1984

Michael Jackson is severely burned during the filming of a Pepsi commercial.

The beginning of the first Crack Cocaine epidemic.

Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau announces his retirement.

AIDS Vancouver starts the Buddy program, allowing volunteers in the community to help support people living with HIV/AIDS.

AIDS Vancouver's 'What are mv chances?' is circulated. encouraging people to make informed choices to minimize the risk of STls and HIV/AIDS.

DARE (Dedicated AIDS Resource Effort) is created to fundraise for the AIDS epidemic in Vancouver.

AIDS Vancouver has awareness meetings with bathhouse owners, and distributes posters urging bathhouse clients to refrain from donating blood.

Artibano Milito, a hemophiliac from New Westminister, dies from an from a HIV+ blood transfusion at age 27. The Milito familv propelled an inquiry into this. mainly to dismiss anv rumours that their son was homosexual

HTLV (later known as HIV) is confirmed as the cause of AIDS.

San Francisco health officials close bathhouses.

The world's first needle exchange program is set up in Amsterdam.

US FDA approves the Enzume Linked Immunosorbant Assav (ELISA), the first test kit to look for HIV antibodies.

Gaetan Dugas, the alleged 'Patient Zero', dies in his hometown. Quebec Citv.

The Red Cross denies the link between blood bank and AIDS. January 16. Vancouver Sun. 'No AIDS risk. savs Red Cross,' Dr. Noel Buskard claims 'the data is just not there.

The AIDS Committee of Toronto initiates the first official AIDS Awareness Week

Ontario AIDS Network is established