March is National Nutrition Month® -- an observance that takes on new significance this year as more people struggle to afford daily grocery store staples.

For people living with HIV/AIDS, good nutrition is a vital component of any treatment plan -- but, as grocery costs rise, many of our low-income clients must now sacrifice even the most basic needs.

It's a trend reflected in the lengthening lines at APLA's food pantries countywide. Our Necessities of Life Program (NOLP), originally designed to supplement our clients' own grocery shopping, has become the sole source of food for many. We provide fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meats, bread and more  -- paired with nutrition counseling, classes and food demonstrations that work hand-in-hand with HIV treatments to reduce side-effects and improve health. More than 500 clients now shop at our pantries each week.

More than ever, we rely on private donations to power our work -- like a recent generous grant from the Annenberg Foundation, which will help keep our food pantry shelves stocked. Partnerships like these -- with foundations, corporations and individual donors like you -- ensure that every APLA client will weather these difficult times and thrive.


Craig E. Thompson
Executive Director

Last month, the world’s leading HIV/AIDS researchers gathered in Montreal for CROI 2009, an annual review of the latest findings in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

Couldn’t attend the conference? Then get the latest news out of CROI at HIV Matters 2009, the Los Angeles community update, on Wednesday, March 18.

A panel of experts will review the most recent scientific findings and will explain their impact on care and treatment. Panelists include Judy Currier, M.D. (UCLA CARE Center), APLA Board Member Eric Daar, M.D. (Harbor-UCLA Medical Center) and APLA Case Manager Morris Jackson. Kaiser Permanente’s Mark Katz, M.D. will moderate. Panelists will also take audience member questions.

Presentations will begin at 7:00 p.m. A buffet dinner will precede the event at 6:00 p.m. An RSVP is required to 213.201.1529.

Kengi Carr remembers the first time he saw someone with AIDS.

"An old family friend was hospitalized, and I drove his mother to see him," Kengi recalls. "He looked awful -- his mother was sobbing -- and I remember wondering, 'Is this going to be me someday?' " 

In fact, Kengi did become HIV-positive in 2008 -- further complicating a medical history that already included sickle cell anemia and five bouts with cancer. At the time of his HIV diagnosis, Kengi was also homeless.

"I knew that I needed help," he says, "I had volunteered at APLA briefly in high school -- so I knew that’s where I could go." He joined APLA’s Newly Diagnosed support group and began seeing a case manager.

Kengi says that "the staff at APLA genuinely cares. They call and check on me, and I’ve learned about so many resources that I can turn to."

No longer homeless himself, Kengi now uses his experience living on the streets to help others. He organizes groups of friends who assemble kits that include fresh socks and toiletries for L.A.'s homeless.

"I know that I can depend on APLA," Kengi says, "so now I can spend time helping those who depend on me."

"They make me feel good, like somebody loves me. You know, like I’m not out here by myself.”

-- APLA client “Wanda,” as quoted in the Los Angeles Wave, on the care she receives through APLA Dental Services. APLA’s newest facility, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Center, pairs an APLA dental clinic with an expanded Necessities of Life Program food pantry and opens this month.