The Lansing Area AIDS Network (LANN) was established in 1985 by a group of volunteers to address the challenges brought to the Lansing community by the HIV epidemic. In 1988 LANN's bylaws established a set of goals to: "Provide educational materials and programs about AIDS and its prevention; provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to those affected by the AIDS crisis; facilitate additional legal, financial, and other services as needed for those affected by the AIDS crisis; Promote and advocate a lifestyle of dignity, safety, and quality for those affected by the AIDS crisis."

Since then, LAAN continues to provide free of charge services and programs to people living with HIV/AIDS. Throughout the years these services and programs have expanded to include counseling, health care coordination services, health education, as well as a food pantry. The organization is composed of both staff and volunteers, these include administrative staff, program leadership, medical care specialists, and behavioral health specialists.