hiv prevention options
Case managers work with people who do not have HIV in the Lower Mainland to offer information and support about HIV, sex, and substance use. Ribbon case managers provide opportunities to explore harm reduction and sexual health, and to reflect on sex and substance use. We talk openly about the sex, sex work, substance use, partying, and mental health.
We start by understanding how HIV may show up in a person’s life, whether through partners living with HIV, HIV testing, misinformation, substance use, or sex. Our services include:
- Understanding and accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that can be taken to prevent HIV through publicly-funded programs or private benefits
- Affirming and stigma-free space to talk and learn about sexual health and substance use while living with HIV, including access to harm reduction supplies and referrals
- Navigating various health benefits programs, including the First Nations Health Benefits Plan and Interim Federal Health Program and private benefits to access medication to prevent HIV
- Coordinating care with multiple service providers and/or clinics
- Connections related to substance use, mental health, and recovery
Case management, including HIV prevention support, is also available for people living with HIV.
Speak to a case manager.
This program is available in the Lower Mainland.
In English
En español
another way to connect
Self-referral
Interested in the program? Tell us a bit about yourself and we will reach out.
a very short formReferrals from care providers
Complete a referral form and we will reach out.
a referral form in word formatThe Ribbon Community approach to case management
Every person accessing the HIV Prevention Case Management program has a dedicated case manager. When one case manager is away, another person on the team may follow up to ensure everyone stays connected during absences.
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Ribbon Community provides case management to people living with HIV and HIV-negative people. This team is led by a Registered Social Worker and uses tools from social work, although not everyone on the team is a social worker. Social workers allow us to offer some specialized services, such as Persons With Disability applications.
We also know that many people and communities who access Ribbon have had bad and harmful experiences with social work. Our approach to case management focuses on supporting and empowering each individual who chooses to trust us. We are committed to case management that honours each person’s journey to Ribbon, and creates space for sex, substance use, and living well with HIV. Ribbon provides ongoing supervision and training for the case management team and encourages feedback, complaints, and concerns from our communities.
