programs and provide culturally competent care that meets the needs of diverse populations in South Florida.

Megan Fitzgerald: What sets Latinos Salud apart in terms of serving those who need help the most?

Dr. Fallon: The key difference is our focus on accessibility. A lot of people in need of care don’t have a primary care physician or can’t get appointments due to work schedules, lack of transportation, or other barriers. So, we’ve made sure to stay open later than any other HIV/STD agency or clinic in Florida—until 9 PM nightly—because we understand that people need flexibility. We also prioritize working with individuals who may not have health insurance or a way to pay for services, which are often barriers to care. Our mission is to meet people where they are, whether that’s through our extended hours, outreach programs, or by breaking down the cultural and logistical barriers that prevent them from accessing the help they need.

Megan Fitzgerald: It’s clear that you’re providing a critical service in South Florida. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?

Dr. Fallon: Our mission remains the same: to reduce new HIV infections and provide care to those most in need. We want to continue growing, to ensure that every individual—regardless of their background—has access to care and prevention options. We also want to continue to be a leader in HIV care and prevention in the U.S., working closely with the CDC and other organizations to set a standard for how to effectively address HIV in underserved populations. We hope that through education, advocacy, and innovative approaches like PrEP and U=U, we can continue to make real, lasting change.