AIDS aren't just in Africa

As the AIDS Committee of Guelph looked back on it's 20 years of service to Guelph and Wellington County at the annual barbeque, I am reminded of the lack of education and knowledge many young (and old) people have about AIDS in Canada.

Growing up, I never knew very much about AIDS. I knew that it was widespread throughout Africa, but I never seemed to hear anything about Canada and other developed countries. It seems that the life expectancy has to drop to around 40, like it is in some areas of Africa, in order to get a lot of attention.

When I first started volunteering with the AIDS Committee, I didn't realize how much I would learn from the education workshops. I was astounded at the amount of people in Canada living with HIV but not knowing it. In 2006, the Public Health Agency of Canada estimated that of the 58,000 people infected with HIV in Canada, about a quarter of them were unaware of their HIV status. With free, anonymous testing sites widespread throughout Canada, I can only assume that lack of education about these sites and, of course fear, are standing in the way of Canadians getting tested.

The amount of people becoming infected in Canada is increasing every year. I can't help but question why we have not been thoroughly educated on such a deadly disease.

Canadians need to learn the facts about HIV, STI's and Hepatitis as it continues to affect more and more people. If schools aren't teaching about it, or aren't teaching enough about it, we need to take it upon ourselves to be informed. We need to look past the stigma and myths associated with HIV, protect ourselves, teach others and do something to help.

Useful tips, facts and other information on HIV/ AIDS in Canada is available all over the internet.
Learn more now.

AIDS Committee of Guelph Summer Newsletter

The ACG summer 2008 newsletter is now available. It features information on the membership campaign, the redesigned membership form, the new (and disappointing) anit-drug policy in Canada and more.

The newsletter also has information about Insite, based in Vancouver, which is a supervised injection site. Throughout the years it has been running, it has proven to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. The success of the safe injection site shows that harm reduction should be a necessary program in all of Canada's HIV/ AIDS policies.

Read the newsletter to learn more about the ACG and Canada's current news on the deadly disease.

AIDS Committee "20 years gone by" video

The AIDS Committee of Guelph has released a preview of the "20 years gone by" video they plan to share at the Annual General Meeting held on September 24th, 2008. The video recaps the past 20 years at the ACG, including interviews with current and past employees.

Check it out!

20 years gone by at the AIDS Committee of Guelph

A non-profit organization I volunteer with, the AIDS Committee of Guelph (ACG,) is having a summer barbeque, "20 Years Gone By." The location is not confirmed as of yet, but it will be on Thursday, July 10th, at 12pm and is open to everyone.

As a Public Relations student, I most recently developed a membership campaign for the the ACG. They are hoping to increase membership among clients, volunteers and other interested members of the community. Their membership application form is available online under "Become a Member!"Membership keeps you updated on events, funding and services; helps you become a part of the growing HIV/ AIDS movement; and allows you to attend the Annual General Meeting to vote on the Board of Directors and talk about HIV/ AIDS issues in the community.

With 20 years gone by, the ACG has been dedicated to creating a non-judgemental, friendly atmosphere. With extensive HIV/ AIDS information available, education workshops, support services, and an HIV testing location on site, they reach out and help those with or at risk of HIV, their family members and friends.

They have an annual Red Ribbon Gala, most currently held on May 3rd. The event helps fund the AIDS Committee and Masai Centre. Other ways to donate are available online.
For more information about the organization or HIV/ AIDS awareness, log on to the AIDS Committee of Guelph website.

I recommend learning more about this organization and using it's valuable resources. Remember that 62,000 Canadians are living with HIV/ AIDS.