About Us

The STBBI Action Fund, generously provided by the Government of Alberta, plays a crucial role in supporting Options HIV West Yellowhead's comprehensive approach to preventing sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs). This funding enables us to implement vital initiatives that include:

• STBBI Testing: We offer accessible and confidential testing services for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other STBBIs, ensuring early detection and prompt treatment.
• Distribution of Safer Sex Supplies: Through the STBBI Action Fund, we distribute essential safer sex supplies such as condoms and lubricants, promoting safe sexual practices and reducing transmission risks.
• Inhalation and Injection Supplies: We provide harm reduction supplies tailored to the needs of individuals who engage in substance use, including inhalation and injection equipment, to prevent infections and promote safer practices.
• Education and Prevention Programs: Our initiatives include community-wide education campaigns and targeted prevention programs aimed at raising awareness about STBBIs, combating stigma, and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their sexual and overall health.

This support from the STBBI Action Fund underscores our commitment to enhancing health outcomes and promoting well-being within the West Yellowhead community.

Options HIV West Yellowhead proudly participates in Alberta Health Services' Community Based Naloxone Program, a critical initiative aimed at addressing the public health crisis related to opioid use. This program focuses on:

• Increasing Access to Naloxone: We provide training and distribute Naloxone kits to community members, equipping them with life-saving interventions to reverse opioid poisoning effectively.
• Supporting Community Members: Our organization offers ongoing support and guidance to community members on how to administer Naloxone safely and effectively during emergencies.
• Promoting Harm Reduction: Through this program, we advocate for harm reduction strategies that prioritize the health and safety of individuals who use opioids, aiming to reduce opioid poisoning fatalities and improve community well-being.

Our involvement in the Community Based Naloxone Program exemplifies our dedication to proactive public health initiatives and our commitment to safeguarding lives.

Funded by Alberta Ministry of Children and Family Services, this program aims to address the unique mental health challenges faced by SGD youth aged 13–24 in Hinton, Edson, Whitecourt, and Jasper. By providing culturally competent support services, the initiative seeks to reduce suicide risk and promote well-being within this community with:

• Culturally Relevant Support Services: Implementation of an SGD Outreach Worker to provide personalized support, including individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention.
• Suicide Prevention Training: Specialized training sessions for SGD youth, their families, educators, and healthcare providers to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Social media strategies and storytelling initiatives to destigmatize mental health issues and promote understanding.
• Safe Spaces: Creation of safe environments within community centers and schools for support meetings, workshops, and social activities.
• Peer Support Programs: Training initiatives to empower SGD youth to support each other and build community resilience.
• Education Programs: We offer Safe Space Training for businesses and organizations to build inclusive, respectful environments for 2S+LGBTQI+ individuals. Our Affirming Approach sessions provide practical tools for culturally competent care and communication. 

Options HIV West Yellowhead previously received funding through the Women & Gender Equality program, administered by the Government of Canada. This grant supported initiatives aimed at advancing social, political, and economic equality for women, as well as individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions (2S+LGBTQI+ community). While the grant has been completed, our commitment to this community endures.

Key initiatives included:

• Safe Space Training: We provide comprehensive safe space training to enhance understanding and support for the 2S+LGBTQI+ community within the West Yellowhead region. This training promotes inclusivity and created environments where individuals can feel safe and respected.
• Peer Support Programs: We continue to offer peer support programs that provide vital emotional and practical support to individuals within the 2S+LGBTQI+ community. These programs foster community resilience and empower individuals to navigate challenges they may encounter.

Despite the grant's conclusion, Options HIV West Yellowhead remains steadfast in our support for the 2S+LGBTQI+ community, advocating for inclusivity, equality, and acceptance in all aspects of community life.

Options HIV West Yellowhead participates in the Community Helpers Program (CHP), an Alberta Health Services initiative that we have proudly run for more than 5 years. CHP provides youth aged 12-30 and adults who support them with comprehensive training on self-care, setting boundaries, ethics, understanding labels, navigating the helping process, and recognizing signs of distress in themselves and others. This program equips participants with essential skills and resources to offer immediate support and connect individuals with appropriate mental health services. By empowering both youth and their adult allies, CHP contributes to building resilient communities and promoting mental well-being among vulnerable populations.

• Survivors Kit Training: Our Survivor's Kits are meticulously curated packages designed to provide essential resources and coping tools to youth in crisis. These kits not only aim to reduce incidents of suicidal behavior but also foster resilience and a sense of community belonging.
• School Partnerships: Our partnership with GYPSD schools and Father Gerard Redmond Catholic School is instrumental in the success of our programs. Collaborating closely with these educational institutions allows us to reach youth more effectively, providing vital support and resources where they are most needed. Together, we strive to create a safer and more supportive environment for all students, fostering resilience and well-being.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program grant has been pivotal in empowering seniors within our community. This year's theme of 'Connecting seniors with...' aligns perfectly with our organization's overarching methodology of fostering connections. Through this grant, we have been able to enhance social participation among seniors, promote volunteerism, and raise awareness on issues such as elder abuse and financial safety. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring that seniors remain connected and engaged, contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life.

So far, through the New Horizons for Seniors Program grant, we have connected seniors with activities such as gardening, self-care, oracle cards, mental health awareness, RCMP safety, and Reiki. Looking ahead, our upcoming initiatives after the summer will include crafting, affordable and easy meal preparation, baking, and our annual free Christmas market for Christmas gifts. These activities aim to foster social connections, promote well-being, and enhance the quality of life for seniors in our community.