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January 31, 2024

APLA Health Achieves $25 Minimum Wage Policy

Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342

1.31.2024

APLA Health proudly announces the implementation of a $25 minimum wage, the culmination of a comprehensive three-year initiative addressing pay equity. The organization announced its intention to become a “pay leader” among Federally Qualified Health Centers in LA County in January 2021 by adopting a $20 per hour minimum wage, followed by subsequent increases of 9% in 2022, 7% in 2023, and 7% in 2024.

"Fair and equitable compensation for healthcare workers is paramount, especially with the increasing costs of living in California,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “This commitment goes beyond meeting basic living wage standards to provide a sustainable income for all of our employees, recognizing the crucial role they play in delivering vital services for LGBTQ+ people, underserved communities, and those affected by HIV.”

APLA Health’s $25 minimum wage policy goes into effect three years before planned statewide increases for healthcare workers. The initiative directly impacts nearly a third of APLA Health’s staff, including those in entry-level positions, administrative roles, and support services, reaffirming a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its employees, a majority of whom are women and people of color. APLA Health has also enhanced its compensation package in recent years to include employer-provided health, vision, and dental insurance; generous vacation time, sick leave, and personal days; and a 6% match to employee 403(b) retirement accounts.

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APLA Health (formerly AIDS Project Los Angeles) restores dignity and trust within underserved communities by providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, HIV specialty care, food, housing, and other essential support services. Since our founding in 1983, APLA Health has remained steadfast in our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. We operate eight Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) locations in Los Angeles County, serving more than 19,000 people annually, regardless of ability to pay. Our list of comprehensive services includes LGBTQ+ primary care, dental care, behavioral healthcare, HIV specialty care, and Out Here Sexual Health services (PrEP, STD screening & treatment, DoxyPEP, and PEP). For people with HIV, our wraparound support services include housing assistance through the Alliance for Housing & Healing and nutritional support via the Vance North Necessities of Life Program, the largest food pantry in the United States for people with HIV, distributing over 800,000 meals annually. APLA Health’s annual fundraisers include AIDS Walk LA — the world's first and oldest AIDS Walk — and Best in Drag Show. We are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation at the local, state and Federal levels that positively impact the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities. For more information, visit aplahealth.org.

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