APLA Health Asks Community To Recommit To Ending HIV Epidemic

“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.