Prison health is... an end to the over-incarceration of indigenous, black, and racialized people.
Mosaic made in collaboration with PASAN staff, community members and ReDefine Arts (fka Red Dress Productions).
Prison health is... accessible, culturally safe and informed healthcare.
Mosaic made in collaboration with PASAN staff, community members and ReDefine Arts (fka Red Dress Productions).
Prison health is... an investment in social supports, so communities have what they need to thrive.
Mosaic made in collaboration with PASAN staff, community members and ReDefine Arts (fka Red Dress Productions).
What is PASAN?
PASAN is a community-based Harm Reduction/HIV/HCV organization that provides support, education, and advocacy to, for, and with individuals who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated.
A sketch of PASAN's old logo
Our Mission
PASAN is committed to prison abolition and to developing community-based transformative justice alternatives. We know that meaningfully addressing violence, meeting the needs of survivors, promoting accountability, creating capacity for change, and fostering collective safety and wellbeing requires nothing less.
As we work to build that future, we also strive to protect the rights, dignity, autonomy, and humanity of those who are currently incarcerated. We support and safeguard prison health and prison justice within a harm reduction framework–without ever losing sight of the fact that prisons are fundamentally unhealthy and unjust.
Artwork by Peter Collins, a regular Cell Count contributor before his passing
Remembering Kavita Maharaj: A Tireless Advocate and Beloved Colleague
It is with heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Kavita Maharaj. Kavita passed away the morning of February 12, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
The profound impact that Kavita had on PASAN and the communities she worked with is impossible to put into words.
Kavita's deep compassion for her community, her passion for life, her sense of humour and her beautiful laugh are just a few the gifts that we will miss and will carry with us forever.
Kavita expanded our harm reduction program, created and strengthened many partnerships across the city, and was a fierce advocate for the communities we work with. Her contributions to PASAN were transformative and unifying.
Kavita' s light burned brightly. Her memory and spirit will be with us always.
