Healthcare is a human right.

Seems pretty simple and obvious, right?

Unfortunately, too often people are denied this basic human right because of where they live or work. In Los Angeles County, the uninsured rate is much higher than the national average. In 2018, 18% of people were uninsured, a number that’s surely gone up as more people become unemployed because of COVID-19.

APLA Health was the first AIDS service organization in the country to become a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). That designation allows us to provide primary medical care for everyone, regardless of their HIV status or their ability to pay.

We opened the Gleicher/Chen Health Center in South LA, Long Beach Health Center, and APLA Health – Olympic because we know people living in those areas have difficulty receiving affordable, comprehensive primary medical healthcare.

Your support during AIDS Walk will help us continue to expand our radius of care to communities that need us most.
What to do this week
Up your fundraising game! How resourceful can you be this week with whom you ask and how you ask? We know it can be a little tricky asking for donations when you can’t go about your day like you’re used to, but we know you’re up for the challenge.

Have you considered our Fundraising Tip #4 ? Ask the 5 most recent people you’ve texted or snapped with to contribute $10 each. It’s all about being creative and making the most of the moment. How are you raising money this year?
Lois Perilman
AIDS Walk LA Walker

Lois has been part of AIDS Walk LA since 1992, and it is her hope that the funds she raises bring us closer to ending HIV/AIDS. “I walk with my son, Paul, in remembrance of my cousin David Rubinstein and his partner Wayne Parker.” Last year, Lois saw that Wayne’s brother, Sean, submitted a story to us, and so Lois submitted her cousin’s story hoping Sean would see it.

“David was the production stage manager for Phantom of the Opera,” says Lois. “He was a vibrant, wonderful, loving man whom we watched deteriorate so quickly. He got sick in the late 1980’s and was gone before his 40th birthday. This was the time when all the medications for HIV/AIDS were experimental and he went through ‘Hell.’ The HIV/AIDS community has made great strides in making life easier for those affected.” Sean Parker, if you’re out there, Lois would like to speak to you!