IN THE LOOP
The news you need to know this week
Welcome to the latest edition of our update on the news you need to know and how it affects you and the communities we serve. Every couple of weeks we send out an e-mail featuring important updates, and you can sign up below! As always, thank you for your support of APLA Health, and please share this with others who may be interested.
APLA Health Releases 2018 Election Voter Guide
The deadline for registering to vote in the November 6th election is October 22nd
Today APLA Health released its 2018 Election Voter Guide, your primer on the issues and races that will have the greatest impact on the people living with HIV, LGBTQ individuals, and other underserved communities. The APLA Health voter guide focuses most closely on how candidates performed or are likely to perform on issues relating to healthcare, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid, and other programs that impact the populations we serve.
The upcoming midterm elections on November 6th are the election of a lifetime. We’re not just voting for a new governor, several new representatives, and some important ballot initiatives. We’re also voting for potential control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
California could play a pivotal role in changing control of the House. According to the Cook Political Report, 7 of California’s 53 congressional seats are considered competitive races. All of these seats are currently held by Republicans. The Democrats hope that some if not all of these districts will flip, giving their party control of the House.
Control of the House of Representatives means a lot. It could determine whether the Affordable Care Act lives or dies, and whether LGBTQ individuals are protected from discrimination. The current Republican-controlled House has already voted dozens of times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, cut funding for Medicaid, and take healthcare away from millions of Americans.
Voting is one the most important rights we have in a democracy and it is important to make your voice heard. Whatever you do, and however you have to do it, get out and vote! If you have not registered to vote or have recently moved to a new address, make sure to register! The deadline is Monday, October 22.
AIDS Walk Los Angeles
THIS SUNDAY, October 21, 2018
AIDS Walk Los Angeles is the world’s first walk to fight an epidemic. In its 34 years, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has drawn hundreds of thousands of supporters to walk, and millions more to donate, raising more than $82 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline that sustains APLA Health’s prevention, care, and advocacy programs for the thousands of men, women, and families affected by the disease in Los Angeles County. Proceeds also benefit more than 20 other HIV/AIDS service organizations that are able to participate and raise funds through the Community Coalition Initiative. For more information and to either donate or register to become a walker, visit la.aidswalk.net.
Share Your Story
APLA Health provides services to more than 15,000 people, and we want to know their stories. Have you been receiving services from APLA Health? Are you a new patient or client? Have you or a loved one been affected by HIV? Has a staff member gone above and beyond what you were expecting? We want to know the full story. What are we are doing well? How we can serve you better?
Stay in the loop!
We will send you regular updates on issues and policies affecting the LGBT and/or HIV communities and urge you to call or e-mail your representatives about key political activity at the local, state, and federal levels.
