Vancouver/Richmond Health Board: Action Plan to Combat HIV/AIDS in the Downtown Eastside

Three short documents released to the media in late October, 1998, about the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board passing a motion declaring the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Downtown Eastside a public health emergency, and about the Action Plan developed as a result. This media backgrounder provides a summary of highlights and goals of the Action Plan (which would become known as the Vancouver Downtown Eastside HIV/AIDS Action Plan). These goals include improving access to health services; improving testing and medical protocols; collaboration between government, community and other organizations; developing longer-term strategies and addressing the basic determinants of health; and additional funding through the Continuing Care Program. Also included is a timeline outlining specific objectives to be completed in the next two months, and a glossary of stakeholder agencies.