HIV Happens Here
At THRIVE, we work toward a future where new HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually-transmitted or blood-borne infections are rare in Waterloo Region & Guelph-Wellington County. People living with HIV will feel that maintaining health, well-being and full community participation are achievable, realistic goals.
Through responsive programming and multi-sectoral collaboration, Thrive will:
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work towards the reduction of HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections;
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address the social determinants of health that create stigma, discrimination, and vulnerability for our service users; and
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provide excellent HIV care and support to individuals, families and most-affected communities.
See our Strategic Plan 2016-2020.
Our History
In the mid 1980s, Waterloo Region saw its first cases of AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) faced discrimination at the hands of the health care system, testing and treatment were inaccessible, and AIDSphobia fueled misinformation and stigma. Residents of KW gathered to create an agency to meet the growing need for education, advocacy, and support. In 1987, Thrive was formally incorporated as an AIDS Service Organization, establishing support groups for PHAs and offering anonymous HIV Testing and a Needle Syringe Program several years later.
Over thirty years later, we still run support groups, provide HIV Self-Testing, provide connections to PrEP Clinics, and deliver Harm Reduction Services. We have evolved to offer targeted prevention and outreach through the African & Caribbean Strategy, the Women & HIV/AIDS Initiative, the MSM Sexual Health program, the Youth Sexual Health program, and our Support and Peer programs
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We have satellite offices in Guelph and Cambridge, and we collaborate with incredible community partners who help us bridge the gaps in prevention and care. We receive funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, The United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo & Area, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, and rely on funds raised through agency events, third party events, individual/corporate donations and corporate match programs to allow us to continue to provide important free and confidential services throughout Waterloo Region & Guelph-Wellington County.
We honour our history of advocacy, support, education and outreach, and commemorate the bright lives lost to HIV and stigma. We are dedicated to supporting people who are infected, affected, and at risk for HIV/AIDS and strive to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS in the community.