About Us

 

HIV West Yellowhead was formed in the spring of 1988 and was officially called "AIDS: A Positive Coordinated Community Response Society of Jasper". That name was a result of the diverse community representation on the newly formed board, including the following: Jasper Family and community Support Services, Seton General Hospital, the Jasper National Park Health Unit and Jasper Tourism and Commerce.

The main catalyst for the formation of the society was a man who had AIDS decide to return to Jasper home and receive treatment here until he died. This disease, although becoming common in the larger centres, still carried with it a lot of fear and stigma. Jasper was no different. The main goal of the society at that time was to support people living with HIV and AIDS, and to try to raise awareness and stop the spread of this disease.

The first year, as indeed all others following it, was a year of accomplishment for "AIDS Jasper", as our agency was known at the time. From the outset it was clearly stated, and continually stressed, that the focus of the Society was prevention education and promoting positive healthy lifestyles to young people who came to live and work in Jasper during the summer and winter season.

Early projects of the Society included the "Spread No Evil" workshop, distribution of Safer Sex packages to new staff, information displays, grocery bag stuffers, condom distribution in the bars, special theatre presentations, the development and distribution of the "Dare to Care" poster and presentations to the British Army (who used to train here every summer until 1995). Other activities included regular articles in the Jasper Booster, film on the community television station, the development and distribution of Teach and bleach kits (for intravenous drug users).