Northern Health is awarding $1.59 million to eight agencies and 23 First Nations communities as part of the provincial STOP HIV/AIDS initiative.
According to information provided in a recent news release, community-based services will be provided in:
Prince George, Smithers and Dawson Creek where previously contracted service providers Positive Living North and Central Interior Native Health Society will continue or extend services.
Southside Health & Wellness Centre will provide testing, treatment and outreach in the Burns Lake area and in surrounding First Nations communities.
The Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society will distribute and recover harm reduction supplies and will provide prevention education in and around Fort Nelson.
The Gitxsan Health Society will distribute and recover harm reduction supplies, promote and provide testing and support those living with HIV or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in and around Hazleton.
Old Massett Village Council - Health Society on Haida Gwaii will integrate efforts towards HCV within their HIV outreach and education to bring more services to co-infected people.
Quesnel Tillicum Friendship Society and Quesnel Shelter and Support Society will collaborate to distribute and recover harm reduction supplies and provide HIV and HCV testing in Quesnel and to First Nations communities in the area.
The Northern BC First Nations HIV/AIDS Coalition will distribute its Healthy Sexuality kits and deliver train-the-trainer sessions in First Nations communities.
Additional funds will support agencies in four other communities to plan and implement a response to HIV and HCV: Fort St. John, Fort St. James, Terrace and Prince Rupert. It is expected that new services will be operating by April 1, 2017.
