West Hollywood pharmacist Ida Shlain urges greater awareness, early testing, and community support after decades serving patients during the HIV/AIDS crisis in Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 1, 2026 / Veteran California pharmacist Ida Shlain is speaking out to raise awareness about the ongoing need for HIV education, testing, and community support after more than three decades working with patients in Los Angeles.
Shlain, who served as pharmacist-in-charge and owner of Capitol Drugs Pharmacy in West Hollywood, says her career placed her at the center of one of the most difficult public health moments in modern history: the HIV/AIDS crisis that deeply affected the local community.
"Pharmacy is not only about medicine," Shlain said. "It is about being there when people need help. During those years, many patients were going through very difficult situations."
Today, Shlain is encouraging individuals and communities to stay informed, support those affected by HIV, and make healthcare access a priority.
The Ongoing Need for HIV Awareness
HIV remains a major public health issue in the United States. An estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV nationwide, and tens of thousands of new infections are reported each year.
California continues to have one of the highest numbers of people living with HIV, with more than 138,000 individuals diagnosed with the virus in the state.
In Los Angeles County alone, public health data estimates about 1,200 new HIV infections occurred in 2022, highlighting the continued importance of prevention and treatment efforts.
Medical advances have dramatically improved outcomes. Modern antiretroviral therapies allow many patients living with HIV to live long and healthy lives. However, access to medication, adherence to treatment, and ongoing stigma still create challenges.
Shlain believes education and community support remain essential.
"People should understand that treatment has come a long way," she said. "But awareness, testing, and compassion are still very important."
A Pharmacist on the Front Lines of a Health Crisis
Shlain's connection to the issue comes from personal experience in the pharmacy profession.
Originally from Ukraine in the former Soviet Union, Shlain studied pharmacy before immigrating to the United States. She later completed required coursework through the University of Southern California and became licensed to practice pharmacy in California in 1990.
She went on to operate Capitol Drugs Pharmacy in West Hollywood, where she served many patients affected by HIV during the height of the epidemic.
"At that time, many people were scared and unsure where to turn," Shlain recalled. "A local pharmacy often became the place where patients could ask questions and get help."
Her pharmacy worked closely with organizations supporting individuals living with HIV, including community initiatives connected to the AIDS Foundation.
"We helped patients get the medications they needed," Shlain said. "We also tried to support the community whenever possible."
The Role of Pharmacists in HIV Care
Healthcare experts increasingly recognize pharmacists as an important part of the HIV care system. Pharmacists often help patients understand medications, manage side effects, and maintain consistent treatment plans.
This support is critical because HIV treatment requires long-term adherence to medication. Studies show that barriers such as medication access and adherence challenges can impact treatment outcomes.
For Shlain, the role of the pharmacist goes beyond dispensing prescriptions.
"A pharmacist listens to patients," she said. "Sometimes people simply need someone to explain things clearly and help them stay on track with treatment."
Her experience in West Hollywood showed how local pharmacies can become trusted healthcare access points within a community.
"People come back because they trust you," Shlain said. "That relationship is very important."
What Individuals and Communities Can Do
Shlain says raising awareness about HIV does not require medical expertise. Small actions can make a meaningful difference.
She encourages individuals to:
Learn about HIV prevention and treatment options
Support community health organizations
Encourage regular testing and early diagnosis
Reduce stigma by promoting open and informed conversations
"Education is one of the most powerful tools we have," Shlain said. "When people understand the facts, they can help others and support their communities."
She also emphasizes compassion toward people living with HIV.
"Everyone deserves care, respect, and understanding," she said. "That is something we should never forget."
Call to Action
Individuals who want to support HIV awareness can start by learning about testing resources, sharing accurate information, and supporting local community health organizations that provide care and education.
"Every person can help in some way," Shlain said. "It starts with awareness and kindness."
About Ida Shlain
Ida Shlain is a California pharmacist who has practiced since 1990 and previously served as pharmacist-in-charge and owner of Capitol Drugs Pharmacy in West Hollywood, California. Originally educated in Ukraine, she later completed additional pharmacy training through the University of Southern California. Over her career, Shlain has worked closely with patients and community organizations during the HIV/AIDS crisis and has supported local health initiatives serving the West Hollywood community.
Media Contact
SOURCE: Ida Shlain
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