For some, British Columbia evokes images of all-season gardens, rainforest and healthy living. But like many regions in North America,our province faces complex social issues. Issues such as homelessness, exclusion and marginalization. Access to quality health care for homeless and HIV/AIDS communities is a significant challenge. Consider these facts:

• A majority of homeless people in BC report multiple health problems and over 70% do not have a doctor.
• Over 30% of the estimated 3,000 injection drug users in the CRD, the province's capital region, do not access primary health care services.
• There is a 22% HIV prevalence rate among injection drug users in the CRD.
• Approximately 70% of injection drug users are infected with hepatitis C.

Our poorest residents urgently need better access to health and support services. Two leading community service organizations are joining forces to address the issue: the Cool Aid Society and AVI.