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HIV Edmonton: 2024 Annual Report

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Message 2 0 2 4E D I T I O NA N N U A LR E P O R T

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This annual report is dedicated to the memory of Ms. Deborah Norris,Board Secretary, who unexpectedly passed in May this year. Deborah has served for the last four years on our Board of Directors asChair and Secretary. She was at many of the organization’s events andalways actively lived the mission, vision, and values of HIV Edmonton.Deborah’s championship spearheaded the successes we had inrelaunching our peer-led programming. Additionally, her fierce position around the U=U(Undetectable=Untransmittable) messaging to be louder, inspired HIVEdmonton to include U=U in our mission to educate the community anduplift the lives of people living with HIV (PLWHIV). As an ambassador inmany HIV Edmonton events and occasions, Deborah openly shared herstory and the importance of leadership opportunities for PLWHIV. We will surely miss Deborah’s passion and presence in our board meetingsand the local HIV Edmonton community. As we look toward the future, wewill keep Deborah’s fire burning as we carry forward our commitment tohealth equity, truth, and transformation.Deborah NorrisLoveRemembering with

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A B O U T U SHIV Edmonton was founded in 1984 out of desperation by Michael Phair and a group of closefriends as Edmonton braced for its own AIDS outbreak. Originally called the AIDS Network of Edmonton, HIV Edmonton changed its name to betterreflect the advancements in the area of HIV and AIDS in 1999.HIV Edmonton is a harm reduction agency, working to provide the best education andprevention methods to a wide variety of audiences.HIV Edmonton embraces equity and harm reduction principles to provide the bestprogramming, services, education and prevention methods to a wide variety of audience.L A N DA C K N O W L E D G E M E N TWe acknowledge the land on which HIVEdmonton operates. We are located on Treaty6 amiskwaciwâskahikan / ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣterritory, colonially known as Edmonton, atraditional gathering place for past, present,and future generations of diverse Indigenouspeoples - whose histories, languages, andcultures continue to influence and build ourcommunity.HIV Edmonton honours that our work is inallyship to provide equitable public healthservices to all peoples on this land andbeyond.

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HIV EDMONTON ANNUAL REPORT 2024OurVisionOurMissionTo be the foremost organization championing theadvancement of health equity, gender equity, andjustice in order to eliminate stigma and discriminationfor people living with, or impacted by, HIV and AIDS.HIV Edmonton believes health equity and genderequity is a right. We achieve this by honouringcommunity, advocating in partnership to amplifycommunity voices, enhancing responsiveness, andadvancing the knowledge that U=U=U: Undetectableequals Untransmittable meaning a person living withHIV achieves and maintains an undetectable viral load,they cannot transmit HIV sexually; Universal access totesting, treatment, care, and support is central toU=U=U.

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Message from LeadershipTansi. Hello.As we reflect on the 2024–2025 fiscal year, HIVEdmonton continues to move forward with intention,resilience, and compassion. In 2024, we celebrated our40th anniversary—an opportunity to reflect on ourorigins in grassroots response and to honour the peopleand stories that have shaped our journey and continuedto inspire all the work that we are doing. Whether by sharing history, holding space for grief, orchampioning progress, this invitation was a reminderthat our collective memory is a form of activism.We marked important days like Black History Month,African/Caribbean/Black (ACB) HIV Awareness Day,Pride Month, International AIDS Candlelight Memorial,Indigenous History Month, Truth and ReconciliationDay, and World AIDS Day with integrity and purpose,anchoring ourselves in calls to action and mutuallearning. And in the face of growing need and tightfunding cycles, we submitted new grants, deepenedcommunity partnerships, and welcomed new teammembers whose energies continue to enrich ourmission.Whether it was celebrating our history with cake andconversation, remembering loved ones lost, or showingup for one another in kindness, we remain deeplygrateful for the This year, we advanced our strategic priorities throughpeer-led programming, key population-centred initiatives, and expanded outreach and community-based research. In addition, our Peer Health Neighbourhoodproject was featured nationally and we launched key research and evaluation partnerships. Through ourKen MacDonald Memorial Fund and winter campaigns, we saw once again how generosity fuels our workand helps us meet people where they are.As part of marking four decades of community impact, we made a call for people to become memoryholders—to keep alive the stories, struggles, and resilience of those who shaped our movement. people—peers, staff, volunteers, donors, andsupporters—who make our work possible, ourvision and mission into reality, and ourstrategic plans and goals into action. Lastly, we would like to express our sincerestgratitude to all of you who continued tosupport HIV Edmonton. The organization willnot continue to thrive without all of you.Thank you for continuing to walk with us. Hiy HiyCatherine Broomfield Executive DirectorJose Benito TovilloChair, Board of Directors

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F O U RD E C A D ES O FE M P O W ER I N GC H A N G E &D R I V I NGI M P A C T2024 marked a monumental milestone for theAIDS Network of Edmonton, now known asthe HIV Network of Edmonton Society, as wecelebrated 40 years of impactful existence. Over the past four decades, we've journeyedthrough challenges and triumphs, driven bythe resilience and dedication of ourcommunity. In the early 1980s, when the world wasgripped by fear and misinformation aboutAIDS, Edmonton chose a path of compassionand action. It was in this spirit of care that theAIDS Network of Edmonton was born in 1984.A group of passionate individuals, led byeducator Michael Phair, gathered around hiskitchen table to create an organization thatcould provide help and hope to those livingwith HIV/AIDS. We are grateful for the opportunity to reflecton our journey as well as celebrate themilestones and the many lives touched by ourwork. Our story is one of resilience, dedication,and unwavering commitment to health equityand social justice. Thank you to everyone who was an essentialpart of our community, during the last fourdecades, we look forward to celebrating morewins with you all!

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M O V IN G I NT O AN O T HE RD E C AD E O F I M PA C TAs we look to the future, we know that it is our collectivedetermination and commitment that will drive us closer to ourvision of an equitable health access for all our communitymembers. Specif ically, for the next decade, we hope for:The elimination of stigma U=U for everyone so that HIVand AIDS can be eradicatedA Cure...

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CHAMPIONING STRATEGICHIV Edmonton continued to follow the forward-facing roadmap, charted in our 2022-2027Strategic Plan. Similar to last year, our efforts have centered on setting new standards andproviding equitable access and support to our community.We continue to make significant strides in each of the Strategic Plan’s priority area. Thediagram below highlights the percentage of success towards our 2022-2027 Strategic PlanPriorities that have already occurred across the organization and identifies projections for thefuture accomplishment of our goals.PRIORITIES & PRINCIPLES

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STRATEGIC IMPACT AREASInitiated relationships with new ACB partnersBuilding a Roster of PartnershipsStrengthened existing relationships with Indigenous partnersReconnected with HIV Legal Network & Canadian AIDS SocietyReceived funding from Viiv for the Peer Hot Meal Programdeveloping peer-support programsReceived funding from ECF for Peer Enhancement ProgramHired 2 part-time peers as staff to initiate the Peer Enhancement ProgramCommenced process of hiring 8 peers for the Hot Meal ProgramAn in-person survey of users accessing testing servicesConnecting in different waysDirect meetings with peer affinity groups and caucusesCreating a network of ambassadorsPeer enhancement workers began connecting with peersBuilding Government relationshipsLetters & Calls to elected officials on decriminalizing, funding instability &changes in health systemIn-person tours to MLAs of Red Ribbon BuildingCommenced development of position statements on key matters/issuesExpanding our ways of knowing beyond Western defaultsPositive Light Fundraiser to connect with memory holders and storytellersBoard completed phase 1 of building & sharing individual ambassadorstoriesCommnced redesigning of the HIV Edmonton website

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ADVANCINGADVANCINGHEALTHHEALTHEQUITYEQUITY

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1P H A SE2P H A SE3P H A SE4P H A SEReview ofOperationalPolicies &ProceduresTrainingsReview ofVision/Missionliving ‘equity in apart of everything’Using our learningto support othernon-profits withtheir equityjourneysMaintaining andsustaining ourmission andvisionReport tocommunityfor P&P input. Endorsementof P&P bycommunityand Board,continuedtrainingEQUITY AUDIT - IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAPCurrent State1P R E -P H A S Erecommendationreport presentedto Board ofDirectorsAt HIV Edmonton, we take a holistic approach to advancing healthequity. We look inwards to strength our internal operations,outwards to support community organizations and peers. We alsoinvest in research to advance best practices. This year, wecontinued our equity journey, to advance health equity throughoutthe organization.

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equity by the numbers240Cumulative hours dedicated toIndigenous Evaluation250Cumulative training hours for staff onleadership and anti-oppressive practice 7Conferences attended by staff and peers4Sharing circles held with Elder 8Advocacy activities for Policy Change(including government visits & media) 144Research hours5Grassroots Groups receiving mentorship6King Charles III Coronation Medal recipientsfrom HIV Edmonton communityDigital Stories & Video Productions12

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The HCCF Peer Health Neighbourhood research design activities of theprior year were presented at the CAHR in London, ON May 2024. Using a restricted donation from the Estate of a donor who waspassionate about research, HIV Edmonton was able to hire a part-timeResearch Analyst for the year. This aided the development of severalfoundational documents (an Indigenous Evaluation Framework forincorporation into our existing Evaluation Framework; HIV EdmontonResearch Framework which outlines how we will engage PLWHIV andexpectations of researchers we chose to work with; and a set ofguidelines for honouring MMIWG Recommendations) and deliveredtraining to staff to ground our allyship with Land Acknowledgements. Our community-based research activities with the 2SLGBTQI+community through Investigaytors, explored what HIV Edmonton needsto learn and unlearn as we look to expand our services and programsmore intentionally with folks not identifying from the gbMSMcommunities. We also had three staff training in the technique of Digital Storytelling.This led to a successful grant application to fund a 2SLGBTQI+ DigitalStorytelling project from 2025-2027.Highlighting our ResearchActivities

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Showing Up as Positive Lightspositivelight.ca

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THROUGH THE POSITIVE LIGHT CAMPAIGNIn 2024, HIV Edmonton continued to use the PositiveLight campaign as a beacon for U=U=U educationand awareness of health equity and the eliminationof stigma, while also serving as a fundraisingmechanism for the organization.Through our Positive Light Gala that was held inNovember 2024, we called on key memory holders,industry leaders and government officials to gatherand learn more about the work that still needs to bedone; the fight against HIV-related stigma anddiscrimination.This event helped to facilitate a renewedunderstanding of the importance of HIV Edmonton’scause and also helped to reignite connections andcommitments to the work of the organizationDeborah Norris speaking at the Positive Light Gala

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Through FundingFunding signals a belief in what’s possible. HIV Edmonton proudlymanages funding from foundations and government agencies, ensuringlong term financial support for the infrastructure, programs, and talentrequired to drive positive change in our community.Alberta Blue CrossAlberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis(AGLC)Alberta Health (AH)STBBI Wraparound Support (STBBI)Syphilis Outreach Action Response(SOAR)Canada Alberta Job GrantCanadian Network on Hepatitis CCanadian Race Relations Foundation(CRRF)City of EdmontonCommunity Safety & Wellbeing(CSWB)Donate a Ride/TransitEdmonton Community Foundation (ECF)Gilead AlbertaGilead Science Canada IncHealth Canada (HC)Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF)Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH)Government of Alberta (Crowdfunding)Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE)Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada(IRCC)Ken MacDonald Memorial FundPublic Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)Women’s Health in Women’s Hands (WHIWH)HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund(CAF)Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African &Caribbean Network (CHABAC)TD Bank GroupViiV HealthcareVolunteer AlbertaWomen & Gender Equity Canada (WAGE)Toronto Metropolitan University/Women’sCollege HospitalWomen’s Centred HIV Care (WCHC) HubResearch ProjectThank you to all our funding partners that believe in us and share inour vision of equitable health access for the people that we serve.

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Through Sponsorships& DonationsWe are deeply grateful for all gifts made by our generouscommunity in 2024. Here are some of the exceptional PositiveLights who drove our mission forward last year2416942 AB Ltd.5 Star Formals by DERKSAlberta Ale WorksAlley KatARA Personals, Soha Health IncArtic ChillerATCO I-Tek IncBent Stick BrewingBieraBlind Enthusiasm BrewingCampio BrewingEvents EdmontonExplore EdmontonHigh Level DinerHillberg & Berk (Kingsway Mall)Metro CinemaOtto Food & DrinkRabbit Hill Snow ResortSea Change BrewingShadow Box StudiosSwish VintageThe CommonThe Growlery Beer CompanyTown Square BrewingWinspear CenterYukon BrewingAnonymous Donors (7)Anne BroomfieldWe sincerely apologize if we missed naming a valued donor. Your graciousness is appreciated.

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FosteringCommunityEngagement

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Support ServicesHarm Reduction ServicesSTBBI Suport Services301SUPPORT & OUTREACHIn 2024, HIV Edmonton’s ongoing work was focused on addressing 3 core areas ofneed for our community membersOur team is continuoslycommitted to providingculturally safeenvironment to ourdiverse communitiesAlec JohnstonPrograms & Services DirectorPAGE 02Our team helped community membersto meet a variety of their needs;housing, food security amongst others.Our drop-in services were accessedthroughout the year, providing a safespace for registered programparticipants, to connect.During the past year, our teammade testing and treatment apriority. Our on-site Nurse createda non-judgmental and inclusiveenvironment for the public toaccess confidential testing for HIVand other STBBIs. A separate door access allowed thedistribution of harm reductionsupplies to the general public onspecific days of the week. 879Communitymembersserved byRossprogramFoodHampersprovided1440Distributedgrocery giftcards10Community membersadded to our quiltsand honoured at theCandlelight vigil

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SAFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & BLACKgbMSMOINDIGENOUSPrevention & EducationAs with many public health problems, prevention is the key. That's why HIV Edmonton focused a lot of our efforts onprevention and education activities in 2024, which included education sessions delivered to mostly our keypopulations: Indigenous, ACB (African, Caribbean & Black), newcomers to Canada and gbMSM (gay, bisexual and menwho have sex with men).We also ensured that Information, presentations and community events, focused on prevention and education wereprovided to healthcare professionals/service providers, partner organizations, policy makers, media and students.NEWCOMERS HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS927contacts700contacts2672contacts797contacts955contactsPresentations & Workshops: 7Community Events: 11Presentations & Workshops: 26Community Events: 11Presentations & Workshops: 7Community Events: 16Presentations & Workshops: 18Community Events: 2Presentations & Workshops: 18Community Events: 0

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“You’re the one worker who isdetermined to help me.” – Program Participant 609SOAR PROJECTDirect Service DeliveryOutreach and in-office support for prevention,education, awareness, testing, treatment, and follow-up care. At HIV Edmonton, our role was to provideeducation and wraparound support for individualswho tested positive for syphilis.Wrap-around ApproachIndividualized case management process wasadopted, to remove barriers to healthcare access andensure individuals received the care they needed. Educational ReachWe also focused on syphilis education for communitypartners, including healthcare providers. Our teamactively attended outreach events, deliveredpresentations and workshops, developed educationalresources, and tabled at community events to raiseawareness and promote prevention.With facilitation of at least 4confirmed treatments.Syphilis tests conductedA key highlight of 2024 was the launch of theSyphilis Outbreak Action Response (SOAR) Project,a collaborative initiative between HIV Edmontonand Streetworks, created in response to the risingrates of syphilis transmission in our region. TheSOAR team delivered coordinated outreach and in-office services focused on prevention, education,testing, treatment, and follow-up care.As the project moves into 2025–2026, it is enhancing itsfocus on reaching African, Caribbean & Black (ACB),Indigenous, 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities, and healthcareprofessionals. Through this dual focus on individualsupport and broad-based education, SOAR continues tobuild community trust and reduce barriers to care.

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Unique Individuals Served Harm ReductionGAPClosing the1852Smoking Kits Distributed 6755Needle Kits Distributed 8508HIV Edmonton ensures that harm reduction services (distribution of sexual health andsubstance use supplies) are accessible to everyone who comes to us. In particular, weserve those who have been historically underserved or left behind by conventionalabstinence-only approaches to substance use. This includes providing resources andsupport for safer drug use, overdose prevention, and addressing the social determinantsof health that contribute to substance use. Distribution of sexual health suppliescontributes to preventative measures for HIV and STBBI transmission.

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2024-2025 Safe Sex Supplies DistributionExternal Condoms: 85,274Internal Condoms: 4,895Oral Dams: 5,071Lubricants: 21,781

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ADVANCINGADVANCING& EARLY DETECTION& EARLY DETECTIONTESTINGTESTING

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We expanded our early detection efforts bycollaborating with new organizations such asEnCompass (formerly John Howard Society),YOUCAN, and Club Rendezvous to offer on-sitetesting services. In addition to increasing accessto testing, the team paired educationalpresentations on sexually transmitted andblood-borne infections (STBBIs) with outreachtesting events. Most of the testing events were preceded byeducation sessions which helped to reducestigma, encourage testing behaviors, andprovide some pretest counselling in a moresupportive and informed environment.People Tested79624TestingEventsPROGRESS OF OUR PROJECTIn October 2024, the province of Alberta woke upto the breaking news that new HIV cases were onthe rise, at an alarming rate of 73% increment. Thisdiscovery called for intensifying efforts towards thefirst step in the HIV care cascade; testing.HIV Edmonton reached different prioritypopulations Thank you to all our TestingPartners.Alberta Health Report Revealed HIV RisingRates

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STRENGTHENINGPOSITIVEALLIANCES

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National InitiativesIn 2024, HIV Edmonton worked closely with otherorganizations across the country to provide criticalprevention control as well as support/resources forpeople living with/affected by HIV and AIDS. Here aresome of the projects we worked on and the number oftargets reached:Looking ahead, CHABAC is excited to advance the Women-Centered HIV Careproject, which highlights the importance of partnership and dialogue between ACBand Indigenous women in addressing shared health priorities. This project opensdoors for new collaborations and community-driven leadership.One of the year’s major milestones was entering the implementation phase ofCHABAC’s Anti-Black Racism initiative. This crucial work involves collaboratingwith both health care providers and peers to raise awareness of how racismaffects HIV care and outcomes for ACB communities.4 Anti Black Racism Index and Score Card Trainings for 21Peers 9 Workshops with reach of 87 peopleCanadian HIV/AIDS Black, African & Caribbean Network(CHABAC)23 Outreaches with a reach of 1100Health Care Provider Workshops with a reach of 210Collaborative Workshops with partners including RibbonRouge and Elizabeth Fry with a reach of 977 Knowledge Mobilization Workshops with a reach of300 womenWomen Centered HIV Care(WCHC)Women’s Health in Women’s Hands (WHIWH) NationalHIV Prevention Strategy

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FINANCIALS

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RECOLLECTIONSFOR THE FUTURE

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TeamHIVEDeborah NorrisDr. Jennifer NjengaFelicia Michie Honour Chivhiyo Iwatutu Joyce Adewole Jenny Jackson OnyemaJose Benito TovilloJuan Charles VardyMarlo Cottrell Anna PhanBreanna GoloskyJill HarbinJoe ArendsManesh KumarManpreet KaurMyram MoumandNatasha GieslerRavinder KaurReem MahmoudShannon GormanStaffBoard of DirectorsStudentsNone of this would be possible without theincredible team at HIV Edmonton. Thank you forchampioning the cause and believing that everyonehas a right to health equity.

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9702 111 Ave NWEdmonton, AB T5G 0B1780-488-5742www.hivedmonton.com