HIV/AIDS Program
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plays an important role in responding to HIV/AIDS in B.C. Within the health authority HIV/AIDS work is done by a number of different agencies, contracted community organizations, and committed staff. The PHSA has developed a strategic framework for HIV/AIDS that will direct the future HIV/AIDS work of our health authority.
If you would like additional information about our initiatives, please contact us.
Within the PHSA there are individual agencies that have specific provincial mandates related to HIV surveillance, prevention, treatment and care. These include the Oak Tree Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre and the Division of STD/AIDS Control at the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Agency Funding
The PHSA provides funding to HIV/AIDS organizations who work across the province:
Strategic Consultations
To date, the PHSA has hosted a number of strategic consultations. These consultations sought community input, focused on vulnerable population groups, and formed recommendations:
In order to strengthen communication and collaboration between British Columbia’s Health Authorities and the Ministry of Health (MOH) on issues of HIV/AIDS the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) hosted a day-long roundtable discussion on November 9, 2005.
The information gathered at these consultations helped inform the creation of the PHSA's HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework.
Collaborating for Action: PHSA's HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework
The PHSA has developed Collaborating for Action: PHSA’s HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework. This framwork was created as the PHSA's response to the Ministry of Health Services directional document, Priorities for Action in Managing the Epidemics: HIV/AIDS in BC (2003 – 2007), released in 2003. This document guides British Columbia’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Priorities for Action is being implemented through the coordinated efforts of the Provincial Health Services Authority, the five regional health authorities, and their community partners.
The PHSA ‘s mandate includes not only direct service provision, but also provision of support (through its agencies) to other health authorities and the coordination of specific provincial initiatives. Through the consultation process the PHSA has determined that its current HIV/AIDS role -- primarily HIV/AIDS service delivery – should be broadened to include initiatives to strengthen coordination, communication and foster evidence-based practices across the province in relation to improving our response to HIV/AIDS. You can read more about this framework here: Collaborating for Action
Collaborating for Action Projects
Provincial Outcome Evaluation Resource - The PHSA's HIV/AIDS Program is interested in developing a provincial evaluation resource that will support all HIV/AIDS service providers in the province. As part of this initiative we contracted Community Solutions Planning & Evaluation to consult with service providers regarding their need for support with outcome evaluation and their ideas for a provincial evaluation resource. You can read the consultation report and recommendations here.
Mental Health and HIV/AIDS - PHSA commissioned a needs assessment in 2008 to look at the mental health needs of those living with HIV, AIDS and hepatitis C. The report was intially released in July 2008 to a targeted stakeholder group for further discussion of what needs to be done in this area. The report shows a significant need in this area with increased collaboration required between community, regional and provincial partners. A working group has been convened in response to the report, which can be viewed here: Trap Doors: Revolving Doors - A Discussion Paper.
After reviewing Trap Doors: Revolving Doors the BC Mental Health and HIV/AIDS/HCV Working Group has developed five strategic priorities. You can read them here: Mental Health and HIV/AIDS/HCV in BC: A Strategic Action Report.
If you have any questions or comments please contact:
Janice Duddy, Manager, HIV/AIDS Program
Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)
c/o BCCDC, STI/HIV Prevention and Control
655 12th Ave W., Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4
(604) 707-5638
Fax: (604) 707-5604
jduddy@phsa.ca