Government of Canada invests in HIV/AIDS project aimed at youth in Durham
March 15, 2012 - OSHAWA, Ontario - On behalf of the Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq, Dr. Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa, today announced support for a community-based project to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the region of Durham.
"This project addresses the unique social and emotional needs of youth-at-risk of HIV/AIDS and youth living with HIV/AIDS in the area," said Dr. Carrie, "It will make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS in the community."
"HYPE - HIV & Youth Peer Engagement Program" is being led by the AIDS Committee of Durham which provides education and support services to individuals, families, and groups infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS in their region.
"The HYPE project is an opportunity for youth to become involved in the planning and delivery of educational tools for their peers, and improve access to HIV/AIDS information and services in the community," said AIDS Committee of Durham Executive Director, Adrian Betts. "By engaging youth in social and educational opportunities, we hope to empower and reduce the isolation of youth living with these diseases."
This investment is part of the more than $72 million that the Government of Canada is currently investing, through the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada. A large portion of these funds assist community-based projects like this one in helping to:
prevent the acquisition and transmission of new infections;
slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life; and
reduce the social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS.
For more information, please contact:
Fact Sheet: AIDS Committee (Durham)
Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada
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Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
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Source: Public Health Agency of Canada
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
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