For 40 years, Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) has shown up for communities across North Texas through some of life’s hardest moments and biggest milestones. Last weekend, patients, supporters, staff, partners, and friends came together to celebrate that legacy and the future still ahead.

Through multiple events across Dallas, PHNTX honored its roots, celebrated the people who built the organization, and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to compassionate, affirming healthcare for all.

Event 1: Forty & Forward

On Friday, May 15, supporters, partners, and friends gathered at The Empire Room for Forty & Forward, a high-energy evening celebrating four decades of impact and the momentum driving PHNTX into the future.

A Warm Welcome

Guests spent the evening reconnecting with old friends, meeting new supporters, enjoying music and dancing, participating in raffle and auction activities, and celebrating alongside others who believe in healthcare access and health equity for all.

Chief Marketing and Development Officer Kim Burgan welcomed guests and introduced the evening’s program, while a special 40-year video highlighted key moments in PHNTX history and the many lives touched by the organization over the last four decades.

Honoring Our History

CEO Dr. John Carlo invited guests to join him in a moment of silence honoring those lost to the AIDS epidemic and recognizing the resilience of the communities who carried one another through the crisis.

Founding Executive Director Warren “Buck” Buckingham reflected on the organization’s earliest days of the organization and the extraordinary journey from AIDS Arms Network to the full-service healthcare organization PHNTX is today.

State Representatives, Venton Jones and Toni Rose and a representative on behalf of Congresswoman Julie Johnson spoke and presented proclamations recognizing the organizations 40 years of impact across North Texas.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Carlo also shared a vision for the future, including:

• Expanding pediatric services to address growing community need
• Strengthening behavioral health support during especially challenging times
• Deepening investment in communities like Oak Cliff and South Dallas, where access to healthcare and supportive resources remains limited

The evening concluded with a final toast and an announcement of the auction and raffle winners, sending guests home inspired and energized.

Your Generosity in Action

Together, our community raised $78,135 during Forty & Forward. These funds will help expand access to care, strengthen existing programs, and ensure more people across North Texas can receive compassionate, judgment-free healthcare.

Whether you gave during the event, donated online, volunteered your time or simply helped spread the word, your support is helping fuel the next 40 years of impact.

Event 2: Legacy Luncheon

On Saturday, May 16, the PHNTX Board of Directors hosted an intimate luncheon at the Winspear Opera House for previous board chairs, donors and executive directors who have helped shape the organization’s growth and future vision.

Guests enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of conversation, reflection, and live music while celebrating the relationships and community partnerships that have sustained PHNTX over the last four decades.

The luncheon created space to honor the individuals whose generosity, advocacy, and leadership helped guide the organization from its earliest days into its next chapter of growth and impact.

Event 3: Care on the Block

Later that afternoon, the celebration continued at our South Dallas Health Center with Care on the Block , a free, family-friendly community event focused on health, wellness, and connection with our neighbors, right in the heart of the community.

Family Fun and Community Connection

Families and neighbors from across the community enjoyed music, food, games, giveaways, raffle prizes, and opportunities to connect with PHNTX staff and community partners.

Guests also received “passports” encouraging them to visit booths throughout the event and learn more about available resources and services. Completed passports entered attendees into raffles for prizes including bicycles, TVs, and gift cards.

Connecting the Community to Care

Inside the clinic, visitors were invited to tour the South Dallas Health Center and experience what care at PHNTX looks like firsthand.

These tours helped:

• Reduce fear and uncertainty about healthcare
• Build trust with new patients and families
• Show the range of services available at our South Dallas Health Center

Community Marketing Manager Kaitlyn Holmes and CEO Dr. John Carlo thanked attendees for showing up and reaffirmed PHNTX’s long-term commitment to investing in South Dallas and expanding access to care.

Event 4: KERA Kids Fest

On Sunday, May 17, PHNTX continued the weekend by participating in KERA Kids Fest in Oak Cliff, connecting with children and families from across North Texas through a day focused on learning, wellness, and community engagement.

As PHNTX continues expanding pediatric and family healthcare services, events like KERA Kids Fest provide important opportunities to meet families where they are, build trust, and introduce new audiences to the organization’s growing range of services.

Throughout the day, PHNTX staff connected with parents, caregivers, and children while sharing information about available healthcare resources and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to accessible, compassionate care for all communities.

Participation in KERA Kids Fest reflected a broader goal of the anniversary weekend: not only celebrating PHNTX’s history but continuing to actively invest in the future health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Event 5: A Conversation with Founding Director, Buck Buckingham

On Monday, May 18, PACE Coordinator Javier Enriquez sat down with Warren “Buck” Buckingham, founding director of the AIDS ARMS Network (now Prism Health North Texas), for a candid conversation about the early days of the HIV epidemic in Dallas, the creation of AIDS Arms Network, and the importance of continuing the fight for health equity today.

Though many PHNTX staff members have served the organization for decades, the conversation also offered newer staff an opportunity to better understand the organization’s rich history and the communities that shaped its mission.

Buck’s reflections served as a powerful reminder that compassion, advocacy, and community action remain at the heart of PHNTX’s work today.

Learn More About Our History

Our 40th anniversary celebration is part of a much larger story of care, advocacy, resilience and community. You can explore more here:

• Our 40-Year Timeline
• Why We Expanded to Serve More of North Texas
• Voices of PHNTX: Staff Members Share Their Stories

Support the Next 40 Years

If this weekend inspired you, we invite you to support the work ahead.

Your gift helps PHNTX continue providing accessible, patient-centered healthcare to communities across North Texas.

Give today at: https://www.phntx.org/donate

Join Us Next Time

The celebration continues throughout 2026 with additional community events and opportunities to engage with PHNTX.

We hope to see you again soon.

See the full lineup and mark your calendar.