Our mission is to assist and support all persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C and to limit the spread of the virus through education, awareness, outreach strategies and treatment.
The AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area (ACNBA) is a medium-sized, vibrant and involved, social service agency, located in the downtown section of North Bay, Ontario, Canada. It was established April 25, 1990 as the ACCESS – AIDS Committee of North Bay – operating under the wing ofACCESS Sudbury – by two North Bay area men, Chuck Haskins and the late Piers Gilson.
Both were determined to develop social support for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and to help stop the spread of the virus through education and awareness.
Chuck was elected to chair ACCESS North Bay’s board, made up of 13 influential locals, including politicians, health professionals, educators and religious representatives. Through strong lobbying by North Bay’s former Medical Officer of Health and an original board member, Dr. Catherine Whiting, ACCESS North Bay became an independent service organization and eventually took on its current name; AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area.
On April 2, 1991 former executive director of the White Water Gallery, Sharon Wright, became ACNBA’s first executive director.
On May 8, 1991 ACNBA held its official grand opening of its new office facilities at 240 Algonquin Avenue in North Bay. (We are now located across the street from the former office at 201-269 Main St. West.)
On June 15, 1992 ACNBA became an incorporated service organization.
In June 2012 ACNBA celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing HIV/AIDS services and programs to North Bay and the rest of ACNBA’s catchment area.
In April 2012 ACNBA received federal funding to expand its mandate from HIV/AIDS to includeHepatitis C. As a result, office space was expanded and additional staff hired.
As of December 2012 ACNBA rebranded its logo and website.
Lots more for ACNBA in the years to come!