Community AIDS Network (CAN) was founded in August 1996 through the merger of Summit AIDS Housing Corporation (SAHC) and the Northeast Ohio Task Force on AIDS (NEOTFA), two long-standing AIDS service organizations. SAHC began as a collaborative effort of support service providers in the community who realized the provision of housing was lacking to those in the HIV/AIDS community. The increase in lifespans for HIV positive persons was mirrored by an increased need for special housing and support services. Health care providers, charitable foundations, social service agencies, AIDS organizations and the Department of Public Health convened to create this new and much-needed organization. In April, 1990 the group appointed a director to build upon its significant history in providing quality housing programs.

The Akron Pride Center was founded in 1998. Its role is to advocate for the well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people in Akron and its surrounding communities.

In January of 2010 CAN and The Akron Pride Center combined their efforts and became Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI).

CANAPI’s mission is to empower an inclusive community through education, awareness and outreach while eliminating stigma and HIV transmission.