HIV Community Link

Our story began in 1983 when a group of concerned individuals made it their mission to support those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. First called the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association, HIV Community Link was born.

In the early years, the group focused on advocating for people’s rights. However, HIV Community Link quickly evolved and began holding community events, fundraisers, and support groups. Over the years, our amazing, dedicated people continued to evolve and expand the organization and services provided to clients and drop-in visitors alike.

Community events opened the door for the development of programming that would serve people living with HIV and AIDS. In addition, these events provided a platform for raising awareness about HIV and how it can be prevented.

In 2013, AIDS Calgary Awareness Association rebranded, becoming HIV Community Link. We changed our name to better reflect the services now offered that focus on health promotion, increasing access to testing, delivering effective harm reduction programs, and reducing the stigma associated with HIV. Calgary was removed from the name because we also offer programs and services in Medicine Hat and Brooks.

As the illness has progressed, so has the organization. Today, we serve hundreds of people living with HIV, helping them to better understand their diagnosis and experience improved wellness and quality of life. Based on a philosophy of harm reduction, we meet clients wherever they are on their journey, free of judgment, and with a goal to help improve their current situations.

Our prevention work is evidence-based focusing on key populations including Gay, Bi and other men who have sex with men (MSM), Indigenous Communities, people involved in sex work, and African, Caribbean and Black Communities. We educate service providers, community partners and the general population on the technicalities of HIV while also advocating for people living with HIV. Our work is unique and built upon the strong foundation of prevention, support and advocacy put in place by a group of Calgarians back in the 1980s.