Building community. Reducing stigma. Empowering lives.

AfroCare Support Network (ACSN) is a Black-led, community-driven organization advancing health equity through HIV/STBBI awareness, stigma reduction, and culturally responsive support for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Alberta.

In 2025, AfroCare delivered meaningful and measurable impact without formal operational funding, powered entirely by community trust, partnerships, and volunteer leadership. This report highlights the achievements we have made and why sustained investment is crucial as we expand.

Our Impact at a Glance

• Increased anonymous HIV/STBBI testing and linkage to care among ACB community members

• Improved housing and employment outcomes for people living with or at risk of HIV/STBBIs

• Strengthened leadership capacity through education, mentorship, and certification

• Created safe, stigma-free community spaces centred on prevention, dignity, and belonging

• Supported Alberta’s contribution to the 95-95-95 HIV strategy through community-based engagement

Why This Work Matters

HIV continues to disproportionately impact African, Caribbean, and Black communities across Canada and Alberta. In 2023:

• Alberta recorded a 73% increase in HIV cases compared to the previous year

• Canada reported 2,434 new HIV diagnoses, a 35.2% increase nationally

Despite these trends, there is currently no Calgary-based organization dedicated exclusively to culturally specific HIV/STBBI education, peer support, and leadership development for ACB communities. AfroCare Support Network exists to close this gap.

Key Achievements (2024–2025)

• Supported 3 people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) to complete leadership training and graduate with certifications

• Secured housing support for 1 community member, improving stability and well-being

• Assisted 5 individuals in gaining employment, supporting economic independence

• Hosted Courage Unmasked, welcoming over 60 attendees and providing anonymous HIV/STBBI testing

• Hosted World AIDs Day in partnership with SafeLink Alberta with representatives from ViiV Healthcare, Southern Alberta Clinic, Community Leaders and members.

• Celebrated Positive Women during Valentine’s week with wellness-focused spa treatments and gifts

• Continued peer support and community connection programs promoting mental health, dignity, and belonging

Strategic Partnerships

AfroCare’s work is strengthened through collaboration with trusted health and community partners, including:

• Centre for Newcomers

• Southern Alberta Clinic

• SafeLink Alberta

• STI Testing Clinic at Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

• Centre for sexuality

These partnerships ensure accessible, culturally competent testing, education, and referral pathways for ACB communities.

Outcomes & Community Impact

Our programs have led to:

• Increased awareness and earlier testing for HIV/STBBIs

• Reduced stigma through peer-led education and storytelling

• Improved social and economic stability for community members

• Greater trust between ACB communities and Alberta’s health system

Looking Forward

AfroCare’s vision is to sustain and scale this work by:

• Establishing organizational structure and staffing

• Expanding leadership development and peer prevention programs

• Improving data collection and evaluation

• Strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Preventive Health Services

• Launching long-term prevention campaigns that close existing service gaps

Everything achieved so far has been done without formal funding. With sustained support, AfroCare can significantly expand its reach and deepen its impact across Calgary and Alberta.

Call to Action

We invite funders, policymakers, health partners, and community allies to invest in AfroCare Support Network. Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive Alberta where prevention, dignity, and culturally safe care are accessible to all.

Contact Us
info@afrocaresupportnetwork.com
www.afrocaresupportnetwork.com

Ties That Bind.