Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
1.27.2021
APLA Health Mourns the Death of Former Board of Directors Member Rabbi Allen Freehling
In response to the passing of Rabbi Allen Freehling, who died on January 6, APLA Health CEO Craig E. Thompson issued the following statement:
“Today APLA Health joins our community in mourning the loss of a true warrior in the fight for LGBT health and equality. Throughout his 30 years as a Senior Rabbi at the University Synagogue in Los Angeles, he was a giant in the Jewish community and a tireless champion of human and civil rights.
“Rabbi Freehling was a ceaseless advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS during the onset of the HIV pandemic in the 1980’s. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of APLA Health (formerly AIDS Project Los Angeles), he was appointed as the first Chair of the Los Angeles County Commission on AIDS, and later became the founding Chair (and Chair Emeritus) of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC).
“I invite all of our colleagues, friends, and allies to join us in honoring Rabbi Freehling’s memory. We extend our deepest sympathies to his surviving wife, two children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.”
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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.
