Beyond the horizon: The Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS in western Canadian communities

The implementation of the Greater Involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) in northern communities can have many challenges. This research looks at the process around the implementation of GIPA in these communities. This includes looking at GIPA within the context of the definition of rural and north, and the social determinants of health that impact populations infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.;Using focus groups, service providers in western Canadian communities were asked specific questions regarding the implementation of GIPA in their communities. By applying this qualitative method I was able to explore the research using an Autoethnographical lens. Stories were shared and ideas were generated for strategies to address the issues around implementing the GIPA principle.;A thematic analysis looked at the importance of GIPA; the benefits of the involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHA's); the challenges of working with PHA's; the existing barriers to PHA involvement; skills and capacities; and, the assistance needed for successful implementation. The results indicated that in smaller northern and rural communities the barriers exceed the capacity of AIDS service organizations to use GIPA to its greatest potential. Recommendations of this study include: advocating for a more supportive government; increased funding opportunities; and determining a way to share the experiences of GIPA among other rural and/or northern Canadian communities.