HIV Resources in Los Angeles County

August 23, 2025 | Dr. Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD | Blog |

Los Angeles County faces a significant challenge with HIV. Over 59,400 people live with the virus here. Each year, about 1,400 new transmissions occur. Local health officials work to reduce these numbers through targeted programs. The Division of HIV and STD Programs leads these efforts. This division operates under the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It focuses on screening, treatment, and prevention.

Understanding the HIV Landscape in Los Angeles County

Health experts track HIV data closely. They use this information to guide services. The county aligns with the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. This plan aims to cut new infections by 75% by 2025. Progress stands at 20% so far. Officials call for community involvement to reach these goals. They emphasize a whole-of-society approach. Partners include government agencies, healthcare providers, and residents.

Data shows disparities affect certain groups. Black and Latino communities experience higher rates. Young people and those in specific areas face greater risks. Public health teams address these through tailored outreach. They provide resources in multiple languages. Spanish versions of key documents exist for broader access.

Key Organizations Providing HIV Services

Several groups deliver HIV care in the county. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health runs the Division of HIV and STD Programs. This division offers testing and treatment. It promotes RapidART for quick therapy start. Patients can reach them at (213) 351-8000 or via email.

The Commission on HIV plans and allocates funds. It includes 51 members from diverse backgrounds. One-third live with HIV. The commission meets regularly to coordinate care. It supports anti-racism efforts. Meetings follow a 2025 schedule available online.

APLA Health serves as a major provider. It offers free and low-cost medical care. Teams help with housing and food needs. They target LGBTQ+ communities but serve all. Eight locations operate across the county.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center runs the Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic. It provides rapid HIV tests. Results come from finger pricks or blood draws. The center educates on U=U, meaning undetectable equals untransmittable.

Other entities include AltaMed and Men’s Health Foundation. AltaMed cares for over 2,000 patients. It focuses on multicultural services. Men’s Health Foundation coordinates medical care for residents living with HIV.

HIV Testing and Diagnosis Options

Testing forms the first step in HIV management. Public health clinics offer free screenings. Rapid tests detect antibodies weeks after exposure. Nucleic Acid Tests find the virus earlier. Walk-in options exist, but appointments ensure availability. Call (323) 993-7500 for the LGBT Center.

The Division of HIV and STD Programs runs hotlines. Dial (800) 260-8787 for questions. Youth can use the Pocket Guide LA for STD/HIV info. Clinics screen for multiple infections at once. This approach catches cases early.

Community events boost testing rates. Organizations host drives in high-risk areas. They use mobile units for on-site services. These efforts reach underserved populations.

Treatment and Care Services

Treatment suppresses the virus. Antiretroviral therapy keeps people healthy. Providers start RapidART soon after diagnosis. This reduces transmission risks. Clinics offer primary care and labs.

Ryan White Programs fund care for uninsured individuals. UCLA Health’s CARE Center provides free services. It covers medications and support. APLA Health navigates benefits for patients.

Medical Care Coordination helps county residents. Teams link clients to doctors and resources. They address barriers like transportation. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles treats youth ages 12 and up. It includes STI screening and counseling.

Prevention Strategies and Programs

Prevention stops new cases. PrEP medications protect at-risk individuals. PEP works after possible exposure. The Division provides info on both. Patients access prescriptions through clinics.

Education campaigns teach safe practices. APLA Health runs sexual health programs. They distribute free condoms. The LGBT Center navigates PrEP use. It explains side effects and monitoring.

Needle exchange reduces risks for drug users. Outreach targets homeless populations. Schools and community centers host workshops. These cover transmission facts and stigma reduction.

Support Services for People Living with HIV

Support goes beyond medicine. Housing programs aid stability. The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS offers rent help. It includes utilities and case management.

Food assistance combats malnutrition. APLA Health connects clients to pantries. Mental health services address anxiety and depression. Peer navigation guides newcomers through systems.

Legal aid protects rights. Groups fight discrimination. Women’s programs like APLA’s Women Together focus on health workshops. Mindfulness sessions build resilience.

Specific Community Resources

Black Voices for HIV Health & Wellness: The Commission on HIV’s Black Caucus leads this. It honors Black experiences with HIV.
LINK LA: This program links inmates to care upon release. It spans 12 sessions over 24 weeks.
Positive Care/HIV at LA General Medical Center: Devoted to comprehensive patient care.
St. John’s Community Health: Offers clinics for HIV and Hepatitis C.

Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative

The county’s EHE plan has four pillars: Diagnose, Treat, Prevent, Respond. It builds on existing services. An executive summary details strategies. Infographics from December 2024 show progress.

Community input shapes the plan. Stakeholders collaborate on goals. The plan exists in English and Spanish. Updates come from public health reports.

How to Connect to HIV Resources

Connecting starts with a call or visit. Use the Customer Support Program for issues. Email [email protected] or call (800) 260-8787. Websites list locations and forms.

Online tools help find services. The LA County HIV site outlines the EHE plan. It invites partnerships. Public health’s DHSP page links to reports and hotlines.

The Commission on HIV’s site posts events and trainings. APLA Health’s portal details locations. The LGBT Center’s HIV care page explains testing.

California’s HIV Care Program ties into local efforts. It optimizes health for residents. Details appear on the CDPH site.

Challenges and Future Directions

Stigma hinders access. Officials combat it through education. Funding sustains programs. Ryan White allocations support low-income care.

Telehealth expands reach. It connects remote patients to doctors. Mobile apps track medication adherence. These innovations improve outcomes.

Research drives advances. Local studies test new treatments. Partnerships with federal agencies bring resources. The goal remains a HIV-free future.

Residents play a key role. Get tested regularly. Support affected friends. Join advocacy events like AIDS Walk LA. Collective action ends the epidemic.

This overview draws from official sources. Always consult providers for personal advice. Services evolve, so check sites for updates.