Fast Facts

There are enough people with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles to fill Dodger Stadium.

$20 buys five bags of groceries for those living with HIV/AIDS who are most in need.

$100 allows us to provide state-of-the-art dental care to an APLA client in our mobile dental van.

Your donation, large or small, helps us help those in greatest need.

S.T.A.G.E. 2010
Saturday, May 1
Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young doing "Jersey Boys." Tyne Daly and Jonathan Hadary in "Gypsy." And much more!

"Original Cast," the 26th Annual Southland Theatre Artists' Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.), this year features stars recreating the roles they made famous -- for one night only!

S.T.A.G.E. is the world’s longest continuously running AIDS fundraising event.

Be sure to come early to bid in the legendary S.T.A.G.E. silent auction!

Show directed by David Galligan.

Last chance to buy tickets online!

From the Executive Director

Times Two: HIV Rates Double in L.A. County

Twenty-six years ago this month, the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Margaret Heckler, announced that researcher Dr. Robert Gallo had isolated the virus that causes AIDS.

In her statement, Heckler added: "We hope to have a vaccine [against AIDS] ready for testing in about two years."

But years turned into decades, and now some experts estimate that we won’t see a viable AIDS vaccine until 2060 or later. Meanwhile, closer to home, we’ve recently learned that the rate of new HIV infections across L.A. County has more than doubled -- just over the last 24 months -- to eight a day. Yet California's investment in HIV prevention remains $0.

It is within our power to stop HIV now. But we cannot solely rely on government to fuel our efforts. Rather, we count on a sustained private investment -- from corporations, foundations and donors like you -- to reach those at greatest risk long before the moment of potential infection.

That's why I'm pleased to present our 2009 annual report, now available for your review online. In it, you’ll meet Jim, Thelma and Andy -- three among thousands of Angelenos living with HIV/AIDS whose lives you have changed. And you’ll learn of our most recent work to prevent new infections and defend vital government programs -- all a testament to the strength of your support even in difficult times.

We now know that AIDS will likely be with us for our lifetimes. Thanks to you, so will our efforts to fight it.

Craig E. Thompson
Executive Director

What's New

New Support Group for Meth Users

APLA has launched another opportunity for crystal methamphetamine users to join together to discuss their experiences and share strategies to stay safe and healthy.

"It's great that we are able to talk in a structured group," raves Gary, who participates in APLA's Crystal Methamphetamine Program. The program recently began a weekly group to offer support to clients like Gary. "The camaraderie is fantastic, and I don't feel so alone. It's good to know that there are others who are going through the same thing," he says.

The group, which meets Mondays at noon at APLA's David Geffen Center, differs from a recovery program because of its harm-reduction approach to individual goals.

"It's a safe, non-judgmental group, and they work with whatever your goal is," says Gary, who recently marked six months of sobriety. "I hang around the [sober] base, because it makes it easier to stay clean." Meth users who are not yet ready to quit get tips to reduce meth-related harm and to prevent HIV infection.

"The program has started out strong, with lots of guys dropping by for lunch and to process what's going on in their lives," said Phil Hendricks, the program's coordinator, after last Monday's group. Weekly attendance continues to rise.

"If they're not comfortable speaking in a group, they can always schedule one-on-one time with staff of the program," Phil explains.

APLA also offers a Spanish-speaking crystal meth group every Tuesday, along with a monthly art group where participants have the chance to express themselves through artistic endeavors.

-- Tania Gonzalez

Profile

Ten years ago, with a Ph.D. in psychology from Pepperdine University and a published thesis, APLA client Gilbert looked forward to a bright future. He was offered a position as a clinic assistant in a doctor's office -- but then his prospective employer learned that Gilbert was living with HIV.

"As soon as they found out I was HIV-positive, they rescinded the job offer," he remembers. With no work in sight and no longer eligible for student housing, the once-hopeful psychologist abruptly found himself living on the streets.

"I was homeless all told for three years," he recalls. "I sought help from other organizations but often left with even more questions." It was through word-of-mouth at one of these agencies that Gilbert learned of APLA.

Six months ago, Gilbert secured a housing grant from APLA's Residential Services, which allowed him to move into a Hollywood apartment. He beams when he talks about it.

"I look much better now. I'm even able to buy clothing, and I can socialize with people who are a positive influence on my life." With APLA's help, Gilbert says he can finally get back to his passions, reading and writing.

Gilbert says that he also appreciates the work APLA does to reduce stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS.

"Living with HIV should never be an impediment for work or life -- and APLA's advocacy and education programs are huge when it comes to changing attitudes toward the disease," he adds.

"APLA is like my second home. They've made me wealthy in my mind," he smiles. "Make sure you write that."

-- T.G.

Giving

Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young doing "Jersey Boys." Tyne Daly and Jonathan Hadary in "Gypsy." And much, much more!

"Original Cast," the 26th Annual Southland Theatre Artists' Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.), this year features stars from theater, television and cabaret recreating the roles they made famous -- for one night only! Buy tickets now.

The show will start on Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m., presented at the beautiful Harriett and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles, home to S.T.A.G.E. for several years. The evening consists of a silent auction beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a live auction at the beginning of Act II. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the show, the longest continuously running AIDS fundraising event in the world, will benefit APLA.

Heading the roster of performers is a slate of Tony®-award-winning performers including Tyne Daly, reprising her turn as Mama Rose in "Gypsy" with help from Jonathan Hadary; John Lloyd Young, who originated the role of Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys"; and Donna McKechnie, who played Cassie in "A Chorus Line." Other cast members will include Betty Garrett ("Call Me Mister"); Carole Cook ("Hello Dolly!"); and Sally Struthers, who -- along with Julie Johnson -- will reprise her award-winning role in "Always…Patsy Cline."

The S.T.A.G.E. Producers Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership in the fight against AIDS, will be presented to APLA Executive Director Craig E. Thompson.

Now entering its fourth decade, S.T.A.G.E. has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS organizations throughout the Southern California. Learn more or buy tickets before the event sells out!

Take Action

We Are Watching: AIDSWatch 2010

This week, APLA’s Government Affairs team, as well as constituents and other concerned individuals, are gathered in Washington, D.C .for AIDSWatch -- the largest AIDS-related advocacy event in the United States.

Sponsored by the National Association of People Living with AIDS (NAPWA), participants in AIDSWatch include people living with HIV and AIDS, their families, friends, care providers and other advocates. Last year, more than 400 descended on Capitol Hill to deliver the important message that HIV/AIDS is still a public health concern that deserves the attention and focus of our elected officials.

As in years past, APLA’s Government Affairs division is coordinating Capitol Hill advocacy visits for all participants in the Southern California delegation. APLA is participating in an all-day advocacy training session and in Congressional briefings on the overall state of the epidemic and, more specifically, among Latinos. The agency is also joining receptions to allow advocates from across the country to network and share ideas.

This year’s message is more urgent than ever: State budget cuts in California and across the country have decimated HIV/AIDS programs, and state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs are again in crisis. Washington must know that federally funded programs are now threatened by inadequate state contributions.

Stay updated on the latest HIV/AIDS news. Join "In the Loop," APLA's online activist network, today!

Photo of the Month

On March 25, Macy's and American Express presented APLA representatives with a check for $100,000, proceeds from 2009's Macy’s and American Express Passport event. APLA clients, volunteers, Board members and staff gathered at Macy's Beverly Center, The Men's Store to celebrate. They were joined by (from left) celebrity guests Del Shores, Dee Wallace, Jason Dottley, APLA's Craig Thompson, Macy's Cal Partridge, Ann Walker and John Lloyd Young.

The Last Word

"In California, all of the funding for AIDS prevention has been completely obliterated, so it’s a challenge to educate people so that they don’t get infected. And those who are HIV-positive and need support are forced to seek it from an increasingly overextended network of care. We have to do more to help."

- Tony Award-winning actor John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys, Glee), speaking with television network CableMuse at Macy’s "White Night," a March 25 men's designer shopping party benefiting APLA (see Photo of the Month, above). Young, who is best known for his Tony-winning Broadway performance as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, is also an emerging visual artist whose work will be showcased at Art Project Los Angeles, a June 25 - 27 art auction and reception to benefit APLA. Stay tuned to apla.org in May for information on that event.