HIV Funding for Community Based Supports

The SHA Saskatoon and Area has committed to provide one-time HIV grant funding every two years to support community-based organizations to develop and test innovative programs and initiatives which will assist in achieving the goals outlined in Appendix A below. Project proposals for targeted HIV community-based initiatives within the Saskatoon Service Area will be accepted.

The Saskatoon Core/Downtown Health Network continues to develop our relationship and works collaboratively with people living with HIV across Saskatoon and area. This includes working with relatives with lived experience and Patient Family Partners (PFPs) to improve programs and services and achieve our goals (see appendix A). To ensure HIV services and programs best meet the needs of those accessing them, Wuniskâ (our former PFP Advisory Group) advocated for the inclusion of the following evaluation criteria: greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA), meaningful engagement of people living with HIV/AIDS (MEPA), and meaningful involvement of women living with HIV/AIDS (MIWA) principles and peer-led.

All community-based organizations applying for funding for 2025-2027 will be required to submit full proposals. Approved projects will outline a strong case of contribution to the continuum of HIV care. We prioritize projects that are innovative and include community driven solutions to reduce transmission and to improve the quality of HIV care in Saskatoon and area. Innovative projects will be prioritized and reflected in the weighting of the evaluation criteria.

The innovative project may include services that :

• Strengthen HIV prevention measures and improving access to HIV testing, care and treatment for priority populations

• Provide culturally safe and culturally responsive supports and services to all clients who are living with HIV

• Provide increased opportunities for HIV and STI (including Syphilis) testing

• Provide intensive outreach and support services for priority populations with complex health and social issues living with HIV

• Create supportive services that integrate housing stability with ongoing HIV care

• Ensure priority populations stay connected to care once engaged through culturally appropriate interventions

• Develop innovative programs and initiatives aiming to provide education opportunities, reducing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

As part of the HIV Strategy for Saskatchewan in 2010-2014, the Ministry of Health committed to annual funding for trialing of innovative approaches to address the rising cases of HIV. These funds are now integrated into SHA baseline budgets and each area across the province uses them differently. In Saskatoon, these funds are targeted to support community-based organizations in Saskatoon and area, to develop and test innovative programs and initiatives which will assist in achieving provincial 95-9