Body, Mind and Spirit (also known as AIDS Support Group Saba Foundation – ASGS) is a community-based organization tasked to create public health awareness campaigns.
The ASGS was established in 1990 following the first case of HIV infection on Saba in late 1989. The informal organization was formed as a social support network for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and / or AIDS, and their families. By the mid 90's the ASGS got involved in the education and wellbeing of the general population with regards to HIV/AIDS and other STIs. The ASGS is the leading organization promoting and executing all STI-related public awareness outreach activities and education campaigns, including advocacy on HIV/AIDS.
In 1992 the core members of ASGS received certification as AIDS/HIV Counselors, enabling them to effectively counsel members of the Saban community with regards to prevention, testing, treatment and the social aspects/stigmas associated with the HIV/AIDS virus. In 2000 founding member Rudolph Hassell was appointed the 1st National AIDS Coordinator for the development of an expanded response plan to HIV/AIDS by the Executive Council of Saba. In 2004 this post was fulfilled by Naomi Wilson, head nurse at the A. M. Edward's Medical Center. In 2007 Carl Buncamper was selected by the government as the National AIDS Coordinator representing the island of Saba, and holds this post to date.
The AIDS Support Group Saba Foundation became the prime agency charged with the development of Saba's Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control along with the Public Health Department.
Over the last two decades the organization went from a specific epidemic-related agency tasked by the local government to create community awareness and outreach to a stage where improving the quality of life for people living with HIV is intrinsically linked to a holistic understanding of personal and public health. In 2013 the board of the ASGS Foundation assessed the need-based broadening of the organization's reach within the community and aligned itself to international trends in integrating prevention programs on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) within mainstream Public Health programs.
-Execute the insular strategic plan on HIV/AIDS on the island territory of Saba and all related activities with such plan.
-The further improvement and well being of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA's) on Saba, by means of activities both on and off island.
-Allow for the soliciting of funds on and off island to enable the foundation to execute said activities.
-Do whatever is necessary to achieve the aforementioned points.