HIV has been classified as a chronic disease since 1996, but many people still see it as a death sentence that only affects certain people. Breaking these preconceived notions takes time, and APLA Health has been working to destroy HIV stigmas for over 37 years.
Creating a dialogue is crucial for fighting stigma, and we’ve created programs that allow for culturally relevant conversations. Not only do we have our Healthy Him and Trans Connection programs, but our providers undergo multiple trainings and attend multiple conferences every year to stay up to date on the latest information on managing HIV.
If we can educate more people on the realities of living with HIV - and that it’s not the death sentence it’s been stigmatized to be - we hope that more people will get tested, learn about prevention, volunteer or simply be advocates for people living with HIV by sharing what they know with others.

As part of the Education Walk at AIDS Walk 2020, you’re spreading awareness and de-stigmatizing HIV. Thank you!
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.