Category: Archive

by Bobbi Brownrigg, Public Health Initiatives and Innovation Leader, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC Background Despite advances in HIV treatments, as well as successful campaigns aimed to decrease the stigma of HIV, a small but significant portion of individuals at risk of HIV in BC are delaying or not getting tested due to concerns about confidentiality.[1]… Read more »

by David Moore, Physician Lead STOP HIV, Provincial Health Services Authority Background In British Columbia, there are an estimated 12,000 people living with HIV. Each year, 200-300 people ranging in age from 13 to 81 years old are diagnosed with HIV infection. Despite great advances in treatment, many people with HIV become quite ill, and… Read more »

Thank you to all the participants for making the Prevention Education Training and Networking session, held on Feb. 26 – 28, a great success. Thank you to all of our presenters, speakers and facilitators for their contribution! You can now find copies of handouts as well as presentations in the resource section of the PAN… Read more »

On May 12th, the BC government has announced new guidelines for HIV testing in BC. Provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall said the routine testing has the potential to eliminate the virus in B.C., and they’re encouraging health-care providers to urge patients to take the test. “The new guidelines are similar to recommendations made by… Read more »

We are now taking applications for this summers camp staff. Please see below or visit our website to learn more about all the exciting opportunities we have this year, and be sure to send in your resume! Camper applications are now closed for this years summer camp programming, however if you haven’t yet submitted your… Read more »

Issue Brief April 2014 amfAR: The foundation for AIDS Research Of all populations affected by HIV worldwide, evidence suggests that trans populations may be the most heavily burdened. Due to stigma, neglect and institutionalized discrimination, the HIV response has largely failed to address the needs of trans people. Achieving an AIDS-free generation will demand more… Read more »

The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE), in partnership with Positive Living BC, is offering a series of webinars that will provide up-to-date HIV treatment and care information. This series will meet the needs of learners across geographical and professional boundaries, with content designed to be relevant to a broad range of learner levels. Sessions… Read more »

The sexual transmission of HIV occurs after an exposure to fluids that contain HIV, such as semen and fluids from the vagina and rectum. The amount of virus in these fluids (also known as viral load) is the most important factor that determines whether an exposure to HIV will lead to infection. Research shows that… Read more »

Leading human rights advocate to deliver opening Mark Wainberg Lecture at Canada’s national AIDS conference Ottawa (April 1, 2014) – The Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) announced today that Richard Elliott has been selected as the 2014 Mark Wainberg Lecturer. Each year, at CAHR’s national conference on HIV research, the lecture honours Dr. Wainberg’s… Read more »

The Annual Excellence in Health Promotion Awards celebrates individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership in health promotion and working to improve the health and safety of British Columbians. Doctors of BC aims to encourage more groups and individuals to undertake health promotion activities by honouring current exceptional health promotion initiatives. Deadline for 2014 nominations is Thursday, May 1st Nomination Criteria… Read more »

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is consolidating a number of the city’s community health clinics under one roof but what that means for patients is somewhat unclear. “We are consolidating services from Pine Clinic, Evergreen, Pacific Spirit and South (Community Health Centre) to the Raven Song site to enable us to provide a… Read more »

March 24th, 2014 It is with great sadness that we announce that, as of March 31, 2014, the Victoria AIDS Resource & Community Service Society (VARCS) will be closing its doors. VARCS staff and board were devastated to learn that after 23 years of service, Island Health (formerly known as Vancouver Island Health Authority) will… Read more »