APLA Applauds LA Supes Decision to Implement PrEP

AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and APLA Health & Wellness (APLAHW) applaud the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for approving a motion that calls for a comprehensive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program in Los Angeles County.

The motion, introduced by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, will require the Department of Public Health and the Department of Health Services to develop and implement a plan for a robust, comprehensive program to deliver PrEP countywide. The vote was almost unanimous, with four of the five supervisors voting "yes." Supervisor Michael Antonovich abstained.

APLA and APLA Health & Wellness, in collaboration with various other local organizations, advocated aggressively for passage of Supervisor Kuehl's motion.

"This is a significant step forward in the fight against HIV in Los Angeles County," said Craig E. Thompson, APLA and APLA Health & Wellness' Chief Executive Officer. "We commend Supervisor Kuehl for her bold and decisive leadership to ensure that PrEP is accessible to all Angelenos, regardless of health coverage, income, or immigration status."

The Department of Public Health is now required to report back to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days on the PrEP program implementation plan, including details on who will be served and when the various components of the program will be implemented. The plan will be required to include a broad range of medical providers, including community-based organizations and clinics that can effectively provide PrEP to communities that are disproportionately impacted by HIV.

"Gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals, particularly Africans Americans and Latinos, continue to be hard hit by the HIV epidemic in Los Angeles County," says Vallerie Wagner, APLA Health & Wellness' Chief Operating Officer. "Yesterday's action by the Board of Supervisors means that these communities will have access to this important HIV prevention tool."

APLA and APLA Health & Wellness have been at the forefront of advocating for increased access to PrEP. APLA Health & Wellness launched the Pendleton/Goldman PrEP program at its Gleicher/Chen Health Center in fall 2014 thanks in part to a donation from Brian Pendleton and Chad Goldman. APLAHW hired a full-time PrEP navigator in spring 2015 to assist patients in getting information and access to the medication.

The full text of Supervisor Kuehl's motion is available on the Board of Supervisors' website here.