For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Justin Burke - 213.201.1525
EMAIL:jburke@apla.org
AIDS Project Los Angeles Appoints Lee Klosinski Director of Programs / George Ayala Named Director of Education
Los Angeles, February 18, 2002—AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) has appointed Lee E. Klosinski, PhD, longtime AIDS advocate and current APLA Director of Education to Director of Programs. In this newly created position, Klosinski will oversee health and education programs, all client services and media and marketing. APLA also named George Ayala, Psy. D., the new Director of Education.
“Lee’s promotion is part of a strategic goal to integrate our client services and education programs,” said Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director, APLA. “APLA always works to meet and anticipate the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS.”
“As a health educator, Lee possesses an impressive body of knowledge about science, public health and the history of HIV,” added Thompson.
“I’m excited by the challenge of developing a comprehensive system for people who come to APLA for assistance,” stated Klosinski. “I believe an integrated approach to client services and education will strengthen the quality of all of our services and enhance our clients’ ability to live healthier and more satisfying lives.”
Klosinski is a graduate of The University of Notre Dame and Claremont Graduate University. He began his association with APLA when he became a volunteer with the AIDS hotline in 1987. As the Director of Education, Klosinski was responsible for Client Health Education, Prevention and Treatment Education and Research and Evaluation.
Ayala will begin his work with APLA in early March. “George is the right person to come in and focus on client health education and prevention programs as the new Director of Education. His experience in these areas is extensive,” continued Thompson.
Ayala was most recently with UCLA/Center for Community Health as an Assistant Research Psychologist. He also served as a Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy. Ayala earned an advanced degree in Clinical Psychology at Rutgers University and completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University.
AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the nation’s largest AIDS service organizations, provides direct services to more than 10,000 men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County. Services include prevention education, a food bank, professional dental care, housing assistance, mental health counseling, women’s services and case management. APLA is a leader in the provision of bilingual HIV treatment information, in print and on the Internet, and advocates for effective AIDS-related policies and legislation on the local, state and federal level. For more information, please visit www.apla.org
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