The PACE Health network is a two-year demonstration model project that focuses on people in the sex trade who use drugs and/or alcohol, within the Greater Vancouver Regional District. PACE Society defines sex work as " The exchange of sexual services for money or goods between two or more people. " [1988], a definition inclusive of individuals who exchange sex for drugs. The initial emphasis will be on the Downtown East side of Vancouver [DTES], as it is estimated that 4,700 people who inject drugs[IDUS] reside within 10 city blocks. It is reported that 80% of women who inject drugs in this neighborhood report being active in the sex trade.

The Network is primarily a peer-driven project that identifies, harnesses and utilizes the knowledge, skills and expertise of persons in the sex trade who use drugs and/or alcohol. The networks semi-autonomous membership is inclusive of women, men and trans-gendered persons. The project coordinator is an employee of PACE [Prostitution Alternatives Counseling Education] Society who mobilizes and guides this gifted and unique community to build their capacities to decrease the spread of HIV, Hepatitis A, B, C, STDs and incidence of violence.

The network makes the most of peer-driven initiatives to identify, develop, implement and evaluate the following activities:

• Creation of organic, customized messages and strategies for HIV / HCV/ STD and violence prevention;
• Operation of peer-driven needle, condom and other health devices distribution;
• Research, development and delivery of prevention, education and resource materials;
• Development of skill building clinics and in-house job opportunities to decrease members' need to engage in survival sex;
• Development of an organized community that involve weekly core group meetings and monthly membership meetings.