Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAP)

Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAP) has been around for 13 years providing services to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. It was set up in response to the deaths of two HIV+ South Asians who died in isolation because they were unable to find services in their own language. An organization that began in a small garage with no computer, no major projects and no office space has now grown into a thriving agency with seven staff, three websites, and a resource centre to reckon with. We are involved in numerous projects and are supported by over 100 members. We are dedicated to educating the community about HIV/AIDS, providing a safe space and support for those infected, and removing the stigma and misinformation about this illness. ASAP is the only South Asian based AIDS service organization in North America and the only such agency that provides support to the South Asian lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender communities.

Keeping in mind the fact that we South Asians are so reluctant to talk about sex and relationships, our challenges in educating the community about HIV/AIDS have been many. As South Asians we often think this illness will not affect us. However, there are an estimated 5 million people who are considered to be infected with HIV/AIDS in India. Toronto has seen a huge increase in HIV+ clients in the past year, and South Asians are part of this number. Ignorance, denial and lack of information only puts us at greater risk as a community.

ASAP offers free workshops on HIV/AIDS 101, SEX 101, homophobia, and cultural competency. We also offer free HIV anonymous testing to South Asians and free condoms.

Call us, or just drop in!
All our services are free.

Our contact info:

Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAP)
20 Carlton Street Ste 126 (Floor M, buzzer 323)
Toronto ON M5B 2H5
(College/Yonge subway)
Tel: 416-599-2727
Fax:416-599-6011
Web: www.asaap.ca
Email: asaap@asaap.ca