A Journey of Hope

The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation was established by Dr. Peter Jepson-Young just prior to his death in 1992.

Two years later, the Foundation began to consult with AIDS organizations and health care providers to determine how best to fulfill its mission to provide care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

In conjunction with representatives 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 the Ministry of Health Alcohol and Drug Program, a feasibility study was conducted to assess the need for a HIV/AIDS Day Health Program in Vancouver.

On the evening of the March 1994 Academy Awards, at which the Broadcast Tapes of Dr. Peter was 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 by establishing a HIV/AIDS Day Health Program in Vancouver.

The Dr. Peter Centre Day Health Program opened its doors in April 1997 in an old wing of St. Paul’s Hospital in downtown Vancouver. One year later, a 10-person 24-hour care residence was added. The lease arrangement for the site was only temporary.

The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation undertook to secure a permanent home for the Dr. Peter Centre. In 2001, the 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. Dr. Peter Centre West End, with a larger capacity, continues to assist the community and health care system to cope with the ongoing need for AIDS care.

Today, Dr. Peter Centre West End provides care, programs and services to approximately 300 Day Health Program participants and 50 residents annually.