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 restores dignity and trust within underserved communities by providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, support services, and HIV specialty care. Since 1983, APLA Health has remained steadfast in its commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our lifetime. The agency is a multi-site operation includes eight Federally Qualified health Center (FQHC) locations, serving more than 18,000 people annually in Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous. We provide 20 different services including: medical, dental, behavioral health and HIV specialty care; PrEP counseling and management; health education and HIV prevention; and STD screening and treatment. For people living with HIV, we offer housing support; benefits counseling; home healthcare; and the Vance North Necessities of Life Program food pantries; among several other critically needed services. Additionally, we are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation that positively impact the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities and conduct community-based research on issues affecting the communities we serve. For more information on APLA Health visit https://aplahealth.org.
