Vision At ACCKWA, we work toward a future where new HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually-transmitted or blood-borne infections are rare in Waterloo Region. People living with HIV will feel that maintaining health, well-being and full community participation are achievable, realistic goals. Mission Through responsive programming and multi-sectoral collaboration, ACCKWA will: work towards the reduction of HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections in Waterloo Region; address the social determinants of health that create stigma, discrimination, and vulnerability for our service users; and provide excellent HIV care and support to individuals, families and most-affected communities. Core Values GIPA/MEPA – We believe that greater involvement and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV in all aspects of our work is integral to reaching the UNAIDS goals of zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination. Critical practice and social justice – We conduct our work within a critical framework that addresses social inequality through anti-oppressive practice.* Harm reduction – We promote and support the incorporation of harm reduction principles as a standard throughout our organization at the governance and operational level, in our policies, procedures and practices. Evidence-based practice – We commit to using the best research evidence and practices available at the local, national, and international level to provide education, care, prevention and support programs addressing current and emerging needs of people living with HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections. * Through applying critical social work practices, decolonizing and intersectional perspectives, understanding of the social determinants of health and anti-racist and anti-homophobic principles in our work, we will achieve social justice with people living with HIV, HCV and STIs.
