Val Wood grew up in Apple Valley California, and moved to Oceanside over 25 years ago. She has a son, daughter and grandchild. She discovered early on that her outgoing, openminded, and compassionate persona could be turned into a career working with highly diverse and vulnerable populations. Val has over 25 years of experience working in HIV/Hepatitis prevention.

She started early on by volunteering at Inland AIDS Project and found a passion working with LGBTQ, Sex Industry Workers and those who struggle with chemical dependency. She was fascinated by the diversity of homeless culture, identifying their needs and finding resources to help those members gain more physical and mental health stability. This was evidenced by visiting unhoused locations, performing STD testing at campsites and having pizza parties with these populations. On a yearly basis, Val and co workers took unhoused veterans to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Val is honored to accept a position working with patients struggling with opiate usage as this is a National epidemic, providing education, harm reduction and a dedication to help clients while working with the guidance and commitment at the North County LGBTQ center.