Health Legal Services (formerly AIDS Legal Services and The Diabetes Law Collaborative) AIDS Legal Services (ALS) was founded in 1988 to respond to the critical need for legal assistance for people with HIV and AIDS who would otherwise go without representation in the legal system. In March 2009, ALS and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center launched a new program to serve the legal needs of low-income residents living with diabetes: The Diabetes Law Collaborative (DLC) at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. DLC grew out of the Law Foundation’s 2007 strategic plan, whereby ALS decided to expand its model of providing free, holistic legal services for low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS to also include those living with other chronic illnesses such as diabetes. To reflect this expansion of its focus, ALS has changed its name to Health Legal Services (HLS) as of November 2009. Health Legal Services remains steadfast in its commitment to the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS while expanding strategically to serve other populations in need. HLS provides free legal assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: - Public and Private Benefits and Insurance - Housing Rights - Discrimination - Employment Rights - Estate Planning and Wills - Debtor Relief.