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A Message from our Chair
Over this last year AVI celebrated a milestone: it has been 40 years since six gay men, (Wayne Cook, Don MacIvor, Roy Salonin, John Spencer, and Grant Sullivan) sat around a table and developed a plan to fight the AIDS crisis on Vancouver Island. They forged partnerships that resulted in the formation of AVI. Since that time, AVI has been developing connections across Vancouver Island to provide life-saving support to communities. From the early days of the AIDS crisis, to our current efforts responding to the deadly effects of a toxic drug supply, we have provided support and connection for people who face stigma, isolation, and lack of access to equitable health care.
This past year, we were grateful to partner with the Victoria Arts Council and others to celebrate our 40th anniversary with art, dance and performance. These creative collaborations were meaningful opportunities to honor and remember the many people who have helped shape the response to HIV on Vancouver Island since the AIDS crisis began.
April 14, 2026 marked a solemn milestone: ten years since the public health emergency was declared in response to the escalating drug‑poisoning crisis. In that decade, more than 18,000 people have lost their lives across British Columbia, including 3,000 on Vancouver Island. This year, we were honoured to join the Naming A Crisis art exhibition and take part in the “In Sadness and Rage” vigil and rally, standing with families, advocates, and community members to mourn and remember those we have lost.
We have learned much from the last 40 years and are focused on doing everything we can to increase health and well being for community members through harm reduction, HIV and hepatitis C services, mental health and substance use supports, Indigenous wellness programming, crisis response, and community-based care. We continue to be inspired in this work by the people and communities we serve, and the staff and volunteers that give of themselves with strength, love and compassion.
-Robin Gage, Chair of the AVI Board of Directors
Ways to Support AVI
Overdose Education Program – Help us fight the toxic drug poisoning crisis through free public education.
In 2016, the BC Government declared the toxic drug crisis a Public Health Emergency. That same year, we started the Overdose Education Program.
We recognized that overdose prevention efforts needed to move beyond street-involved people, as people from all walks of life were dying.
Your donation will support vital training. Our Education Team leads community groups in how to recognize and respond to a drug overdose; drug checking and awareness activities with the message that drug use and overdose can happen to anyone and in any family and that stigma can be deadly.
Join our Board of Directors
Make a difference in your community!
Are you looking for a meaningful place to volunteer? Would you like to use your lived experience, professional, or educational expertise to help shape the future of an organization? Then AVI Health & Community Services is looking for you.
We are a governance board with oversight of the legal and financial aspects of the organization, as well as setting the vision and priorities related to the strategic plan. If you have a passion for contributing to your community and want to make a lasting impact on an organization that provides prevention, education, support, and harm reduction services, we want to hear from you!
Become an AVI Member
Provide the foundation for our work!
Whether you’ve been part of AVI’s journey for decades or are connecting with us for the first time, we’d love to welcome you as a member of our organization.
When you become a member of AVI Health and Community Services, you’re doing more than signing your name — you’re standing up for inclusive, evidence-based care and dignity for all. Membership is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support AVI’s work.
Being a member is free, so there is no barrier to entry — just a simple form.
Members play an important role in supporting AVI’s mission and vision, participating in our Annual General Meeting, and ensuring our communities’ voices guide our future. Already a member? Invite your friend to become a member today!