Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
5.21.2021
Today, APLA Health released the following statement regarding the passage and signage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act.
“After a year in which we have seen over 6,600 reported incidents of anti-Asian hate, APLA Health applauds the bipartisan action Congress and President Joe Biden have taken to pass and sign the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law. This bill is an important step in further protecting Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) from hate crimes, which have increased dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “The bill establishes guidance for the collection and reporting of anti-AAPI hate crimes and expands resources for public education campaigns. The American Dream should not include living in fear of hate or violence. We all must work together to ensure that every member of our community is respected.”
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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.
