learn about the lansing area AIDS network

About Us

Creating safe spaces

LAAN is a
community

From our staff to the clients who walk through our doors for case management to the public who utilizes our prevention and risk reduction services, LAAN values each and every person we encounter as an important part of our story.  Our mission has taken us out into the greater Lansing community to provide education and resources to the public, as well as providing crucial emotional and social support to the clients we serve. LAAN is dedicated to always ensuring we do everything we can to be a safe place for people to be regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexuality, or socio-economic status.  We believe that each and every person’s unique life experiences give them something to bring to the table. We are always looking for ways to improve and make sure that all feel welcome to our organization.

01

Confidential

We are committed to ensuring your personal information is kept strictly confidential.

02

Professional

While we love to laugh in our office, the services and relationships that are provided are strictly professional in nature. You can expect to hold our conduct to the highest standards.

03

Compassionate

We understand that every person has their own struggles and challenges, and your needs will be met with compassion and dignity.

"HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug: Heaven knows they need it."

Princess Diana

remember the past

Since 1985

LAAN was formed to provide educational services and offer peer support to those living with HIV/AIDS. In it’s first year, the organization received over 300 calls to the small phone system set up in the basement of one of its founding members, which was only the beginning of a long and difficult growth process for this grassroots, community-based response to the epidemic that was sweeping the country.

 

Since then, the Lansing Area AIDS Network has provided emotional and psychological support to those affected by HIV/AIDS. The agency has advocated for a lifestyle of dignity, safety, and quality for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

 

where we come from

national HIV Timeline

1981-1984 | Awareness

HIV enters the public awareness with first published reports of a mysterious illness in gay men in 1981. The next year, the name "AIDS" (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is used by the CDC for the first time.

1986-1989 | Communities Take Action

The CDC reports that AIDS disproportionately affects African American and Latino communities. The epidemic's unique challenges faced by communities of color lead to a wave of local coalitions dedicated to supporting those experiencing its impact. The first medication to treat AIDS is approved by the FDA. ACT UP is founded in New York City and the first panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt is created. Six years into the epidemic, President Reagan makes his first public speech about AIDS. In 1988, the first World AIDS Day is observed.

1995 | Advances and Impact

The first Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS is established. FDA approves the first protease inhibitor, ushering in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. (HAART) By October 31, 500,000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the US.

2000-2009 | Medical and Social Advances

International AIDS Conference is held. The CDC announces HIV Prevention Strategic Plan Through 2005 to cut annual HIV infections by half within 5 years. FDA approves the first rapid HIV fingerstick diagnostic test kid. The WHO announces the "3 by 5" initiative to bring HIV treatment to bring HIV treatment to 3 million people by 2005. FDA approves the first rapid oral fluid HIV test. The CDC recommends routine HIV screening for adults. In 2009, UNAIDS reports the first significant decline in new HIV infections in the past decade.

2016-Present Day | HIV in Current History

U=U : Undetectable=Untransmittable campaign started by the Prevention Access Campaign. The CDC reports significant declines in HIV/AIDS related death rates for African Americans between 1999-2015. An estimated 14% of transgender women are living with HIV, with significantly higher proportions among Black and Latinx transgender women. US Announces Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America, which sets goals of decreasing HIV transmissions in the us by 75% in 5 years. US DHHD HIV treatment guidelines add a new section on the management HIV within the transgender population.

19885 | ?

The US Public Health Services issues the first recommendations for preventing neonatal HIV transmission. The first HIV diagnostic test is licensed. Ryan White is refused entry to his middle school because of his HIV status. LAAN is formed.

1990 - 1994 | The Age of Advocacy

Following the death of Ryan White at the age of 18, the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act is enacted by Congress. AIDS advocacy spreads as notable figures like Earvin "Magic" Johnson disclose their HIV+ status. The National Minority AIDS Counsel organizes the first National Skills Building Conference, and the first federally funded research study on women and HIV begins. In 1994, the FDA approves the first oral HIV test the same year that AIDS becomes the leading cause of death for all Americans ages 25-44.

1996-1999 | Global Action

UNAIDS begins to advocate for global actions. Congressional Black Caucus pushes to fund Minority AIDS Initiative. The Black AIDS Institute is founded. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is launched, followed by the creation of multiple cultural awareness days.

2010-2015 | Rapid Advancements

HIV travel and immigration ban lifted by US government after 23 years. The Young Black Gay Men's Leadership Initiative is formed. Trials confirm that early initiation of ART reduce HIV transmissions by 96%. US DHHS Guidelines recommend treatment for all adults and adolescents living with HVI regardless of CD4 count or viral load. UNAIDS reports deaths related to aids have declined by almost 30% since 2005. The CDC issues the first guidelines for the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals at substantial risk.

The Future of HIV

As science and medicine continues to advance, treatment is made accessable to those who need it most, and prevention education are made available to all people, we believe that we will see a future without HIV.

We Will Help You Every Step Of The Way

Every journey to navigate an HIV diagnosis is unique, but you don’t have to do it alone! Please reach out about the services and support that are available.

important things you should know

Questions And Answers

All care, tobacco, and prevention services at LAAN are offered free of charge. Some programs do have specific requirements that must be met for enrollment.

Our case managers are only on duty during regular business hours. While they are occasionally available after hours by pre-arranged appointment, we respect their privacy and personal time. If you leave a message for your case manager outside of normal business hours, you can expect a reply within two business days.

LAAN’s business hours are:

  • Monday 9am-5pm
  • Tuesday 9am-5pm
  • Wednesday 1pm-5pm
  • Thursday 9am-5pm
  • Friday 9am-12pm
  •  

We are closed for all banking holidays. Any office closures will be posted in advance and clients will be given notice whenever possible. (Notice may not be possible in emergency closure situations.)

Free and confidential HIV testing is available to the public. Please visit the prevention program page to learn more about testing procedures and how to schedule your test today!

Our staff is available during business hours. Please feel free to call or message via the website or social media at any time. All messages will receive a reply within two business days.

LAAN is not a medical or emergency service provider.  While we are glad to support those living with HIV, anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 911.

We offer group meetings for tobacco cessation support, 55+ friendship and food support, and health education. All group meeting schedules will be posted in advance. Registration in advance is requested, but drop-in participation is welcome.

There are several ways to support the work that LAAN does in the community.  If you are able, please consider donating via the link in the bottom right corner of the web page. One time, monthly, and credit card roundup donation options are available.

 

If you are not able to donate financially, please consider a donation of your time and skills by volunteering to support the staff in delivering programs and outreach within the community.

our team is
here for you

Has it been a while since you’ve visited our offices?  Do you want to meet our staff and see first hand the programs available to you? Reach out to get to know our team and a little about the mission we’re on to provide services to our community!

Other Ways to Schedule

Call or Text us at 517-614-5230

Offsite Testing - Walk In!

  • CADL Downtown Branch
    • 2nd Monday of every month
    • 3pm – 5pm
  • Gender & Sexuality Campus Center at MSU
    • 4th Monday of every month
    • 3pm – 5pm
  • The Fledge
    • 2nd Thursday of every month
    • 2pm – 4pm
  • The SALUS Center
    • 4th Thursday of every month
    • 3pm – 5pm