Unique storytelling event honors World AIDS Day, history of HIV/AIDS in Pittsburgh

"Legends and Legacies" is the culmination of the 40th anniversary year of Allies for Health + Wellbeing, formerly the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force

PITTSBURGH-It has been a year of celebration and remembrance for Allies for Health + Wellbeing, as the organization has marked its 40th anniversary in 2025. Allies was founded as the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force in 1985 to meet the needs of people living with and dying of AIDS in our community. Since then, Allies has expanded its focus beyond HIV prevention and care to address the diverse needs of the Pittsburgh community, including primary care, holistic HIV treatment, PrEP for HIV prevention, hepatitis C and STI testing and care, gender-affirming care, and behavioral health care.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Allies for Health + Wellbeing is hosting "Legends and Legacies: Celebrating the stories of PATF and Allies" at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater.

"The Legends and Legacies event honors those who helped create PATF 40 years ago by sharing their experiences with others, some of whom weren't even born when the AIDS pandemic began," said Mary Bockovich, CEO of Allies for Health + Wellbeing. "It will help everyone gain a deeper understanding of what it was like to be in the middle of the AIDS crisis in our community. It's also a way to thank those who were brave enough to help when most turned their backs on people with HIV/AIDS."

The event, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m., will feature onstage and video conversations with people who have been part of the organization in some way throughout its 40-year history.

"As board chair of Allies for Health + Wellbeing, I am incredibly proud that we are hosting such an important event," said Keri Harmicar, senior communications director for UPMC Health Plan and Allies board president. "Our Legends and Legacies event honors the progress we've made against HIV/AIDS while recognizing the work that remains to be done and offering inspiration for a hopeful future. Now more than ever, we need to be present for the stories of our past so we can prepare for a more compassionate and stigma-free future."

Onstage speakers include:

• Tammy Frech and DJ Stemmler, former PATF staff members
• Alan Jones, the longest serving staff member of PATF and Allies
• Clarisse Jordan, author, HIV advocate and founder of Love in Action Through Faith Initiative
• Dr. Larry Leahy, one of the first people to provide dental care in Pittsburgh to people with HIV/AIDS
• Richard Parsakian, longtime supporter of PATF and Allies and owner of Eons Fashion Antique

There also will be videos from:

• Kathi Boyle, former executive director of PATF
• Stuart Fisk, retired CRNP, public health activist and harm reduction advocate
• Nachum Golan and Steve Hough, longtime PATF and Allies supporters
• Michael Neal, former executive director of PATF
• Dr. Marty Seltman, retired family doctor and HIV care provider

"I cannot wait to hear from all of participants," Bockovich said. "They are all bringing unique points of view. Of course, no one tells a story quite like Alan Jones, though."

"Legends and Legacies" is free to attend, but registration is required.

As Allies for Health + Wellbeing prepares for its next stage, which includes a move to a more spacious location at 211 Tower in East Liberty and addressing significant state funding cuts, Bockovich hopes that "Legends and Legacies" encourages those who attend to a new commitment to the organization and its mission of serving people living with or at risk of HIV.

"The landscape of HIV and AIDS has changed many times over the past 40 years," Bockovich said. "Each time, PATF and Allies has adapted to the breakthroughs in medical treatment and the changing needs of our patients and clients. HIV has not gone away, though it is now a manageable chronic illness, and we will continue to meet the challenges ahead and to provide the best possible care and support to those we serve. It's important to remember why we are here and to rededicate ourselves to serving the community and carrying on the legacy of those who came before us."

Partners for this event include Giant Eagle, Gilead Sciences, Peterson & Albright LGBT+ Legacy Trust, and QBurgh. Additional partners include the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater and Untitled Content.

About Allies for Health + Wellbeing

Building on 40 years of experience, Allies provides the region's most comprehensive treatment and support for people living with HIV, as well as primary and specialty medical care for the community regardless of HIV status.