HIV Treatment in Colorado & New Mexico

Here at Porch Light Health, we offer confidential, medically focused HIV care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) across more than 60 points of care in Colorado and New Mexico, with same-day starts when it's clinically appropriate.
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Jeremy Dubin
Clinically Reviewed By Dr. Jeremy Dubin
Here at Porch Light Health, we know that a new HIV diagnosis, or the search for care that finally fits your life, can feel overwhelming. We offer confidential, medically focused HIV care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) across Colorado and New Mexico, with same-day starts when it's clinically appropriate. 

This page explains how our HIV services work, who they're for, and how to begin. If you're living with HIV and want care close to home, we're here to help you start and stay in treatment.

Treating HIV Alongside Substance Use and Mental Health

The opioid epidemic has driven a rise in blood-borne infections, and HIV is one of them. Sharing needles and other injection equipment that hasn't been sterilized is a well-documented way HIV spreads, and injection drug use has exposed more people to that risk.

Health issues tied to substance use rarely travel alone. When someone living with HIV is also managing opioid or alcohol use, the addiction can be overlooked, and coordinated care becomes harder to find.

Research shows that people with drug-related infections do better when addiction care and infectious disease care work together. HIV-positive patients in substance use treatment often show stronger viral suppression and better adherence to their ART regimens. That's why we treat both at the same time, in one connected care team.

If you or someone you love needs HIV care that also addresses substance use or mental health, take the next step. Call Porch Light Health today at 866-884-8631 to talk with our team.

How HIV Care Works at Porch Light Health

Public-health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend starting ART as soon as possible after diagnosis. ART is a daily medicine, and increasingly a long-acting injectable, that stops the virus from multiplying so your immune system can stay healthy. Starting early lowers your viral load, protects your health, and reduces the chance of passing HIV to others.

Our clinicians select and manage your regimen based on your history, other medications, and any health conditions, then track your response with regular labs. We also coordinate behavioral health and psychiatry support when you need it, so your whole life is part of the plan.

Our HIV care includes:
ART selection, adherence support, and side-effect management
Viral load and CD4 monitoring to track your response to treatment
Drug resistance (genotype) testing when a regimen needs adjusting
Long-acting injectable ART coordination for people who prefer it
Pregnancy-focused ART management coordinated with your obstetrics team
Hepatitis C coordination through our Hepatitis C and HIV care team if coinfection is present
Our goal with you is to reach and maintain viral suppression. When ART keeps your viral load undetectable, HIV is not sexually transmitted, the principle known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). Results depend on consistent care, and we'll support you at every check-in.

Combatting the HIV Epidemic in Denver

Denver joined a worldwide movement to end HIV when it endorsed the Paris Declaration and became part of the Fast-Track Cities initiative in 2015. That commitment set clear goals: help people know their HIV status, connect everyone who tests positive to treatment, and support people on treatment in reaching a suppressed viral load.

Over the years, Denver has seen a meaningful drop in new HIV cases, credited to proactive testing, greater awareness, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment. The Fast-Track approach brings together healthcare providers, public agencies, and community members, and it emphasizes expanding access to prevention like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and keeping people living with HIV connected to care.

Porch Light Health supports these goals in practice. We offer rapid, low-barrier access to ART, ongoing monitoring, and the wraparound support that helps people stay in care across Colorado and New Mexico.

Essential Resources for HIV in Colorado

Denver Public Health HIV Resources and Services: Get the latest updates on HIV data, resources, and Denver health initiatives.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s HIV/AIDS Page: Provides information on HIV prevention, testing, and living with HIV/AIDS.
Fast Track Cities Initiative: Learn more about the global response to the HIV epidemic and Denver's participation.
Colorado Department of Public Health PrEP for HIV: A resource for understanding and accessing PrEP in Colorado.
Linkage to Care Specialist (LCTS): LCTS helps connect those with a new HIV-positive diagnosis or HIV-positive individuals currently not receiving care with appropriate medical resources.
Local STI and HIV Testing Sites: These sites are available to Colorado residents.

How Can I Receive HIV Services at Porch Light Health?

Across Colorado and New Mexico, Porch Light Health provides HIV care built around access and confidentiality. Our infectious-disease-aware clinicians work alongside our recovery and behavioral health teams, documenting your plan in one shared record so nothing falls through the cracks. Here's how you can start and continue care.

Initial Evaluation and Test-and-Treat

When you need an HIV test, baseline labs, and a fast start, we can begin same-day ART when it's clinically appropriate. Starting quickly shortens the time from diagnosis to treatment and helps you protect your health sooner.

HIV Primary Care and Lab Monitoring

Ongoing primary care means regular visits with viral load and CD4 monitoring, preventive care, and medication management. We adjust your treatment as needed and keep an eye on your overall health to help keep HIV controlled.

Telehealth Follow-Up and Mobile Clinics

When travel, work, or distance make in-person visits hard, our telehealth services keep your care moving with routine follow-ups, refills, and symptom checks. Our mobile clinics bring testing, treatment starts, and follow-up to rural and frontier communities with limited services.

Same-Day Appointments and Insurance Support

Care follows our philosophy of high access and low barriers, so most new patients and follow-ups can be seen the same day or within 48 hours. Our team helps verify benefits, explain likely costs, and connect you to Ryan White linkage, sliding-fee, or patient assistance programs so cost doesn't block care.

Porch Light Health Can Help

Porch Light Health's approach to HIV care, paired with our experience treating substance use and mental health, makes us a steady anchor for many patients. If you or a loved one is looking for HIV treatment that addresses your whole health, we're ready to help.

With a network of clinics across Colorado and New Mexico, plus mobile sites and telehealth, we're well-equipped to support your care wherever you live. When you're ready, contact us or find a Porch Light Health clinic to take the first step.

Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Treatment

Does my insurance cover HIV treatment?

Most private and public plans cover HIV medical care and ART, though benefits vary by plan and state. We can help check your coverage for copays, prior authorizations, and network rules.

How soon should I start HIV treatment after diagnosis?

As soon as possible, often the same day or within days. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends prompt treatment to lower your viral load and improve long-term health. Your clinician will run baseline labs before finalizing your first regimen.

Will my HIV treatment be confidential?

Yes. Your care is protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws, and our staff follow strict safeguards. If you're concerned about billing notices, ask our team about confidential communications where available.

Can I take HIV treatment while pregnant?

Yes. Starting or continuing ART during pregnancy is recommended to protect your health and greatly reduce the chance of passing HIV to your baby. We coordinate obstetric and HIV care and choose regimens shown to be safe in pregnancy. Learn more about treatment during pregnancy.

What HIV medication options are available?

Care uses combination ART, often a single daily tablet, and long-acting injectable options where appropriate. Common drug classes include integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Your clinician tailors the choice to your history, resistance testing, pregnancy plans, and drug interactions.

How often will I need monitoring on HIV treatment?

After starting ART, we typically check viral load within 2 to 8 weeks, then every 3 to 6 months once it's suppressed. CD4 checks are less frequent if you're stable. We may monitor more often around side effects, pregnancy, or treatment changes.

Does HIV treatment affect transmission to others?

Yes. When ART keeps your viral load undetectable, sexual transmission is effectively negligible, the principle known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). Staying on therapy and keeping regular lab checks protects you and your partners.

What happens if my viral load rises or I have drug resistance?

If your viral load increases, we perform resistance testing and review adherence, then switch to a regimen guided by your genotype results. We coordinate specialty consults and pharmacy support so alternatives can start quickly.

Populations Who We Serve

At Porch Light Health, we understand that each stage of life presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals across different age groups.

Teens

Guide your teen through the challenges of substance use and peer pressure with dedicated programs that foster healthy choices and resilience.
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Adults

Address substance use and addiction in adulthood with personalized treatment plans that promote recovery and long-term wellness.
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Seniors

Support seniors dealing with addiction or medication management with specialized care that prioritizes safety, respect, and recovery.
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At Porch Light Health, we recognize the unique challenges faced by various communities. Our inclusive approach ensures that every individual feels supported and understood. Explore our dedicated services that affirm and assist every member of our community.
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