Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
2.25.2021
Join the Conversation February 9 and let’s end HIV Together
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black Americans made up 42% of the 37,968 new HIV diagnoses in 2018. That’s despite Black Americans making up just over 13% of the U.S. population overall. The numbers in Los Angeles county are similarly dispiriting. 23.4% of new HIV diagnoses are Black residents who only make up 8% of the County’s population.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is observed each year on February 7 to highlight the continuing disproportionate impact of HIV on the U.S. Black population. APLA Health has a long-standing commitment to improving the health and well-being of Black residents in Los Angeles County.
On Tuesday, February 9th, APLA Health’s Prevention Team (“The Link”) is moderating a special conversation on HIV within the Black community. This year’s theme “Let’s Stop HIV, Together” will guide a series of discussions featuring guests from the community. Each will chronicle their experiences with HIV and shed light on the work that has been done and what still needs to occur.
“We may be able to see the end of the tunnel with COVID, but we’re equally as close to ending the HIV epidemics as well. We’ve got the tools, science, and knowledge to make a real impact and create a steeper decline in the number of new HIV diagnoses in Black communities,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “APLA Health is working with community partners to break down the stigma around HIV testing and empower more members of our community to join us and end the epidemic.”
Join us at 4:30 pm Tuesday, February 9, to participate in the conversation on Youtube or Facebook
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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.
