APLA Health Expands Long Beach Facility Amid Federal Funding Concerns
Healthcare provider grows services while facing potential government cuts
APLA Health has significantly expanded its Long Beach facility, tripling in size since 2016 to become the largest of its eight care centers in Los Angeles County. The expanded clinic now features 18 exam rooms, up from six, along with enhanced laboratory services, dental facilities, and specialized care including gender health and PrEP services. This expansion comes at a time when federally qualified health centers across the country are expressing concerns about potential government funding reductions.
The organization has a long history of providing specialized healthcare, beginning with dental services for HIV patients in the 1980s when many providers refused treatment. APLA Health's medical services expanded significantly during the Obama administration when the Affordable Care Act extended Medicaid coverage to millions of additional Americans. According to CEO Craig E. Thompson, this policy change opened healthcare access to previously underserved populations including low-income LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV.
KEY POINTS
- •LGBTQ+ clinic triples in size
- •Faces potential federal funding cuts
- •Expanded from HIV care to full services
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson characterized the facility as an essential resource amid declining government healthcare funding. The center provides comprehensive healthcare regardless of patients' identity or insurance status, serving as what Richardson described as a safe respite for LGBTQ+ residents and the broader community. The clinic operates five days weekly, offering expanded capacity through additional providers and increased patient availability.
Continue reading this article
Sign in to read the full article and unlock all features