Peel HIV/Aids Network

 

 

The Rotary Club of Brampton welcomes Phillip Banks, Executive Director of Peel HIV/AIDS Network. This is a not-for-profit organization and was founded in 1981. The majority of early cases resulted in death due to slow responses from health system governments. By 1984 the virus known as HIV was discovered and identified as the cause of AIDS, the result of advanced HIV.

 

The HIV/AIDS Network was formed in 1991 by a group of three concerned community members who responded to the need in Peel to have services for people living with HIV in Mississauga and Brampton.

 

Peel HIV/AIDS Network (PHAN) is committed to serving diverse people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and to limiting the spread of the virus through support, education, advocacy and volunteerism. They provide community education, speakers bureau by people infected with/affected by HIV/AIDS, resource Centre, one on one counselling and support, peer support and financial assistance.

 

PHAN provides workshops on important issues and also educate people on other issues beyond health; they ensure people know the law, their rights and they also help people plan for death.

 

We know a lot about HIV today and people living with HIV can live a normal life and be a part of the community and contribute like anyone else. PHAN work diligently to address issues. The big issues include member health, substance abuse, racism, homophobia, lack of research into communities most affected.

The network relies on donors and volunteerism. To learn more, visit their website at www.phan.ca