Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
5.7.2024
For the fourth consecutive year, APLA Health has achieved Leader status on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), securing a score of 100 out of 100. This prestigious acknowledgment marks APLA Health's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality within healthcare.
"We are honored to be recognized as a Leader on the Healthcare Equality Index for another year," said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. "As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to advancing health equity and fostering a healthcare environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued."
The 16th edition of the HEI witnessed a record-breaking participation of 1,065 healthcare facilities nationwide. APLA Health's exemplary performance reflects its dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices, evaluated across five key criteria. These include non-discrimination practices for LGBTQ+ patients and employees, Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement. Additionally, the newly introduced fifth criteria ensures deductions for policies, officials, or actions fostering discriminatory treatment or exhibiting anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments.
In the face of ongoing challenges posed by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and historical discrimination within healthcare settings, APLA Health's attainment of Leader status on the HEI assumes heightened significance. This recognition underscores the organization's pivotal role in championing equality and fostering a healthcare landscape characterized by inclusivity and compassion.
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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.
