HealthCare UnTold recognizes Alva Moreno on International Women's Day. For over 40 years Alva Moreno has been a steadfast community activist in the greater Los Angeles area. Alva served as the Director of the East Los Angeles Woman's Center and her life's mission has been to empower survivors of sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence. She originally directed the East Los Angeles Rape Hotline which she expanded to support Spanish-speaking HIV/AIDS clients.
Alva emphasizes the importance of self-care to be an effective community activist. Activists work many hours under stressful conditions and need to be mindful of their own physical and mental health needs.
During the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Alva was called upon to expand services to meet the growing needs of Spanish-speaking Gay Latino men, as well as men who were having sex with men and women who were infected and affected. She assisted and educated families about HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities, and helped them cope with stigma, fear and death.
Alva shares her thoughts on how to ensure equity and justice during the Covid-19 Pandemic including using existing Nonprofit networks throughout Latino communities as well as radio and social media to improve education and communication to the diverse Latino communities.
Alva continues her work as a consultant as owner of AAM Social Services Consulting.