Our Story
From a Response to Crisis to Comprehensive Care, Our Journey is Shaped by the People we Serve.
The Work that Shaped Us
Prism Health North Texas began in 1986 in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, when access to compassionate, knowledgeable care was limited. Originally founded as AIDS Arms Network through the Community Council of Greater Dallas with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, our organization became a lifeline for people living with HIV, providing care, case management, and support when few others would.
Over the past four decades, we have grown into a nationally recognized leader in HIV care, serving a significant portion of people living with HIV across North Texas. As the needs of our community evolved, so did our work. We expanded our services to increase access to primary care and better serve the health needs of everyone in our community.
Care That Goes Further
Building on our deep expertise in HIV care, we broadened our focus to provide comprehensive, whole-person healthcare. Today, Prism Health North Texas operates multiple locations across the region, offering primary care for adults and children, women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental care, pharmacy services, and HIV and sexual health services. In 2024, we were designated a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, strengthening our ability to deliver affordable, high-quality care to underserved communities.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 40 years of service, we are proud of the role we have played in improving health outcomes across North Texas. And we remain focused on the future, continuing to expand access, meet the needs of our growing community, and ensure that every person has the opportunity to achieve their highest level of health.
-
AIDS ARMS Network began as a mobile response team supported by the Community Council of Greater Dallas and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Warren “Buck” Buckingham is named the first executive director.
First location on Oak Lawn Ave opens.
-
Shown as a national model of effective support for AIDS patients in a book published by the RWJF and Kaiser Family Foundation.
-
Achieves 501c3 nonprofit status.
-
Ryan White CARE Act funding begins in Dallas to help respond to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.
-
Debbie Hurst is named the executive director.
The organization became a founding member of PANDA (Pediatric AIDS Network) along with Children’s Medical Center, Parkland Health and Hospital System, UT Southwestern Medical School, and Bryan’s House.
Now is known as the Dallas Family Access Network (DFAN), which provides care and support to women and children living with HIV/AIDS.
-
AIDS Arms Network becomes incorporated under a new name, AIDS Arms, Inc.
-
Rodney Holcomb is named the executive director.
-
Medical Case Management services begin.
First LifeWalk event launched in partnership with Oak Lawn Community Services.
-
Launched new programming specifically for the Black and Hispanic communities.
Women, youth, and family ProACT program expands efforts with PANDA.
-
Awarded a DSHS grant for Free World Bound Minority AIDS Initiative, focusing on the recently released and incarcerated individuals living with HIV.
-
Peabody Health Center has opened in South Dallas, providing care to 250 new patients in its first year.
-
Satellite offices opened in Ellis and Navarro County.
HIV Prison Re-Entry Program begins through a partnership with AIDS Foundation Houston.
Raeline Nobles is named the executive director.
-
Mental health and substance abuse treatment and care program begins.
-
Receives first major state grant to begin HIV testing and prevention.
-
AIDS Arms becomes a National Institutes of Health site enrolling patients into clinical trials.
-
A satellite office at Dallas County Health & Human Services is opened for outreach and case management.
-
Trinity Health and Wellness Center opens providing HIV primary care in the Oak Cliff area.
AIDS Arms gets award first HIV prevention grant from the CDC.
-
AIDS Arms is award a Special Project of National Significance (SPNS Project) which uses intensive linkage-to-care approaches for unhoused and near-unhoused populations.
Dr. John Carlo is named chief executive officer.
-
AIDS Arms, Inc is awarded a HRSA to design and implement a SPNS project to promote HIV testing and treatment in the Hispanic community.
Launches Project CONNECT, the organization’s largest prevention program, and the HIVE Center, an HIV empowerment program.
-
AIDS Arms, Inc rebranded to Prism Health North Texas.
-
Oak Lawn Health Center opens at 2801 Lemmons Ave.
PHNTX acquires Uptown Physicians Group expanding primary care services.
PHNTX opens its first pharmacy in South Dallas.
-
Uptown Physicians Group moves to new location at 2801 Lemmon Ave.
Two new pharmacies opens at 2801 Lemmon Ave and Oak Cliff Health Center.
Telehealth services launch in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PHNTX clinical research participates in AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trials.
PHNTX named a finalist for D CEO Excellence in Healthcare Awards for Outstanding Collaboration (PHNTX and UPG)
-
Worth Street Health Center opens.
PHNTX receives an United Way of Metropolitan Dallas award to begin the ACA Health Insurance Navigation program.
Free World Bound receives a grant to bring the program statewide.
Administrative office moves to the Baylor Scott White downtown campus.
PHNTX is name finalists for D CEO Excellence in Healthcare Awards for Outstanding Medical Research and Nonprofit of the Year.
-
PHNTX acquires Community Dental Care of Texas adding a new service line and three dental clinics.
The Free World Bound program was award the Reentry and Integration Division Award as part of the Texas Governor’s 2022 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards.
Free World Bound wins D CEO Nonprofit Team of the year at the Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards. PHNTX was name a finalist for Organization of the Year.
PHNTX wins Outstanding Healthcare Advocate at D CEO Excellence in Healthcare Awards. Named a finalist for Outstanding Merger and Acquisition (Dental Care).
-
PHNTX became designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look Alike to continue on our path of providing everyone in North Texas with Care.
Dr. John Carlo named on D CEO Dallas 500.
Dallas HIV Task Force award winner for Community Champion, Community Advocate, and Innovation categories.
Jennifer Klein wins D CEO Excellence in Nursing Award.
D CEO Excellence in Healthcare Awards finalists for the Achievement in Community Outreach and Outstanding Healthcare Advocate Categories.
-
Officially launched women’s health and pediatric health care services.
Leslie Redding wins D CEO Excellence in Nursing Awards.
PHNTX named as finalist of D CEO Excellence in Healthcare Awards for Achievement in Community Outreach and Outstanding Healthcare Executive Categories.
-
PHNTX receives Gilead Foundation grant to expand HIV prevention efforts for Black and Latina women.
Our Journey Over 40 Years
From a grassroots response to the HIV/AIDS crisis to a full-service community health system, our story is one of growth, transformation, and an ongoing commitment to equitable care in North Texas. Explore the eras that shaped who we are today.
FOUNDATION
1986 - 1989
Cover of the proposal to establish AIDS Arms Network. (1986 - UNT Libraries Special Collections)
Responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis in our community
In a time of urgency and uncertainty, community leaders came together to build a coordinated response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in North Texas. What began as a grassroots effort quickly became a lifeline for people who were too often overlooked or underserved.
This era laid the foundation for compassionate, accessible care—and for the belief that healthcare must meet people where they are.
Key Milestones
ARMS Network launches in Dallas
Early care coordination and case management begin
Organization incorporates as AIDS Arms, Inc.
BUILDING CARE
1990s - 2006
Free World Bound staff and attendees during a peer education training class at a prison unit. (2005)
Launching programs and opening the first clinic
As community needs grew, so did the organization. This era marked the shift from coordinating services to delivering direct care—supported by federal funding, expanding programs, and a growing commitment to long-term sustainability.
With the opening of the first medical clinic, the organization took a major step toward becoming a direct healthcare provider.
Key Milestones
Ryan White-funded care infrastructure deepens
LifeWalk launches as a signature community event
First medical clinic opens in 2001
Free World Bound begins serving justice-involved populations
GROWING IMPACT
2007 - 2016
Executive Director Railine Nobles and board members cutting the cake at the opening of Trinity Health & Wellness Center (2011)
Expanding clinics and advancing research
With expanded clinical sites, stronger leadership, and growing community trust, this period positioned the organization as a leading provider of HIV care in North Texas. It also marked a major strengthening of clinical research, systems, and scale.
This was a decade of accelerated growth that laid the groundwork for broader transformation.
Key Milestones
Peabody Health Center becomes a cornerstone of care
Trinity Health & Wellness Center expands access
Dr. John T. Carlo becomes CEO in 2012
Clinical research and wraparound services grow significantly
TRANSFORMATION
2017 - 2019
Volunteers during the rebrand announcement and new logo reveal event. (2017)
Reimagining care beyond HIV
In 2017, AIDS Arms rebranded as Prism Health North Texas—a defining moment that reflected a broader vision for care. While HIV prevention and treatment remained central, the organization expanded its mission to include whole-person, affirming healthcare for the broader community.
This was the turning point from a legacy HIV organization to a more expansive community health model.
Key Milestones
Rebrand to Prism Health North Texas
PrEP services launch as a cornerstone of prevention
Uptown Physicians Group is acquired
South Dallas Pharmacy opens
WHOLE-PERSON CARE
2020 - 2023
Chief Executive Officer Dr. John Carlo and PHNTX medical staff volunteering at a COVID-19 mass vaccination site. (2021)
Integrating care across services
PHNTX continued to evolve into a more fully integrated health system—bringing together medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, and research in a more connected model of care. The organization also helped lead through major public health challenges.
By this point, the story is no longer just about growth. It is about integration, responsiveness, and scale.
Key Milestones
Pharmacy services expand across multiple sites
Community Dental Care is acquired
Public health response includes COVID-19 and mpox
Annual patient reach grows to approximately 15,000
THE NEW ERA
2024 - 2026
Pediatric care provider Leslie Redden visiting the Head Start program dressed as Cinderella for Halloween. (2025)
Expanding access and shaping the future
Achieving Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike status marked a defining milestone in the organization’s evolution. It signaled not only growth, but readiness to serve more patients with more comprehensive care.
With the addition of pediatric and women’s health services, PHNTX is building toward the future of community healthcare in North Texas.
Key Milestones
FQHC Look-Alike designation achieved
Pediatric and women’s health services launch
Strategic growth and modernization continue
40 years of service celebrated in 2026
Our Commitment to Health Equity
Our mission is to advance health equity by providing education, prevention, research, and affirming, personalized healthcare. We are committed to removing barriers to care and creating a nonjudgmental, welcoming environment for all — especially for communities that have historically faced disparities, including people living with HIV, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and communities of color.
Visit our main website to view all our services.
The Impact
A Turning Point in 48 Hours
After receiving an unexpected HIV diagnosis during a routine outreach event, Brian was swiftly connected to care through the PHNTX team. In less than 48 hours, he met with a provider, began treatment, and was surrounded by a team that offered unwavering compassion and respect throughout his journey. Today, Brian is thriving, supported, and looking forward to a bright future with his partner.
One Visit, Two Lives
A routine pediatric visit became a pivotal moment. When a mother shared a concern about her breast health, our team responded immediately, coordinating women’s health services and arranging follow-up care in less than 75 minutes. What might have required weeks of appointments and waiting was resolved in a single visit. Integrated care makes these life-changing moments possible.
A Path to Stability
For more than two years, Fred endured homelessness and battled substance misuse. Through steadfast support from our team, he obtained essential documents, qualified for housing, and was linked to ongoing care. Fred’s journey wasn’t easy, but he never lost hope. Today, he is achieving stability, reconnecting with loved ones, and remains actively engaged in his health and community.
Stock images are used to protect the privacy and confidentiality of our patients.
The stories shared reflect real experiences, but images do not depict actual individuals.
Be Part of the Next 40 Years
Our work is only possible because of the support of our community. There are many ways to be part of what comes next: Attend an event, sponsor our work, volunteer your time, or make a donation to support the future of healthcare in North Texas.
Your involvement helps shape the next chapter of care in our community.
