Media Contact:
Craig Bowers
Chief Marketing and External Affairs Officer
213.201.1475
cbowers@aplahealth.org
7.12.23
APLA Health Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Former Board of Directors Member the Rev. Dr. Steve Pieters
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.”
