CARE
For thousands of people affected by HIV or at risk of HIV, the new reality of COVID-19 has presented even more challenges.
APLA Health has stepped up to continue providing quality Care for those in need during this time, understanding that this virus doesn’t impact all communities the same. With a lack of access to trusted comprehensive healthcare, Black and Latinx communities in South LA are seeing higher rates of new COVID-19 infections compared to other communities.
Your support is helping close the health disparities that have long burdened communities of color. What’s true of COVID-19 has been true of HIV for decades, and our work to stop both must now go hand in hand.
SUPPORT
Medical advancements have given people living with HIV the opportunity to lead longer, healthier lives. That’s an amazing result for sure. But many people who are long-term survivors of the HIV epidemic have found themselves facing something they never thought they’d have to: Aging.
Today, more than half of people living with HIV are age 50 or older. They’re not only facing the normal medical hallmarks of aging, but also may experience isolation and stigma of living with HIV, uncertainty around housing and finances, and depression from seeing a generation of their friends die.
APLA Health created the HIVE program (HIV-Elders) to improve the health and well-being of this growing population of survivors. HIVE engages the 50+ population with discussion groups, life skills support, health education and more services to build a stronger community.
Help raise funds for HIVE and APLA Health’s many other Support programs that help underserved groups erase stigma and improve outcomes.
EDUCATION
HIV stigma is one of the biggest barriers toward ending the HIV epidemic. APLA Health has been working to break down stigmas since we started in 1983.
APLA Health is committed to fighting HIV stigma by normalizing HIV taboos. We will openly talk about testing, sex, drugs, and mental health to create a judgment free space for people to learn about the disease.
Stereotypes are a form of stigma, and can be dangerous when it comes to HIV testing among at-risk populations. If a person perceives they don’t fit into any prescribed stereotypes of an HIV-positive person, they are less likely to get tested – even if they’re participating in high-risk behaviors.
By providing educational tools that address the behaviors associated with HIV exposure, we are better able to equip people to protect themselves. Your support during AIDS Walk helps us spread the word and reduce the stigma.