As you probably know, the risk of contracting COVID-19 increases with age and the presence of underlying health conditions. Of the 60,000 people living with HIV in LA County, 45% are over the age of 50, which is poised to increase to 72% by 2025. The bottom line is that this community is more likely to suffer from other infectious or communicable diseases and conditions that may be exacerbated by HIV.
To serve this population, APLA Health created HIVE (HIV-Elders). HIVE engages people living with HIV over the age of 50 through a combination of relevant community education, life skills workshops, customized case management, and social events.
By keeping older PLWH engaged and connected to the community, we also help them stay connected to important healthcare and other services.
While HIVE has suspended live events, we are hosting a virtual gathering every Friday, as well as a weekly Netflix group movie night.

Help us continue to provide vital Support services like HIVE with your support during AIDS Walk 2020.
What to do this week
Go Star gazing! Our Star Walkers shine bright and you can take a tour through our own digital planetarium of top fundraising Walkers from years past. Each Star Walker has their own star featuring their name, picture and story to inspire others. Meet our previous Star Walkers here.

The best part is, you can be among the Stars at AIDS Walk 2020! Aim high with your fundraising goals and you’ll be on your way to earning $1,000 and star status. If you haven’t started fundraising yet, there’s still time. Visit our fundraising page for tips and helpful information to get started.
Emmanuel Sanchez-Ramos
Program Coordinator, HIVE

The reason why I participate in AIDS Walk Los Angeles is to remind myself of the power invested in people, to come together in this one event to walk as a community and raise funds to benefit APLA Health programs. The funds help support one of the programs that is able to provide free services to those who have been battling HIV/AIDS from the very beginning. Our HIVE Program (HIV-Elders) is a group for gay and bisexual men over 50 of all ethnicities living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Walk LA helps support HIVE by strengthening the visibility of older adults living with HIV/AIDS who often feel isolated. HIVE is reducing stigma through social gatherings, health education, and discussion groups.