Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
8.10.2023
As the country celebrates National Health Care Center Week, APLA Health announces that it has begun construction on its newest health center to be located in the City of West Hollywood.
The Michael Gottlieb Health Center, West Hollywood will provide LGBTQ+ primary care services, HIV specialty care, comprehensive sexual health services, and behavioral health services. With ten exam rooms, this will be APLA Health’s largest health center to date.
APLA Health has chosen to name its new health center after Dr. Michael Gottlieb in honor of his remarkable contributions in the scientific response to HIV/AIDS, his activism and philanthropic efforts, and his direct service to people living with the disease.
Dr. Gottlieb was the lead writer of a report in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on a novel immunologic condition affecting five immunocompromised gay patients in Los Angeles in June of 1981. This reported phenomenon would come to be known as AIDS, and the virus that causes it, HIV.
His early involvement cemented his role as a globally recognized HIV/AIDS specialist. Dr. Gottlieb served as Rock Hudson’s physician, and he partnered with Elizabeth Taylor to form the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR). Dr. Gottlieb previously served on the Board of Directors at APLA Health and has been a medical provider at APLA Health for the past four years. He will be retiring from the medical profession in December of this year.
“Dr. Gottlieb’s scientific contributions in the early days of the epidemic revolutionized how the world understands HIV and AIDS. His work has left an indelible mark on the city of Los Angeles and the global LGBTQ+ community. We are honored that Dr. Gottlieb is concluding his illustrious medical career with us at APLA Health and naming this building in his honor shows our deep appreciation of his dedicated service to the Los Angeles community throughout his remarkable career,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health.
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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.
