Media Contact:
Joe Hui
Director of Communications
jhui@aplahealth.org
213.201.1342
7.12.2023
In response to the passing of the Rev. Dr. Steve Pieters, who died on July 8, APLA Health CEO Craig E. Thompson issued the following statement:
“Today APLA Health joins our community in celebrating the pioneering legacy of Rev. Steve Pieters. He was a long-term survivor, advocate, and spiritual advisor to people living with HIV/AIDS and to the larger LGBTQ+ community. He had deep connections to APLA Health (formerly AIDS Project Los Angeles), and his contributions helped shape us as an organization. We would not be here today without his passion.”
“Rev. Pieters’ groundbreaking 1985 television interview with Tammy Faye Bakker forever changed how the world looked at people with AIDS. It opened countless hearts and started a dialogue that continues to this day. Receiving a diagnosis in the early days of AIDS, he used humor to find faith and drew on his faith to stand with unshakeable courage.”
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family during this time.”
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APLA Health (formerly AIDS Project Los Angeles) restores dignity and trust within underserved communities by providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, HIV specialty care, food, housing, and other essential support services. Since our founding in 1983, APLA Health has remained steadfast in our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. We operate eight Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) locations in Los Angeles County, serving more than 19,000 people annually, regardless of ability to pay. Our list of comprehensive services includes LGBTQ+ primary care, dental care, behavioral healthcare, HIV specialty care, and Out Here Sexual Health services (PrEP, STD screening & treatment, DoxyPEP, and PEP). For people with HIV, our wraparound support services include housing assistance through the Alliance for Housing & Healing and nutritional support via the Vance North Necessities of Life Program, the largest food pantry in the United States for people with HIV, distributing over 800,000 meals annually. APLA Health’s annual fundraisers include AIDS Walk LA — the world's first and oldest AIDS Walk — and Best in Drag Show. We are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation at the local, state and Federal levels that positively impact the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities. For more information, visit aplahealth.org.
