About Us

Long Beach Comprehensive HIV Planning Group (LBCHPG) is a group open to all persons affected, afflicted, or working with HIV in the Long Beach area. The LBCHPC holds regular meetings once a quarter with its membership.

Co-chairs

Jeffrey McCray, Program Coordinator HIVE (HIV & Older Adults)

Jeffrey McCray is the Program Coordinator, HIVE (HIV Elders, Older Adults 50+) at APLA Health in Long Beach. He has been a resident of Long Beach, CA since 2016. After the covid 19 layoffs and having worked in retail merchandise planning and allocation for 17 years, he decided to pivot. He says his work now is purposeful, and it honors his family members and friends that he lost due to the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

Jeffrey lost four family members to AIDS in the years 1985 to 1994, two brothers and two first cousins. After such firsthand loss, and being a caregiver, he says that he feels like a walking miracle, and he’s blessed to be alive and thriving as an HIV long-term survivor himself since the early 1990s.

Jeffrey is a resilient advocate, poet and writer who studied dance with Alvin Ailey after briefly attending art school. Before his own journey with HIV, he was a singer, actor, dancer who toured in numerous productions and a couple of dance companies too. He is not only creative but compassionate, intuitive and analytical. He is a Pride Poet. His video poem for LB Pride 2022 is part of the Long Beach Public Library’s archives and YouTube channel. His poetry was featured for two years in the gardens at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills in 2023 & 2024 and he has written poetry live at the Getty Museum as part of the William Blake Visionary exhibit in 2023. He presented his original poetry at The Annual Paul Andrew Stark Warrior Awards in 2023 & 2024. Jeffrey was interviewed on the topic of HIV & Aging on PLUS Life in 2024 and featured on the Plus Life Media website.

Michael Buitron

Michael, the recently elected co-chair of the HIV Planning Group (HPG), brings over three decades of experience in HIV prevention, advocacy, care, and community engagement. His involvement with HPG dates back to its inception over 30 years ago, when he attended the first meeting with pioneers Nan Corby and David Soulales. Having previously served as co-chair of both HPG and the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV, Michael's extensive background includes 15 years in HIV research, contributing to four CDC-recognized evidence-based interventions. His work at the largest HIV service provider in Long Beach focused on the Minority AIDS Initiative, and he facilitated a peer support group for newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLWH) for 13 years. Michael also secured funding to implement opt-out HIV testing in the emergency department at St. Mary Medical Center and served as a PrEP Navigator.

Returning to HPG leadership as a representative of unaffiliated consumers and the community at large, Michael brings valuable insights from his recent role as a coordinator for APLA Health's HIVE program, supporting HIV-positive gay men over fifty—the majority demographic of PLWH in Long Beach. No longer a direct service provider, Michael remains committed to amplifying community voices and ensuring inclusive, data-driven strategies in HIV planning. His long-standing dedication and comprehensive experience make him a trusted leader in shaping the future of HIV prevention and care.

Community Collaborators

The C.A.R.E Clinic

AHF Healthcare Center - Long Beach

Want to know more about LBCHPG? Have questions about HIV planning in Long Beach?
Please click the button below and fill out our Contact Us form.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse