This report reviews what is known about the state of the HIV/AIDS in the Vancouver downtown east end, based on the formal literature, current and previous studies from and about that downtown community; summarizes a community consultation process with adults and youth, current and ex- drug users, HIV-positive individuals, and community social and medical service providers; and presents an action plan to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among those downtown community members involved in injection drug (heroin and cocaine) use.
Issues discussed in the consultations included physical health, housing, having a sense of belonging and usefulness, information dissemination, public safety, and needs of special high-risk groups. Recommendations are made under such objectives as: ensuring that high-risk persons are connected with and make better use of existing resources; improve shelter and housing conditions; increase community ability to deal with the HIV/AIDS problem; support co-ordination of HIV/AIDS services; and funding. Appendices include survey questionnaires and a background paper on methadone treatment.