Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
12.1.2020
“On World AIDS Day, we remember those friends, family members and advocates we have lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We are here because of them, making certain they weren’t taken away from us in vain. Each year on this special day, we reaffirm our commitment to ending the epidemic,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “For 37 years, APLA Health has been a leader and community partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Our staff works tirelessly to prevent new HIV infections, advocate for government policies that improve outcomes, and provide care, treatment and support services for people living with HIV.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly tested our organization’s mettle, but it has not distracted us from creating a future in which HIV does not exist. We are meeting the current moment by providing much-needed support for those adversely affected by the pandemic while simultaneously remaining steadfast in our work to the end HIV epidemic through the use of tools like PrEP and PEP, the science of Undetectable = Untransmittable, and working to ensure broad access to healthcare.”
Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is commemorated each year to raise awareness that HIV and AIDS still affects millions of people around the world. In Los Angeles County, an estimated 60,000 people are living with HIV, of which an estimated 1 in 7 people are unaware of their status.
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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.
