We are deeply saddened by the recent death of former Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force executive director Kathi Boyle on Sunday, May 31. Kathi had battled ALS for several years.

Kathi served as executive director of PATF from 2004 to 2011 and was responsible for numerous milestones, including enrolling PATF in the 340B pharmacy program in 2007 and relocating the organization from Wilkinsburg to 5913 Penn Ave. in East Liberty.

Last fall, as we prepared for our Legends and Legacies storytelling event, Kathi shared some of her memories(opens in a new tab) of her time at PATF with us.

'When I first came to PATF, HIV/AIDS services were primarily focused on male clients,' she wrote. 'That made sense as that was where the disease was most prevalent. But it was clear that women were also getting infected and needed services. So starting prevention work with particularly the women’s African American community was very important.'

Getting PATF enrolled in the 340B pharmacy program was crucial to the financial stability of the organization, and the program remains a major source of funding for Allies' work today. 

'My greatest accomplishment was in providing services to women and young African American gay men who had not been reached out to previously by PATF, and in developing the 340B financial security,' Kathi said. 'I hope my legacy will be that I left PATF with financial support, developed staff cohesiveness, and opened our doors to a more diverse clientele.'

Kathi is survived by her wife, Betty Hill. A celebration of her life for friends, family and loved ones will be held in July.