1st Provider in TEXAS: Omar Longoria offers groundbreaking “Yeztugo” HIV Prevention Treatment & met with Pharmaceutical Leaders in Chicago
- Albert Capistran (Writer)
- Nov 19
- 6 min read
By Albert Capistran (Writer)
The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is no stranger to health challenges with rising DIABETES, widespread OBESITY, high TEEN PREGNANCY rates, and limited preventive care access. However, a new and promising chapter is unfolding. OMAR LONGORIA, MSN, APRN, FNP‑BC, has MADE HISTORY as the first provider in Texas to offer YEZTUGO, a new and advanced HIV prevention injection, right here at Vitality Family Medical Group. Thanks to a powerful partnership with Gilead Sciences, Mr. Longoria recently joined national leaders in Chicago as a distinguished guest speaker on the Gilead Post‑Launch Advisory Board, amplifying the RGV’s voice in healthcare innovation.
Twice a year, one shot…BIG protection. This is a game-changer for health in South Texas.
The RGV Health Landscape: Challenges That Demand Action
Before celebrating this breakthrough, it’s essential to understand the RGV’s unique health realities. The region is predominantly Hispanic, and roughly 25 % of families live in poverty; unemployment sits near 6.81 % and educational attainment remains low—about 20 % of residents have less than a 9th‑grade education, and only 25 % have a high school diploma[1]. These social determinants—poverty, limited education and health literacy—contribute to a disproportionate burden of chronic disease.
Rio Grande Valley Health Snapshot:
To illustrate the region’s health landscape, here is a snapshot summarizing key indicators and their implications:
Health Indicator | RGV Reality | Implications |
Teen Birth Rate | 28.8 per 1,000 girls aged 15–19 in 2023—49 % higher than the Texas average and more than twice the U.S. rate[2]. | High teen birth rates highlight gaps in sexual education and contraception access, underscoring the need for reproductive health services and counseling. |
Obesity Prevalence | Obesity contributes to diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle medicine, weight management and metabolic health programs. | |
Diabetes Rate | High diabetes rates increase the risk of amputations, kidney disease and cardiovascular complications. Early screening, lifestyle modification and comprehensive management are essential. | |
Sexually Transmitted Infections | Rising STDs highlight the urgency of accessible sexual health services, including PrEP, condoms and education. Integrating Yeztugo into routine care addresses part of this challenge. | |
HIV Prevalence | RGV counties have some of the highest HIV prevalence in Texas; high poverty, low health literacy and transiency contribute to late diagnosis[6]. | Highlights the need for early testing, rapid treatment, and preventive measures like Yeztugo. |
Amputation Rates | Texas recorded 5 diabetes‑related amputations per 10,000 hospital discharges in 2023, but RGV counties had higher rates: Hidalgo 6.8 %, Cameron 7.8 %, Starr 11 %, Willacy 12.9 %[16]. | Shows severe complications of uncontrolled diabetes and underscores the need for preventive care and lifestyle changes. |
These data illustrate why the RGV needs innovative, equitable healthcare solutions like Yeztugo and highlight Vitality Family Medical Group’s commitment to providing them.
What Is YEZTUGO?
YEZTUGO (lenacapavir) is a long‑acting HIV‑1 capsid inhibitor developed by Gilead Sciences. In June 2025 the FDA approved Yeztugo as the first and only pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option offering six months of protection per injection[17]. This approval was based on Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials, where ≥99.9 % of participants remained HIV‑negative[17][18]. Yeztugo represents a MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH because:
Twice‑Yearly Dosing: It is administered twice a year, simplifying adherence and addressing challenges associated with daily pills[17].
Unmatched Efficacy: In the PURPOSE 1 trial, zero HIV infections occurred among 2,134 participants receiving twice‑yearly Yeztugo[18]. In the PURPOSE 2 trial, only two infections occurred among 2,179 participants, demonstrating a 99.9 % protection rate[18].
Priority Review & Breakthrough Therapy Designation: The FDA granted Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy Designation, recognizing Yeztugo’s substantial improvement over available PrEP options[19].
Addresses Barriers: Experts note that a twice‑yearly injection could boost PrEP uptake and persistence, helping individuals overcome stigma, adherence challenges and low awareness[20].
Fits Real‑World Needs: In 2023 more than 100 people were diagnosed with HIV each day in the United States[21], yet only about one in three eligible people used PrEP[7]. Yeztugo’s long‑acting regimen may help close this gap.
By extending protection to six months and demonstrating near‑perfect efficacy, Yeztugo empowers people at risk of HIV to protect themselves without the daily burden of pills.
Simple Steps You Can Take
Talk to our healthcare professional about your HIV risk and ask whether Yeztugo or another PrEP option is right for you.
Schedule regular screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol—early detection saves lives.
Engage in community programs like fitness challenges, nutrition classes or support groups to build healthy habits.
Educate yourself and your loved ones about sexual health, contraception and STI prevention.
Advocate for local health initiatives by supporting community organizations and urging policymakers to invest in preventive care.
Vitality Family Medical Group: Where Health & ENERGY Align
At Vitality Family Medical Group, our motto is YOUR HEALTH & ENERGY, because we believe that vibrant health fuels every aspect of life. Our clinic offers:
Holistic Family Medicine: Preventive care, chronic disease management, women’s and men’s health, vaccinations and screenings.
Men’s Health & Hormone Therapy: Evidence‑based treatments for low testosterone, erectile dysfunction and hormonal imbalances.
Advanced Aesthetics: Botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, PDO threading, laser rejuvenation and IV vitamin therapy to enhance confidence and well‑being.
Sexual Health & HIV Prevention: Comprehensive sexual health counseling, STI testing, and PrEP services—now including YEZTUGO—integrated into routine care.
Wellness & Energy Optimization: Lifestyle medicine, nutrition counseling, weight‑management programs and metabolic health support.
Our approach is holistic and patient‑centered. We see ourselves not just as providers but as partners who empower you through education, respect and transparency.
A Message of Motivation
We recognize that the journey toward better health can feel overwhelming, especially when confronted with challenging statistics. Yet HOPE IS REAL, and CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. Omar’s leadership and Vitality Family Medical Group’s offerings prove that the RGV can lead in adopting world‑class healthcare innovations. Whether you are a teenager navigating sexual health, a parent managing diabetes, or a neighbor concerned about HIV risk, YOU DESERVE ACCESS to safe, effective care.
Ready to Take Charge?
- Call us to schedule a confidential consultation about Yeztugo or other PrEP options.
- Visit our clinic for comprehensive family medicine, chronic disease management, hormone therapy, aesthetics, and wellness services.
- Follow us on social media for updates, educational workshops, health tips and community events.
Together, we can rewrite the narrative of health in the Rio Grande Valley. Join Omar Longoria and the Vitality Family Medical Group in embracing innovation, fostering wellness and building a future where PREVENTION, HEALTH and ENERGY are within everyone’s reach.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication. If you think you may benefit from PrEP or other preventive treatments, speak with a qualified clinician to discuss your options and ensure that your health decisions are safe and evidence‑based.
References
AJMC. (2024). Overcoming barriers to HIV prevention: Population health considerations on optimizing PrEP access. American Journal of Managed Care, 30(suppl 11), S207–S215[22].
Gilead Sciences. (2025, June 2025). Yeztugo® (lenacapavir) is now the first and only FDA-approved HIV prevention option offering 6 months of protection. [Press release][23][8][18].
Texas Department of State Health Services. (2023). 2022 Texas STD Surveillance Report. Austin, TX[9][10][11].
Texas Tribune. (2023, September 13). ‘An epidemic’: Syphilis rages through Texas, causing newborn cases to climb amid treatment shortage.[15].
Texas Tribune. (2025, January 23). In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a push for residents to lose weight and curb diabetes.[5][16].
AHORA Study. (n.d.). Advanced HIV disease and obstacles in the Rio Grande Valley. [Abstract][6].
[5] [16] In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a push for residents to lose weight and curb diabetes - The Texas Tribune
[6] The AHORA Study: A Real-World Mixed-Methods Study Investigating the Effectiveness of, and Experiences with, Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in People with Advanced HIV in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas - PubMed
[7] [8] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [23] Yeztugo® (Lenacapavir) Is Now the First and Only FDA Approved HIV Prevention Option Offering 6 Months of Protection
[15] Syphilis rages through Texas as treatment grows scarce
[22] Overcoming Barriers to HIV Prevention: Population Health Considerations on Optimizing PrEP Access | AJMC
