For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Justin Burke - 213.201.1525

EMAIL:jburke@apla.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 2001

HIV AND AIDS LEGAL SERVICES ALLIANCE FUNDED TO PROVIDE TAX CLINIC FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS

Clinic is the Only HIV-Related Program Funded by the IRS

Los Angeles -- Thanks to a grant from the Internal Revenue Service, the HIV and AIDS Legal Services Alliance (HALSA) is providing tax assistance for low-income people living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County. HALSA was the only organization in the United States funded to provide tax assistance to low-income people living with HIV and AIDS.

HALSA will provide one-on-one assistance, proactive tax assistance and education. The clinics have also been created to assist people who use English as a second language. To qualify for the program, a person must submit a doctor's diagnosis form indicating a positive HIV status, proof of income and be a resident of Los Angeles County. To schedule an appointment please call HALSA directly at 323-993-1640.

"We are very happy to be able to provide this much-needed service in our community," stated Doreen Servati, Director of HALSA.

HALSA is a collaborative project of AIDS Project Los Angeles, AIDS Service Center, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center and Public Counsel. HALSA provides legal services to low-income persons who have HIV and AIDS and who live in Los Angeles County.

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