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Listen to and buy Darrell Russ music on CD Baby. Download or buy the CD Riding Home from Baltimore (Remixes) by Darrell Russ on the independent record store by musicians for musicians.
This weekend, I joined thousands of everyday people who came to Fresno for “Meet in the Middle.” I was inspired by the dedication of so many folks willing to join the effort to change the hearts and minds of people who don’t support the freedom to marry.
If you can’t make any of the scheduled shifts, sign up to join Team Win anyway so that we can contact you about upcoming efforts that need your support.
I look forward to your help and advice as we put together a winning strategy with our coalition partners here in Orange County – to move voters and to win marriage back. So sign up today.
By sending a gift in support of APLA, you’re letting our needy neighbors like Frank Rodriguez know that you care about them, and other men and women living with HIV/AIDS.
Frank lost his job due to his HIV status, and was hesitant to reach out to APLA. Today, with your generosity, we're providing Frank and many others like him — who may be scared, alone, and desperate for our compassionate life-sustaining assistance — with the vital care and treatment they need.
Murdered and persecuted by governments. Arrested and beaten for being who we are. Our rights put up for popular vote, time and time again.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have been the target of hate and discrimination for centuries and our fight for marriage is part of a long struggle for equality and acceptance.
As we work to overturn Prop 8, we must share our stories and our history. We need those who are not yet on our side, to understand that Prop 8 is part of a history of discrimination that must end.
By making the connection between past persecution and current discrimination, we will increase the awareness and understanding that are vital to our cause and move closer to our goal of true equality and acceptance.
Take action to ensure that everyone learns our history, connects it to our present struggle and joins the fight.
The Envelope Please Celebrate the Academy Awards® in true Hollywood style with host Jennifer Love Hewitt at APLA’s Eighth Annual Oscar® Viewing Party on February 22. Buy tickets online.
S.T.A.G.E. Salutes the Gershwins The world's longest continuously running AIDS event turns 25 with an all-star musical tribute to George and Ira Gershwin. Reserve your seats today.
From the Executive Director
February 7 was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day -- a time to both reflect on the tremendous toll the epidemic exacts on African Americans and to redouble our efforts to reduce the overwhelming disparity. Did you know that, while African Americans comprise only 12 percent of the American population, they account for nearly 50 percent of all new HIV cases?
In South Los Angeles, where more than 90 percent of residents are people of color, crushing poverty and a lack of resources intersect to drive the highest HIV mortality rate in L.A. County. The need is urgent and unyielding.
That’s why I’m proud to announce the opening of our new S. Mark Taper Foundation Center, a state-of-the-art dental clinic and food pantry in South L.A. for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. The site, on the campus of the Martin Luther King Jr. health center, will bring compassionate care to a community devastated by a critical lack of healthcare resources. Learn more about our new site in this issue’s "What’s New."
With generous support from many private funders and the County of Los Angeles, APLA's Taper Center is the latest example of the public-private partnerships that drive our work. Almost two-thirds of our revenue continues to come from generous donors like you. In difficult times like these, your support is more important than ever. Thank you for staying with us.
Craig E. Thompson Executive Director
What's New
On February 6, APLA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of our new S. Mark Taper Foundation Center, a dental clinic and free food pantry located in South Los Angeles for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Center, funded by a gift from the S. Mark Taper Foundation, fills a key gap for oral health services in a historically underserved community.
According to health officials, more than 70 percent of HIV-positive people in L.A. County need dental care, but fewer than 10 percent receive it. The new site, located on the campus of Martin Luther King Jr. - Harbor Hospital, provides three operatories where dentists and clinical staff will offer a full range of dental services - an expected 2,500 procedures annually for HIV-positive people, many of whom have not previously received care. APLA is currently the largest community provider of dental services for HIV-positive people in the United States and provides care for most clients at no cost.
The Taper Center will also house an expanded Necessities of Life Program (NOLP) food pantry, one of nine NOLP sites countywide that each week offer free food, nutrition counseling and classes to more than 500 low-income people living with HIV/AIDS.
Other supporters of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Center include the M.A.C AIDS Fund, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the B.C. McCabe Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, The Union Pacific Foundation, Latham & Watkins LLP and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Photo: Stephen Jerrome
Profile
For 55-year-old APLA client "Wanda," pain and discomfort were the least of her concerns about visiting the dentist.
"What would the dentist say when I told him I have HIV?" she wondered. "What if he won’t treat me? What if he asks me to leave?" Fears like these kept Wanda out of the dentist's chair for years, raising her risk of oral infection that could dangerously complicate her HIV.
Then she learned about APLA Dental Services: "Not only am I comfortable there, but they're experts in HIV-related dental problems, so I get the care I need," she says. And the opening of the new S. Mark Taper Foundation Center in South Los Angeles (which includes a state-of-the-art APLA Dental Services clinic and a Necessities of Life Program food pantry) means that the Hawthorne resident won’t have to travel far for first-rate care.
"Before, I had to take four buses to APLA's downtown clinic, so sometimes I couldn’t even get to my appointments," she explains. "But now, APLA is just a short ride away. It's a blessing right in my neighborhood!"
It’s still difficult for Kelli Hallett to talk about the loss of her best friend, Johnny.
"We met during freshman year of high school," she recalls, "and I lost him this August, after more than 30 years of friendship."
In mid-September, just weeks before AIDS Walk Los Angeles, Kelli signed up for the event in memory of her friend.
"We formed Team Johnny Paris, because that’s what he would have wanted us to do," she says. With less than a month to fundraise, Kelli, a first-time AIDS walker, still reached Star Walker status -- an honor reserved for walkers who raise $1,000 or more.
And in January, she made another donation to APLA, this time through the online giving program.
"Supporting APLA puts me back in touch with Johnny," she explains. “I can’t think of a better way to honor his memory."
For more information on making a gift in honor of a loved one, please visit our Web site.
Take Action
The new year provides new opportunities for APLA's Government Affairs Division to help shape the future of HIV/AIDS-related policy. The Division's priorities for 2009 include:
National AIDS Strategy development: The federal government requires states to develop plans for the use of HIV/AIDS funding but itself has no national plan to strategically spend federal AIDS-related dollars. This year, APLA has joined with other advocates to urge the new administration to develop a cohesive strategy to combat domestic AIDS by lowering HIV incidence, increasing access to care and reducing racial, ethnic and gender health disparities.
Ryan White extension: APLA is working vigorously to ensure the extension of the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act, which will expire in September 2009. The Act provides more than $2 billion in annual funding for care, treatment and services for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. Extending the Act for another three years will protect essential programs and allow time for the development of a national AIDS strategy.
PEPFAR: APLA’s international policy work will continue to focus on programs for men who have sex with men (MSM). The agency will track the implementation of the newly reauthorized President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR - the U.S. global strategy to combat HIV/AIDS) to ensure quick and effective implementation of new prevention programs targeting MSM.
Get involved! Join "In the Loop," APLA's online activist network, to take action on urgent HIV/AIDS issues.
Photo of the Month
Community leaders prepare to cut the ribbon at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Center, an AIDS Project Los Angeles dental clinic and food pantry in South Los Angeles.
From left, Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and County Health Officer; John F. Schunoff, Ph.D., Interim Director, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services; Wilbert C. Jordan, M.D., M.P.H., Director, OASIS HIV/AIDS Clinic; Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas (Second District); Ray F. Reisler, Ed.D., Executive Director, S. Mark Taper Foundation; Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director, AIDS Project Los Angeles; and Mario J. Perez, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy.
The Last Word
"I've always wanted to run a marathon… Once you do one, you know you can do anything."
-- Honolulu Marathon finisher Wesley Hall, who trained with the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, as quoted in the Honolulu Star Bulletin. Training for the Maui Marathon and the Disneyland Half Marathon begins April 25.
Optimist is the monthly e-mail newsletter from AIDS Project Los Angeles. For more news, bookmark http://www.apla.org/.
AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest non-profit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation. Marking 25 years of service in 2008, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national and global reach.
Hello hotties!!Everyday that passes by, I am forever grateful that I have this wonderful opportunity to educate you on the many important issues that we as gays face in this segment. Resources www.cdc.gov
What is HIV? HIV is abbreviated for human Immunodeficiency virus.The virus may be passed from one person to another person.When infected, bloody semen can come in contact with an uninfected person’s broken skin or mucous membranes. What is a mucous membrane? A mucous membrane is a wet, thin tissue found in certain openings to the human body.These can include the mouth, eyes, nose, rectum and the opening of the penis. Story Time You see, in today’s society, it is a felony to pass HIV to someone if you know 100% that you are certain you carry the virus.If you do not disclose this, you most certainly could face criminal charges. Think about this guys, is this worth risking your life behind bars or with a guilty conscience?I personally don’t think so.In life, you have 2 choices, you can choose to do the right thing or you can choose not to do the right thing.The decision is left up to you!!! If you don’t have HIV, that’s great, keep maintaining your health and do the right thing.And if you do have HIV, go the extra mile to keep your self healthy and happy.You can still have fantastic sex with HIV. I know that from personal experience, safe sex is hot sex!!!PERIOD!!!!!Remember guys, is not a death sentence!!!It is hard enough being gay, beautiful, and trying to keep that wonderful physique.We all try to out do each other with fashion, music, boyfriends, and material possessions or better yet….Who got the best FUCK on Saturday night!!!!!But none the less, we are living in a society where drugs are involved.You might think that it is really cool having sex with the “One Night Stand” that when you’re done, you might do 2 things……1.)Call out the wrong name at the point when you are Cumming!!!2.)Or ask…What was your name again?What the fuck!!!!I have been there and done that!!Now, I am giving you my personal take on this.Whether you party or not with drugs, be the bigger person.You don’t need drugs to have fantastic sex.Although, at the time, you might feel a rush of ecstasy run thru your body. But all good things must come to an end.When you are at a point where emotions are extremely toxic, and erratic behaviors are involved…… NOT GOOD!!!!,You are crying, money is gone and you make up what YOU think are logical and acceptable excuses for your “Not Feeling Well” Your Depressed, or“If I do drugs, I can tackle all of those projects that I have been putting off for months.When in reality, you are running around in circles like a chicken with its head cut off, and you are being a habitual person.All when this is said and done, everything is a mess!!!You misplace important things and sometimes you have no self-control, Your “Binges” can last for days, you don’t want to eat, or sleep.All you want to do is fuck everyone and anyone who has a big dick or tight ass!!! This all might sound appealing, but let me be the one to shine light on the other side…..Where the grass is NOT always greener!!! When your body does not get a full 8 hours, not enough fluids, and proper nutrition, Rapid weight loss, Hallucinations, This is caused from lack of sleep.Your mind is going into REM, a dreamlike state while you are still awake.What your brain is being faced with is distorted judgment, and lack of self control!!!See in the beginning of “Fun and Fantasy,” Your brain is forced to produce more Dopamine.
What is Dopamine you ask? Dopamine is a chemical in the Brain essential to everyday nerve transmission.At this point, you have a rapid heart rate, idnsomnia, and hyperactivity, and not to mention… horny as hell!!!Now the coming down.OHHHH NOOOOOOOO, you are thinking, What a Bitch!!But everything must come to an end.At one time, what started out as a good time is replaced with feelings of depression and even worse, thoughts of suicide!!! Now think about it, is this worth putting everything that you learned about Safe Sex, STD Prevention, and health and wellness?FUCK NO!!I say, and I challenge anyone who wants to debate this!!Be good to yourself, Eventually over time with regular use, at which point in time started out just on the weekends and recreational fun and use has turned out to be a part of your daily activities!Not Good Guys!!!1.)Your appearance becomes last on your mind, hygiene is very important and in my book, First Impressions are lasting Impressions.Image is everything!!!2.)Your regular eating habits are almost non-existent, and you are depriving your body the ability to perform its primary function, to LIVE and work properly3.)In some cases, when your “High” has worn off, you swear that you will never put your body thru this kind of abuse!!I have something to say about this if you are thinking of a logical way that you can still function 100% without the pity party for yourself that you know you are going to have, and that you are going to get more done on drugs….than without….YOU ARE FULL OF SHIT!!!! Just take care of your self.It can sometimes take you 2 days to recover while your brain is suffering and now that you are recovering; your brain slowly replaces depleted chemicals that you wasted!!!And better yet…. Here is some food for thought….. Medical Research has been documented that prolonged use can lead to the destruction of brain cells……. Now guys, ask yourself are you willing to punish your mind and body?That you have spent countless hours, months and in some cases, Years to look flawless and beautiful?Not me!!Especially when my health is everything to me in maintaining my ongoing success, You should know from my previous blogs on “ My Story” of how I personally did a come back and how much more vital it is to regularly maintain healthy living habits. Drug use adversely affects your nutritional status and immune system.Drug impurities stress your immune system, and if you are like me HIV positive, then you are putting your T-cells or helper cells in a risky situation. With all of this information, added together, You are putting your health and your body at great risk for high blood pressure, muscle loss, dehydration and for HIV positive guys out there, these side effects conspire to make you susceptible to very low T-cell counts, and higher viral loads. Now with these proven and given factors, it is a “No Brainier” Be smart, be good to your body.Healthy living is hot!!Find something that you are good at, release your creative side!!! Carl G. Crosco If you have any questions for the sexpert, never hesitate to ask anything.Like how to get tested in a clinic or private office, or even a take home kit, Where ever you may be, you are not alone!!!I am here to give you the most factual information possible!!Contact me atsexpert@thehotboyssexpert.tv Clubbing and Partying In the gay scene, as you are aware crystal meth is a Hugh epidemic. Some might be aware of the term “Tina” or “Crystal”But, what ever term you want to call it, it is what it is… It makes you lose all inhabitations and you are almost on a super high that is unstoppable!!! It is one of the most dangerous drugs out there!!It can make families break apart, relationships falter, jobs are lost and people who were once successful seem to be down and out or homeless…. Just a little food for thought…. If you attend any circuit parties or sex house parties… be very careful! This should be a very big wake up call for you if you are not already aware of this epidemic.Just be careful!!! Be true to yourself and the rest will follow!!!!
Wrap Up Sometimes, we find happiness in having a companion, I know that I do.If you are in a relationship, sit down with each other and even if you are not, I want you to do something for me…. Write down all of the Pros and Cons of doing drugs.I am eager to hear your feedback on this topic of discussion.I will personally answer any questions that you might have for me and if I am very inspired by your list, I will write in a future blog about this, but always keep in mind, I respect confidentiality and discretion unless you give me written permission to publicly display your thoughts on my blog. Also for anyone wondering, in time, I will be doing video blogging this is great because I can let you see me personally, and in turn, this will save my hand from cramping!!LOL!Just kidding!! If you would like to send me your thoughts on future blogs, I always am willing to address your issue or go the extra mile to satisfy your curious minds.Remember I am not judgmental and no idea or statement is stupid, this could save your life by getting the answer that you have been wondering and pondering about!! I value each and every one of you as my faithful readers!!!I am here to merely give you the best possible answers or point you in the right direction where you might find the solution to your problem or answer your question, Remember, you will never know if you don’t ask!! In this article, I used several references guides, and if you want to expand and further your readings, then here they are...“The Ins and Outs of Gay Sex” a medical handbook for men, By Stephen E. Goldstone, M.D. I personally and highly recommend this book to every gay man who enjoys pertinent information.I purchased this fantastic book at “Barnes and Noble” I am strongly recommending this to anyone living with STD’S or HIV.I really was engrossed and a lot of my time has been consumed with a refresher course of sex education.And guys, this is a great book to add to your collection of resource books. Well guys, I hope that my views on these topics have been helpful to you.I want to thank you for your attention to my detail in this section of the “Sexpert” for the hot boy’s world. Be sure to contact me personally @ sexpert@thehotboyssexpert.tvand to further your enjoyment in the bed room…..hmmmmmmmmmmmm…..visit our fantastic toy store @ www.thehotboystoys.com Always remember to be safe!Wear condoms when you want to get your groove on, you want to enjoy life to the fullest and live longer and healthier lives!!!! Love Your Sexpert!!! Carl G. Crosco
Help Us Preserve HIV, STD and TB Funding In the Economic Recovery Bill! Senate Slated To Vote On Bill This Week
In Brief:
The Senate begins debate next week on the Economic Recovery bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives this week. The Senate bill includes $400 million in funding for HIV and STD screening and prevention.
Now more than ever, we need to support these important prevention efforts. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are now more than one million people living with HIV in the U.S., with an estimated 56,300 new HIV infections occurring each year. At least 3 million Americans are chronically infected with Hepatitis C. And just last year, CDC researchers found a 4.2 percent latent tuberculosis prevalence among U.S. residents, meaning that about 11.2 million people are living with this form of TB.
We must ensure this funding remains in the bill. Please contact the White House and your Senators before February 4 — tell them to ensure that the $400 million for these important programs is preserved in the economic recovery bill. It’s a quick and easy thing to do using APLA’s In The Loop.
Up Up and away I am in the prime highlight of my life .
Time for Change, Change is good. New Begininngs. Sometimes change can be good for us all I think for some acceptance is a really big issue. Today being gay is a whole lot easier than 20 years ago, At least from my point of view. See growing up for me was not exactly easy... See now this is really going to get DEEP, Acceptance and growing up was a huge issue, considering the facts I was in 23 different foster homes in a 10yr period, Sexually abused on several different occasions. I ended up going to court where my abuser lied, and everyone said that I was doing this for attention, this to me was one of the milestones in my life. I felt betrayed and very much hurt. My real mother, Had given up her rights and so did my father, So I was pretty much property of the state. I tried my hardest, thinking that I did something wrong but, this did not seem to work. I was a ward of the state untill I turned 18. Now when I was in middle school and high school I really had a struggle growing up, I was made fun of because I did not have a real family, because I was in a group home, I was labled a problem child, See, I am a true southerner thru and thru. Being gay in school was not easy, Clearly being in the south, I had to keep a wrap on my personal life, of course at times, I was very flamboyant!! It was hard as hell to hide who I truly was!!! So there I was in line, practicing for graduation when I was asked was I a fucking queer? I never felt more uncomfortable than I did then!!! Of course being gay is not easy for anyone at the age of 17. That brings me to my main topic of disscussion....Acceptance See when we are young we all try to do things to fit in Drugs = Alcohol= Sex. and sometimes we are faced with the many diseases out there, Which this can lead to severe depression, and we tend to use these excuses to escape our difficult lives, Escapism is really not good for anyone for that matter. Studies and Statistics have been proven that gay and bisexual men are more likely to suffer mental and Psychological Stress than straight men and women. This is really setting uneasy with me, considering the facts with my disease that I have HIV. We need to band together, don't change who you are love yourself, be who you are and the results will be a whole lot stronger. Growing up gay is not easy for anyone, but if you need a true friend to count on to help you thru this, then I am here for you. My love is unconditional, I have lived thru alot, and I want to reach out to give you my support. I don't want you to make the same mistakes that I did, You live and learn, but you must be who YOU WANT TO BE!!! Change is good, I said that earlier only if it is for benifiting you in a healthy and theaputic way. Well Untill next time, Love yourself you are worth that much!!
Your Sexpert, Carl Crosco <script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('18ef1ac5-da5b-49c6-b245-a513c6842ee6');</script><noscript>Join the Widgetbox Network <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/network/glbt">GLBT Channel</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">Widgetbox.com</a></noscript><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/glbt-channel-on-widgetbox">Widgetbox Blog Network: GLBT</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>!</noscript>
World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988. World AIDS Day provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.
The Facts
In 2007, the estimated number of persons living with HIV worldwide was 33.2 million and there were 2.7 million people newly infected. More>>
Resources
We hope these resources will assist your efforts to educate, motivate, and mobilize your local community in the fight against HIV/AIDS!
Websites AIDS.gov: the gateway to Federal domestic HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, research information. PEPFAR.gov: the official website of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. worldaidscampaign.org: brochures and information about events worldwide.
Mobile Resources To find an HIV Testing location near you, send a text message with your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948) or visit http://www.hivtest.org/.
BID 2 BEAT AIDS Starts Today! Source from: Mr. Nightlife's Hollywood Looking for that perfect holiday gift? Well, how about an autographed item from one of Hollywood's hottest stars? Bidding began today at noon EST on eBay for BID 2 BEAT AIDS, an annual auction of rare and autographed items from stars in music, film, Broadway, sports, and television! Concert-goers can snag VIP seats and backstage meet-and-greets with the Jonas Brothers, Tony Bennett, Jewel, Bernadette Peters, Aimee Mann, Duncan Sheik, Harry Connick Jr, Estelle, Hairspray's Harvey Fierstein, Joan Rivers or Michael Feinstein; sports fans can bid on meet-and-greets with Olympic champion Michael Phelps or skateboarder Tony Hawk. There are even a tour of the Howard Stern Radio Show studio and a meet-and-greet with Paul Shaffer at The Late Show with David Letterman on the auction block! Proceeds benefit LIFEbeat, the Music Industry Fights AIDS to support its ongoing AIDS/HIV programs nationwide. Sponsors of this 10-day eBay auction include MTV and Borders. LIFEbeat has amassed nearly 900 items for BID 2 BEAT AIDS. Items include: CDs autographed by Mariah Carey, Rihanna (yes, the item pictured above), Fall Out Boy, Carly Simon, Jennifer Hudson, Bon Jovi, Lindsay Lohan, Tom Hanks, and Amy Winehouse; signed books by Madonna, Lance Bass, Tori Spelling, Kevin Bacon, and Oscar De La Hoya; posters signed by Jake Gyllenhaal, Owen Wilson, Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, Matthew Fox, George Lucas and Matthew McConaughey; DVDs signed by Sarah Silverman, Will Ferrell, and Steven Spielberg; photos signed by Rufus Wainwright, Chris Noth, Linda Evans, The Osbournes, Joan Collins; plus toys, clothes, instruments, programs, sports equipment and other autographed memorabilia. The centerpiece of the auction is a one-of-a-kind celebrity autographed "Lend-A-Hand to LIFEbeat" card series. Stars traced their hands on special paper, adding an artistic touch and signature. Cynthia Nixon, Gina Gershon, James Earl Jones, Natalie Cole, Bob Saget, Jack Klugman, Drew Lachey, Sean Hayes, Taylor Hicks, David Hyde-Pierce, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, Deborah Gibson, Jerry Mathers, George Wendt, Pete Best, Paige Davis, Faith Evans, Frankie Valli, John Lithgow, Maroon 5, John O'Hurley, Alan Cumming, Robin Thicke, Nathan Lane, John Lequizamo and over 100 others have participated in this unique project. All you have to do is log onto the LIFEbeat eBay store and bid for that perfect gift! Good luck and have fun bidding!
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February 7 was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day -- a time to both reflect on the tremendous toll the epidemic exacts on African Americans and to redouble our efforts to reduce the overwhelming disparity. Did you know that, while African Americans comprise only 12 percent of the American population, they account for nearly 50 percent of all new HIV cases?
On February 6, APLA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of our new S. Mark Taper Foundation Center, a dental clinic and free food pantry located in South Los Angeles for people living with HIV/AIDS. 
For 55-year-old APLA client "Wanda," pain and discomfort were the least of her concerns about visiting the dentist. 
It’s still difficult for Kelli Hallett to talk about the loss of her best friend, Johnny. 
