NEWS RELEASE
HIV/AIDS RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
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The impact of HIV is felt globally, nationally and locally. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimated that 65,040 Canadians were living with HIV in 2014, of whom an estimated 52,220 were diagnosed.
This means that an estimated 20 per cent of people in Canada with HIV are undiagnosed and unaware they are living with HIV. This AIDS Awareness Week we encourage the community to learn more about how HIV effects our family, friends and community and to update their knowledge about HIV treatment and prevention.
Just one of the many advancements is U=U or Undetectable = Untransmittable, which means that a person living with HIV who takes treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load does not transmit the virus to their sexual partners.
“Having discussions, engaging in events and learning more about the exciting advancements in HIV is a great opportunity to better educate ourselves and break down misconceptions that further perpetuate HIV stigma,” comments Sarah Wilmer, women’s community development coordinator (ARCH).
There are many ways to participate in AIDS Awareness Week. Community members can join us for a Night of Red celebrating resiliency, art and activism; update their HIV status by getting tested; and attend our annual vigil on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1.
During AIDS Awareness Week and all through December, individuals are encouraged to wear a red scarf and show their commitment to stopping HIV stigma in the Guelph and Wellington community.
About #TheRedScarfProject
The Red Scarf Project is a social media and awareness campaign that encourages everyone to wear red scarves for AIDS Awareness Week and the month of December.
Community members are invited to snap a picture while wearing a red scarf and share their photos on social media to show support of those affected by HIV. Many community members have been busy knitting and donating scarves in preparation for AIDS Awareness Week!
AIDS Awareness Week events:
- Friday, Nov. 24: A Night of Red - A night of arts and culture at Robusta Café from 7-11 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 25: Drop-in anonymous HIV testing at Guelph Community Health Centre from 1- 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 25: Red Scarf Project pop up at Old Quebec Street Shoppes from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26: Tough Conversations Disclosure Workshop
- Sunday, Nov. 26: Sex Bingo from 7 p.m. at NV Kitchen+ Bar
- Friday, Dec. 1: World AIDS Day vigil at 6:30 p.m. and potluck at St. Andrew’s Church
For more information, visit the website.
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