NEWS RELEASE
HIV/AIDS RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
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In the past year there have been significant steps forward in HIV prevention and treatment! There is much to celebrate, for example, taking one pill a day called Truvada has been proven as a highly effective method for preventing HIV transmission. We have made exciting new scientific breakthroughs however; there is still much work to be done. In Ontario there are 30,000 people living with HIV (PHAC, 2011) and it is a harsh reality that stigma, poverty and isolation are challenges many people living with HIV face on a daily basis in the Guelph and Wellington community.
“AIDS Awareness Week provides us the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the resiliency of our community while shining light on the efforts still needed to reduce stigma and isolation” comments Sarah Wilmer, Women’s Community Development Coordinator (ARCH) .
This AIDS Awareness Week, HIV/AIDS Resources and Community Health (ARCH) invites community members to participate in multiple community events (listed below). There are many ways to participate in AIDS Awareness week; community members can attend workshops, learn more about HIV treatment and prevention and update their HIV status by getting tested. During AIDS Awareness Week and all through November and 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 the month of November and 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:
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Saturday Nov. 19: HIV Disclosure Workshop.
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Wednesday Nov. 23: A Night of Red from 6 - 9 p.m. at NV Lounge .
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Saturday Nov. 26: HIV/STI Testing from 2- 5 p.m. at the Guelph Public Library.
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Thursday Dec. 1: World AIDS Day Vigil and Potluck. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
For more information: www.archguelph.ca/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archguelph?fref=ts Twitter: @ARCHGuelph
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