PASAN is a community-based prisoner health and harm reduction organization that provides support, education and advocacy to prisoners and ex-prisoners across Canada.
We strive to provide community development, education and support to prisoners and ex-prisoners provincially in Ontario and federally regarding HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV) and around whole health and harm reduction. |
PASAN formed in 1991 as a grassroots response to HIV in the Canadian prison system. |
Today, PASAN is the only community-based organization in Canada exclusively providing HIV and HCV prevention, education and support services to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. |
What's new?!
PASAN AND COVID-19Announcement
March 18, 2020 Dear Friends In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID 19 virus and protect the health of our service users, staff, and volunteers, PASAN’s office will be closed starting March 18th. All programs and services have been suspended for the time being; however, you can connect with us through phone and email. Staff will check messages regularly and respond as soon as possible. We realise that our closure has the deepest impact on prisoners as they will no longer be able to reach us by phone. We hope to resolve this later in the week. We will continually monitor the situation and reopen as soon as possible. Updates will be posted on our website (www.pasan.org) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/PASAN) The Board and staff are very concerned about the health and wellbeing of our community, particularly those the most marginalized and isolated. We will be here for you and each other in every way we can during this crisis. Take good care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Janet Rowe Executive Director |
Cell Count Issue #91The 91st issue of Cell Count focuses on how COVID-19 has impacted prisoners across Canada, touching upon issues such as regulations being put into place in prisons to combat the pandemic, or lack thereof. Prisoners are experiencing fear, anxiety and feelings of worry by the lack of adequate information about the virus or sufficient personal protective equipment. Some of the barriers include little access to soap and water for handwashing, inability to social distance from one another, and correctional officers not wearing masks, just to name a few. Although personal visitations have now been allowed for the time being, “non-essential” staff and services such as library staff, school teachers, Indigenous Elders, volunteers, outside service organizations, program staff and therapists are barred from entering institutions. COVID-19 has exacerbated the issues and barriers prisoners are already facing, and we hope this issue of Cell Count provides some insight into that. Read it here
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What's happening?!
Our letter outlining suggestions for CSC on protecting prisoners from COVID-19
Letter from CSC regarding their policies around COVID-19
Social Stream
What's happening?!
