By the end of May 2025 VPWAS will be facing some major changes. This spring we have been successful in retaining our contract with Island Health through STOP HIV for another five years! However there is a moratorium on any funding increases across the province leaving VPWAS struggling with the increased costs of maintaining our office and drop-in, programs and staff.
We would like to thank Susan Simo, Manager, Sexual Health and STOP HIV for her unceasing support and advocacy for VPWAS through our contract negotiations.
VPWAS board of directors, Robert Birch (Chair), Charlene Anderson, Daniel Sands and Levi Mymko, will continue to lead VPWAS through these complicated times. Jon Degenhardt recently left the board and we want to truly thank Jon for his dedication and support of VPWAS.
Peer Navigation, support and lifting the voices of PLHIV in Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands is still our priority.
Through this restructuring the board will oversee day-to-day operations and programming. The roles of Executive Director and Peer Navigation Coordination will be taken on by the board. After nearly fifteen years of service to VPWAS and our members, starting as reception/peer volunteer, board member and eventually staff, May 28th will be the last day for our Executive Director and Peer Navigation Coordinator, Craig Dales.
Peer Navigation and support will still be provided by Penny (penny@vpwas.org) and Numa (numa@vpwas.org) although with reduced hours.
Drop-in hours will be 11am – 4pm Monday to Thursday and 11am – 3pm Fridays (subject to change)
Robert can be reached through robert.birch@vpwas.org and the rest of the board through board@vpwas.org or by calling the office at 250.382.7927/1.877.382.7927
