The Overview

AVI Health & Community Services

On September 17, 1985, five men (Wayne Cook, Don MacIvor, Roy Salonin, John Spencer, and Grant Sullivan) sat around a kitchen table and decided it was time to meet the challenge posed by the AIDS epidemic on Vancouver Island. These five men saw the growing need for accurate and up-to-date information and services relating to HIV/AIDS. That evening saw the birth of AIDS Vancouver Island (Now AVI Health and Community Services), with the founders forming the first Board of Directors.

Since its inception AVI has been a beacon to so many people in the communities they serve – Campbell River, Courtney/Comox, Nanaimo, Westshore, and Victoria. Each day staff work tirelessly to deliver on AVI’s mission to promote health, dignity, and well-being for all people affected by HIV, HCV, and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction based education, prevention, and support services.

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AVI's Mandate

Their Mission

AVI’s mission is to promote health, dignity, and well-being for all people affected by HIV, HCV, and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction based education, prevention, and support services.

Their Vision

AVI envisions a community where all people affected by HIV, HCV, or substance use have equitable access to the support and services necessary to experience optimal health and well-being.

AVI's Programs & Services

AVI provides education and prevention information to schools, the broader community and populations at increased risk of contracting HIV and/or hepatitis C. Evidence demonstrates that comprehensive prevention programs can help to effectively contain HIV, hepatitis C, and other communicable diseases.

Through their Positive Wellness Program, AVI Health & Community Services provides integrated services to individuals living with HIV and/or hepatitis C, including advocacy and support with income assistance, access to nutrition, health care services, employment, housing, disability status applications and legal matters; short-term counseling focused on immediate needs and outcomes; non-judgmental education and support for treatment, side effects and symptoms.

Additionally AVI, runs several other crucial programs including their Community Led Crisis Response program (CLCR), and Prescribed Safe Supply programs.

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Subscribe & Support AVI

For every AVI BCause Box ordered, we'll donate 5% towards their Positive Wellness Program.

The Positive Wellness Program provides nutritious food to those living with, or at risk of HIV and/or Hepatitis C, who also may struggle with homelessness or substance use.

How the BCause Box Program WorksBCause Box FAQ's