He Helps Keep Air Under Clinic’s Wings

As a customer-service representative for United Airlines, Bryan Noble works at making the friendly skies friendlier. He’s doing a good job of making things better on the ground too.

Noble, 41, of Long Beach was recognized by the airline for his work in raising awareness of AIDS and raising funds for the Laguna Beach Community Clinic’s HIV medical treatment and testing. He also received a United We Care grant, which netted the clinic $1,000.

“People like Bryan make the clinic a very special place,” said Joyce Linn, clinic board president, who attended the ceremony last month at John Wayne Airport, where Noble works.

The clinic, which serves those without insurance, offers HIV medical treatment and testing but is also a full-service clinic that provides adult medical care, immunizations, prenatal care and preemployment physicals. Fees are based on the ability to pay and grants are available for the unemployed.

Noble has supported the clinic since 1996. The former Laguna Beach resident said the clinic was there for him when he needed it and now it’s his turn to help.

“I always feel it’s never quite enough. I wish I could do more for them,” said Noble, who is working on the clinic’s Sept. 22 event, the Art and Champagne fund-raiser at the Laguna Art Museum. Representing the clinic, he joined the AIDS Walk last weekend and raised more than $2,500.

Besides fund-raising, Noble does outreach work for the clinic, which includes speaking to classes at UC Irvine.

“The media talk about finding new drugs and people living longer, but the bad part is that it still goes on. There’s no cure. It’s important to stay out there,” he said.

For information on the Art and Champagne event, (949) 494-0761, Ext. 13. To be considered for this column, please send information on the Orange County person being honored along with a photograph to Lynn O’Dell, The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. (714) 283-5685.