Serie 1 - Hamilton AIDS Network for Dialogue and Support (HANDS)

The Hamilton AIDS Network for Dialogue and Support (HANDS) was founded in 1986 by Suzie Robinson, Michael Johnstone, David Des Jardins, John Vogel, and Dr. Jay Browne who were dedicated volunteers. HANDS was a registered charitable community-based organization that provided HIV and AIDS related education and support services to the Hamilton-Wentworth and Burlington area. HANDS distributed educational materials, published regular newsletters, had an information and support line and organized events such as the Speakers’ Bureau. They were also a member of the Canadian AIDS Society and the Ontario AIDS Network. HANDS changed its name to Hamilton AIDS Network in 1992 and is now known as The AIDS Network.

Series consists of agendas, meeting minutes, correspondence, reports, manuals, the HANDS, HANDS Volunteer, and Hamilton AIDS Network newsletters, and pamphlets. This series also contains records on the development of Hamilton’s first palliative care hospice facility, AIDS Prevention Task Force and Anonymous Testing working groups.