HIV/AIDS PROGRAMS About the HIV/AIDS Program
The Simon Fraser region has the second highest rate of HIV infections in British Columbia. In 1992, in response to the increase in HIV infections in the Lower Mainland, the Purpose Society started the HIV/AIDS program, which includes education and support services to residents of the Simon Fraser Region.
The HIV/AIDS program is committed to building supportive environments for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS living in the Simon Fraser region (Burnaby, New Westminster, the Tri-cities, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows). Services are conducted under the philosophies of health promotion and harm reduction. Advocacy, support and education are provided through a diverse range of flexible, client-centered services.
We welcome all communities affected by HIV/AIDS, regardless of age, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, ability or health status.
The HIV/AIDS program is funded by the Simon Fraser Health Authority.
Our Support Services
Advocacy services assist individuals living with HIV/AIDS in receiving the services and financial compensation to which they are entitled. Support services create opportunities for peer support and one-on-one emotional support. Current information on treatments, therapies and nutrition enables people living with the virus to manage their own health. Our support services include:
- Weekly support groups and hot lunch.
- One-on-one support and information
- Services specific to children, youth, families, individuals, and couples
- Assistance in accessing needed services and resources (e.g. disability benefits, leg aid, affordable housing, vitamins.)
- On-site weekly food bank
- A clothing exchange
- Laundry and shower facilities
Our Education Services
Staff work with various sectors of the community to promote prevention and awareness through educational, client-centered workshops and presentations. Effective education decreases the risks of HIV infection and breaks down misconceptions that result in fear and discrimination of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Education services are available to institutions and community groups on request.
Our workshops are:
- Safe, informal and interactive
- Tailored to specific needs, age-groups and cultures
- Focused on skills-building
- Offered as a one-time service or as a series of workshops
- Free
Community Partnerships
- Multi cultural Intersectoral Network (co-chaired by Purpose and BC Multi cultural Health Services)
- Iron Horse Youth Clinic - Maple Ridge
- Multilingual Health Education Net
- New-West/Burnaby Task Force Against Sexually Exploited Youth
- Pacific AIDS Network
- The Red Road
- Vancouver HIV/AIDS Care Coordinating Committee
- BC Multi cultural Health Services Society
- ASIA-The Asian Society for the Intervention of AIDS
- AIDS Vancouver
- Bridge Community Health Clinic
- Maple Ridge Family Education Centre
- New Westminster and Maple Ridge Public Health
- Self-help Resources Association of BC
Become a Purpose volunteer!
Contact us
For details on our services and on volunteer opportunities with the HIV/AIDS program, please contact us at purposeaids@pacificcoast.net