The Los Angeles LGBT Center says lives have been at risk since funds for HIV prevention were cut off by the county.
In a sharply written Instagram post, Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the nonprofit, says progress in reducing the number of new HIV transmissions in the region is at risk thanks to budget cuts. The county has denounced the Trump administration for loss of funds.
“We’ve seen a radical decline in new HIV cases as a result of our HIV prevention efforts here in Los Angeles. If the county stops funding HIV prevention work, there’s a surge in new cases,” says Hollendoner.
The county has a $1.8 million contract with the Center, providing clinics and outreach services to communities at risk for HIV infection. Hollendoner said losses in funds could result in 30 job cuts and infections could rise again.
“What we know is that there are still health disparities between communities of colour, immigrant groups and trans community. So, the sale of HIV protection services only allows those disparities to continue if they don’t grow,” he said.
In a social media post, LA County superintendent Lindsey Horvath said the county wasn’t cutting funds, and wasn’t in the president’s administration.
“The designated HIV perturbation money the county sends to our partners comes directly from the federal government,” reads a post from Horvath. “The new administration has completely abandoned its promise to fund this life-saving work.”
Let’s be clear. LA County is not a person to cut HIV prevention funds. That’s true for Trump administrators.
The designated HIV intakes the county sends to our partners comes directly from the federal government. The new manager has completely abandoned his promise to fund this life-saving work. https://t.co/dtpyo0y7gx
– Lindsey P. Horvath (@lindseyphorvath) May 6, 2025
