The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS) is the local charity responsible for all of the HIV prevention and support in the former David Thompson Health Region. This service area extends from Drumheller to Drayton Valley (330 km) and from Nordegg to the Saskatchewan border (approximately 350 km). The total area equals 66,148 (9.59% of Alberta) square kilometres and contains a population of over 445,000 (12.06% of provincial population).
Our Vision
Communities strengthened by their response to HIV.
Our Mission
Fostering healthy responses to HIV and related issues, through support, education and research.
CAANS works to create a welcoming environment and the beginning of trusting relationships with potential service users by inviting people to drop by; offering space to relax and read the newspaper, enjoy a cup of coffee, use the community-access computer or telephone and receive messages and mail, to name a few. Some visitors to CAANS access services, while others are aware of programs but do not identify as in need of support.
The CAANS office has a non-judgmental, open, helpful atmosphere where community members know that our staff are open and flexible to provide extra support, such as filling out applications or problem-solving. Word of mouth is often the best advertising for CAANS programs, especially for the Harm Reduction Programming. CAANS assures privacy and confidentiality in all of our programs including people living with HIV who contact the Health Promotion Program for services.
Our Team
The staff at CAANS are a diverse group of people and work to support people where they are at. The CAANS staff: