The Pacific AIDS Network (PAN) is a provincial network of 41 community-based organizations that are HIV/AIDS mission stated or run programs devoted to addressing the care, treatment, support or prevention-education needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs), persons co-infected with HCV and/or those “at risk”.
VISION
PAN takes leadership on behalf of its members to create a future where member organizations are making demonstrable and consistent progress in ending the HIV and HCV co-infection epidemics in British Columbia and where PHAs have improved health outcomes, and choices and freedoms to equally participate in society.
MISSION
PAN is a vibrant, pro-active member-based coalition that provides a network to support the abilities and efforts of its member organizations to respond to HIV and HCV co-infection in British Columbia. PAN does this by facilitating communication between member agencies and PHAs. PAN provides face-to-face networking opportunities, opportunities for mutual support; education and skills development; and undertaking collective action to influence public perceptions and policies affecting PHAs.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
PAN adheres to the following operating principles and values and uses them in its day to day activities and in making decisions.
A Social Change Approach. PAN is founded on the principles of social change and the recognition that the social determinants of health inform the spread of HIV and HCV. While the HIV and HCV viruses are indiscriminate and non-judgmental in choosing their hosts, they are much more likely to thrive in vulnerable populations where conditions such as chronic disease, poverty, lack of housing and exposure to, and participation in, high risk behaviour put people at much greater risk. Therefore, PAN recognizes that eliminating the spread of HIV and HCV co-infection will depend in large part on addressing systemic inequalities and taking or recommending action to address them. PAN promotes ethical, fair and equal access to care, treatment and support. PAN supports a harm reduction approach that acknowledges the continued risk behaviours of some individuals, but seeks to minimize the harm that such behaviours cause to both individuals and communities.
Holistic and Strength-based. PAN works to improve the choices and freedoms of PHAs and fosters and the mutual development of capacities among all its members. PAN recognizes that PHAs have physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs and capabilities. While individuals and organizations may have many challenges to face, PAN starts from a perspective of recognizing each individual and organization for their strengths and assets, and their potential for resiliency. PAN values the importance of individual and organizational responsibility.
United in Diversity. PAN is a member-driven organization that values it member agencies and delegates as peers and operates as a democracy to achieve efficient, effective and fair outcomes. PAN values the diverse perspectives of PHAs and strives to ensure that those perspectives are considered in all of its work. PAN works to ensure the full participation of all, regardless of race, class, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation and ability. PAN believes its diversity is a strength that can be harnessed to provide a voice for all.
Action based on fairness, civility and respect. PAN will be focused and action-oriented in working to achieve its vision. PAN will not avoid difficult issues that need to be addressed and will strive to conduct its business with fairness, civility and respect.
Open and Transparent. PAN membership will be open, honest and direct in all its actions. PAN will foster open, respectful communication between groups and individuals. It will serve its members in a transparent and fiscally responsible way.
PROGRAMMING
PAN provides skills-building and targeted workforce development opportunities to the staff and key volunteers of member organizations. Through delivering trainings and workshops, personnel and key volunteers of PAN member organizations have the opportunity to explore, learn best practices and network with their peers from around the province. Content specific to those living with HIV and to those who are HCV co-infected has also been developed to provide PHAs with similar opportunities for skills development and networking. PAN therefore strives to increase the local, regional and provincial capacity of HIV/AIDS and HCV service providers to develop and implement culturally appropriate skills/strategies that enhance prevention and education programming and the quality of life of PHAs.
With a large geographically dispersed province like British Columbia, and a province with unique challenges that often vary from region to region, the need to bring people together to discuss challenges and successes is critical. PAN provides PHAs and service providers with the opportunity to explore best and promising practices, ensuring that those living with HIV, co-infected with HCV, or at risk for HIV/HCV infection, receive the best care, treatment, support and prevention/educational information possible.
Beginning in September 2009, PAN has been working in partnership with the Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) to deliver leadership training to PHAs in BC. This is a peer-driven and delivered professional development opportunity dedicated to assisting PHAs in realizing their individual leadership potential.
