Communications and Education

The Communications and Education Department seeks to inform our membership, PWAs, interested individuals, AIDS Service Organizations and health care workers of current issues facing those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, through various media such as the living + Magazine, the BCPWA Society website and the Positive Living Manual.

We also ensure that the voices of PWAs are reflected in the community by maintaining a high profile for BCPWA Society through print and broadcast media, on local and regional levels. In addition, Communications works internally with all BCPWA Society departments to coordinate the development of a range of print, web-based, and promotional materials.

Support

The Support Department offers programs and services designed by members which: enhance social support networks, improve quality of life, promote self care and enable peer-driven activities to operate in safe, respectful environments. It provides information and referral to members regarding BCPWA programs and distributes supports including lunch vouchers.

Fund Development

The Fund Development Department coordinates a number of events and initiatives to assist in financing the programs and services provided by BCPWA. Signature special events including WALK for LIFE (formerly AIDS Walk, est. 1986) and our AccolAIDS awards gala (est. April 2002) represent primary sources of annual fundraised revenue.

Other initiatives include: a direct mail program; recognition and appreciation events for major gift donors and prospects; a monthly giving telephone solicitation program coordinated in-house; and community and 3rd party special events that promote awareness of BCPWA Society while raising funds for the organization.

In addition, organizational programs and services are supported through a range of grants and proposals submitted within the corporate sector and to selected foundations.

Treatment Information and Advocacy Department (TIAD)

The TIAD Department maintains several programs including individual advocacy, treatment information and prison outreach. It is open from Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm).

Individual Advocacy provides one-on-one advocacy services to persons living with HIV. These services include securing disability income and benefits, health and medical benefits, debt management and relief, and legal referrals. The UBC Student Legal Clinic at BCPWA Society provides free legal services.

Treatment Information provides individuals with up-to-date information on therapies and treatments for HIV and AIDS.

The ABCs of HIV Treatment and Care provides workshops and presentations on treatment issues throughout the province.

The Prison Outreach Program (POP) provides peer support, counseling and treatment information to HIV+ inmates and ex-inmates through the POP line, 604-527-8605 (collect calls accepted), accessible from any institution in BC. It conducts regular visits to federal and provincial correctional facilities to provide support to HIV+ inmates. The POP program also offers limited advocacy services to inmates and ex-inmates.