World-class HIV/AIDS research centre opens in Vancouver
Posted June 25, 2015 11:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A research clinic supporting the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS has opened in the Downtown Eastside. Beyond HIV/AIDS, the clinic will also focus on learning more about addiction and viral hepatitis.
“The Hope to Health Research Clinic will not only help address addictions and HIV needs of the most vulnerable populations in the Downtown Eastside but the research developed here will inform addictions, HIV and hepatitis strategies throughout the province and beyond,” says Health Minister Terry Lake.
“The clinic will help us to expand our research efforts in the Downtown Eastside, addressing the evolving medical needs of the most vulnerable in our society. We will expand the impact we have had to date in controlling HIV/AIDS as well as further our efforts in addiction medicine and viral hepatitis,” adds Dr. Julio Montaner.
Leslie McBain lost her son Jordan to addiction this year and feels if this clinic had been around then, he might have had a chance.
“He probably would have had work to do on his challenges, but he would’ve had time. We would have had time and he may have lived the life he was meant to live.”
“We were dismayed to find that we had no resources, we had no support, we had very little information on this last part, this very difficult part of recovery.”
The clinic will offer support to those addicted to drugs in the Downtown Eastside and will carry out studies to explore different approaches to treating those affected.
