In BC, more people than ever are living with HIV/AIDS and many are increasingly ill. Dr. Peter Centre is the only HIV/AIDS day health program and 24-hour care residence in B.C. It offers care and support to improve the overall health of people most in need. The Centre's innovative programs rely on both donor and government funding to serve the growing need for HIV/AIDS care in our communities.

The Beginnings
Two years after Dr. Peter's death, the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation began to consult with AIDS organizations and health care providers about what services the Foundation could provide to fulfill its mission of Comfort Care . A number of individuals had seen presentations on Day Health Programs at International AIDS conferences. Those Day Health Programs were helping those with HIV/AIDS cope with their illness. No such program existed in Vancouver .

The Solution
Representatives from AIDS and health care organizations worked with the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation on a steering committee to develop a proposal for a Vancouver HIV/AIDS Day Health Program. The committee members were from St. Paul 's Hospital, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, AIDS Vancouver, BC Persons with AIDS Society, Vancouver Health Dept., Greater Vancouver Mental Health Services, and Ministry of Health Alcohol and Drug Program.

Each organization contributed a modest amount of funds to conduct a feasibility study. The report, supporting the need for a HIV/AIDS Day Health Program in Vancouver as part of the continuum of health care services, was completed in March 1994.

The Announcement
On the evening of the March 1994 Academy Awards, in which the Broadcast Tapes of Dr. Peter were nominated for an Oscar, the Dr Peter AIDS Foundation hosted a celebratory event at CBC Vancouver studios. The Foundation announced it would fulfill Dr. Peter's vision of Comfort Care by putting its financial and organizational resources towards establishing a HIV/AIDS Day Health Program in Vancouver .

The First Centre
In April 1997, the Dr. Peter Centre Day Health Program opened its doors in an old wing of St. Paul 's Hospital. One year later, a ten person 24-hour care residence was added. The lease arrangement for the site was only temporary. Thus, the Foundation undertook to secure a permanent home for the Dr. Peter Centre.

The Dr. Peter Centre Today
In 2001, the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation successfully completed a $9.8-million Capital Campaign to build a new, four-storey Centre. On September 29, 2003 the Centre moved its Day Health Program participants, residents and staff into its new home. The new Dr. Peter Centre, with a larger capacity, will continue to assist the community and health-care system to cope with the growing AIDS crisis.

The construction of the new Dr. Peter Centre was made possible because of the tireless energy, passion and commitment of our dedicated Capital Campaign Committee, co-chaired by John deC. Evans and Robert Ledingham.

Located at 1110 Comox Street in downtown Vancouver , the Dr. Peter Centre includes:

• Main & Second Floors- The Day Health Program
• Third & Fourth Floors- 24-Hour Care Residence

Additional features and services: