Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users

Brief informational document about HIV vaccines. It defines 'vaccine' and describes, in general, how they work. It describes the characteristics of an "ideal" HIV vaccine; the position of the Canadian AIDS Society with regard to HIV vaccines; ways to involve individuals and community groups in HIV vaccine development; HIV vaccine research and initiatives occurring in Canada. A list of web resources on HIV vaccines is provided.

PASAN is a community-based network and organization, formed in 1991, that provides education, support and advocacy to prisoners and their families on HIV/AIDS and related issues. This first information bulletin describes the organization, and lists and describes its support services, outreach and education services, and networking and advocacy services.

Report providing brief statistical information on topics related to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside communities of Strathcona, Downtown Eastside; Gastown; Chinatown; and Victory Square. It reviews recent data in relation to population demographics; housing; real estate and development activities; community services; neighbourhood facilities; fire, crime and problem businesses; liquor licensing and traffic flows. The report is updated annually and allows the City, government and the community to understand and assess community health, revitalization, and the effects of new development in the Downtown Eastside.

PASAN is a community-based network and organization, formed in 1991, that provides education, support and advocacy to prisoners and their families on HIV/AIDS and related issues. This fifth information bulletin discusses the issue of forced segregation of prisoners with HIV/AIDS. It describes possible plans by Correctional Service Canada to create a specialized care unit in one existing federal prison, where prisoners with HIV/AIDS can "voluntarily" choose to serve their time. The bulletin argues that prisoners with HIV/AIDS would be coerced into serving their time in this particular prison and health care unit, because of the lack of quality care in other prisons. A specialized facility would enforce segregation; increase stigma and cause a loss of confidentiality; deter people from testing for fear of being sent there; and create the false impression in other prisons that HIV risk is low and that prevention practices are unnecessary.