Dr. Peter Centre to provide uninterrupted HIV treatment to Vancouver's most marginalized HIV/AIDS Patients
Vancouver - (December 1, 2010) - This morning Maxine Davis, the Executive Director of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation announced that the Dr. Peter Centre would expand its Day Health Program to include weekend service. The extension of the Centre's services is a result of the Province of British Columbia matching a $500,000 donation from an anonymous donor.
It coincides with World AIDS Day and falls two months after the proclamation of "Dr. Peter Week", which was proclaimed by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first Dr. Peter Diary.
"This funding makes it possible for us to have an even stronger role in B.C.'s STOP HIV/AIDS initiative. Uninterrupted daily HIV treatment is key to its success. While most individuals can manage their own HIV medications, many of our clients need daily nursing care and other daily supports. Weekend service will make a tremendous difference in their lives," says Davis.
The funding will allow the Dr. Peter Centre's Day Health Program to extend its services to weekends. These services include: specialized nursing, HIV medication management, nutrient-dense meals, counseling services, art and music therapy, and a range of harm reduction services that include the provision of clean needles, methadone management and supervised injection services by registered nurses.
The announcement comes at a time when B.C. has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Recent research released by the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS demonstrates B.C. is leading the way in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Province is recognized internationally as a leader in HIV/AIDS research, treatment, care and prevention. Between 1996 and 2009, the Province has seen new HIV diagnoses decrease by 52 percent.
"The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation is proud to be contributing to B.C.'s leadership in tackling HIV/AIDS," says Davis.
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For more information, visit www.drpeter.org or contact:
Kurt Heinrich | Peak Communicators | T:604-689-5559 | M:604-374-7057| kheinrich@peakco.com
"Reproduced with permission - Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation "
Dr.Peter AIDS Foundation
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