Alberta Sub-Hub

Background

In Alberta, the prevalence of HIV and STBBIs (Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections) remains a concern. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (2020), there were 62,050 people living with HIV in Canada with a prevalence rate 5,6 cases per 100,000 population. In Alberta, the rates of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis were 363.2,95.8, and 16.9 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. From the reports in 2018, certain populations, like the Indigenous populations, were disproportionately affected. There are also some unique factors affecting HIV/STBBIs status in Alberta. Priority populations, such as young people those who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness, have greater difficulty accessing STBBI education, supports, and medication, and inequities driven by systemic and social determinants of health disproportionately impacts key populations.

Thus, Alberta has programs in place to support access to care, including testing, treatment and on-going care for HIV and STBBIs. The NAP (Northern Alberta Program) and SAP (Southern Alberta Program) offer assessment, treatment, education, and support for people living with HIV. HIV Edmonton is championing health equity, gender equity and justice with resources and supports from on-site nurses, anonymous HIV and STBBIs testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, support and outreach, and a safe, culturally-appropriate space reserved for people living with HIV. They also have Education Facilitators with different portfolios from Indigenous lead, ACB (African Caribbean and Black) lead, gbMSM lead, Newcomers Lead, as well as teams focused on priority communities and offering intentional supports. The National Initiatives Team has a focus on national initiatives like WCHB, CHABAC and WHIWH, Ribbon Rouge Foundation provides culturally-appropriate and safe education on prevention, testing, and treatment on HIV, HCV and STBBIs, whilst SafeLink has HIV and STBBI supports in the South of Alberta, Calgary.

Our Team

CO-LEAD

Folasade Olaniyan

She/Her

Folasade Olaniyan is a dynamic and dedicated professional with extensive experience in Community-Based Research. She is serving on the WCHC Quad Leadership Team as Co-Lead and Community Lead (Women’s College Hospital, ON,) and works as a research assistant at Toronto Metropolitan University, ON. Known for her exceptional skills in group facilitation, public speaking, and peer education and mentoring, Folasade consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence and equity. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver outstanding results has earned her a reputation as a reliable and efficient leader. Additionally, she is passionate about advocacy and stigma reduction, making her a well-rounded and inspiring individual.

CO-LEAD

Catherine Broomfield

She/Her

Catherine Broomfield is the Executive Director of HIV Edmonton, a non-profit organization supporting 40 years of dedicated efforts supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS and promoting awareness and prevention within the community. She has been advocating for increased and intentional peer-led leadership to guide HIV Edmonton’s accountability to the community. Emphasizing better mental health supports and highlighting the ongoing issues of stigma and discrimination, Catherine’s efforts have also been instrumental in securing funding for various projects aimed at improving access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, particularly for marginalized groups, including from Health Canada to support the Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African and Caribbean Network’s (CHABAC) SRH campaign, which focuses on reducing barriers to HIV care for underserved African, Caribbean, Black communities. Her work reflects a strong commitment to health equity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to safe and stigma-free health services.

COORDINATOR

Violet Chihota

She/Her

Violet is passionate about empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential. As the Regional Coordinator at HIV Edmonton, she is dedicated to creating positive change and fostering inclusive environments. With a Diploma in Social Work and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences with a focus on Community Development, she has developed a deep understanding of the complex issues facing marginalized communities. Her approach is collaborative and community-centered, and she is committed to amplifying the voices and stories of those she serves. She expresses that she feels humbled by the opportunity to work alongside individuals and communities, and is excited to continue driving progress and empowering others to thrive.

Contact Alberta

Mail

Contact Violet Chihota for any inquiries related to the BC Sub-Hub.

violet.c@hivedmonton.com

Sub-Hub Priorities

Create Partnerships

with community organizations, peers, and care providers to coordinate resources

Use the

WCHC Model

to promote literacy and education and address social determinants that contribute to HIV/STBBIs like poverty

Host KM Events and Support

conversation cafes, to provide a safe space for discussion on HIV/STBBI care and community

Improve Support & Accessibility

to more diverse services for people with varying backgrounds and needs

Move from Westernized

evaluations, ideas, and approaches to integrate Indigenous evaluation methods

Provide Women Space to Decide

and lead event discussions to support more timely and intentional conversation

Sub-Hub Initiatives

Resources & Workshops

Host workshops that integrate the WCHC Model for community members

Develop A Directory

Create a directory for community members to locate priority resources

Supply Distribution

Assembling harm-reduction and self-testing kits to distribute across communities

Adopted from HIV Edmonton, “Make Kindness Real” is a compassionate approach to supporting people living with HIV, emphasizing empathy, understanding and inclusivity, that will guide the Alberta sub-hub’s efforts to create a supportive environment, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

At the Alberta sub-hub, we recognize that the stories and experiences of people living with HIV are their own to share, not ours to tell. We commit to amplifying the voices and stories of those that have been silenced than speaking above them.

Sub-Hub Land Acknowledgement

Upon this land l stay,

As an immigrant, I must confess

My steps are bound by a deeper address

For on the banks of Treaty Six I roam

Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux

Nakota Sioux, Metis

In reverence I make this my home.

Here where History’s whispers softly cry- I pause to heed, to reflect, to imply.

This land, shared with those of ancient line

In gratitude in humility l stand

Acknowledging the roots, the Indigenous strand.