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May 21, 2021

APLA Health Commemorates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342

5.21.2021

Today, APLA Health celebrates Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the United States and calls for more concrete steps to end discrimination against AAPIs. 

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are integral to the cultural history of Los Angeles County and the nation as a whole. We are all enriched by the contributions and successes of countless activists, business owners, artists, elected officials, and leaders in creating our dynamic country. APLA Health is proud to support LGBTQ+ AAPIs with culturally competent medical care in supportive spaces free from fear or stigma,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “However, we must continue to shine a light on the systemic barriers and discrimination that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continue to face in America, which has increased substantially in the past year.” 

How you can support AAPI communities: 

  • Contact your California Assembly member and ask them to support AB 557, which would require the California Department of Justice to create a statewide system for reporting hate crimes. 
  • Ask your elected officials to expand civil rights protections for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and other systemically ignored groups.
  • Work with your organization, school, or community group to denounce and remove anti-Asian and anti-Pacific Islander racism.
  • Support local Asian-owned and Pacific Islander-owned businesses. 

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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.

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