An Indigenous-run health centre on the Downtown Eastside will soon have to make a bid to Vancouver Coastal Health if it wants retain funding for its unique HIV treatment program. Vancouver Coastal Health maintains treatment for HIV patients will not be disrupted following the expiration of the contract. A spokesperson said there will be no disruptions in services for HIV clients that frequent the program. Lou Demerais, the executive director of the Vancouver Native Health Society, says he's unsure of the Positive Outlook Program's fate. But community advocates fear that if a non-Indigenous health centre acquires the services, it won't be able to provide the same level of culturally-sensitive care.

Source: CBC News March 01, 2018 22:41 UTC