Health Promotion and Community Development

Share the facts, debunk HIV myths

Dear Miss Priss,
What’s the deal with AIDS these days? Back in the ‘80s, it was huge. Now, I hardly hear anything about it! I don’t think I’ve got it or anything, but – what? – have we found a cure for it or something?
Signed,
Kinda Curious.

Dear Curious,
Wow – you and about a gazillion other people on this planet are wondering the same thing, sweetie! But I’m really glad you asked, because let me tell you, HIV is here and now, and not going away anytime soon. But you know what they say: Denial ain’t just hitting Holt Renfrew with your overdraft as protection! So, let’s stop the wondering and start the fact-finding.

Here are a few of the most powerful myths about HIV – and the truth behind them.

HIV makes you super sick.

Are you living with Hepatitis C?

* New Support Group every Tuesday, starting June 1st, 1:15 – 2:45pm
@ AIDS Vancouver Island, 3rd Floor, Access Health Center, 713 Johnson St.
All those infected/affected by Hep C are welcome. Snacks and bus tickets provided.

* Intake into our Positive Wellness Program is now open to HCV positive people and includes:
- Free, hot lunch program on Tuesdays
- Advocacy, support and short term counselling
- Non-judgmental and harm reduction focused education and support

* For more information contact AVI at 250-384-2366 and ask for the Positive Wellness Program

“Love Your Liver Health Fair” on May 18 at Centennial Square
in Honour of World Hepatitis Day
12-2pm

On May 18, AIDS Vancouver Island is hosting an educational event to bring the community together in honour of World Hepatitis Day. There will be on-site testing & vaccinations, referrals, information booths, food, entertainment, speakers and giveaways.

The event will bring together activists, HCV/HIV positive people, healthcare, poverty, and community groups, and, the general public, to explore issues related to hepatitis and HIV. The idea for a “Love Your Liver Health Fair” was developed by peer education trainees at AIDS Vancouver Island.

Other groups involved include: HepCBC, Our Place, Cool Aid Community Health Centre, VIHA Street Nurses, SOLID, the Action Committee for People with Disabilities, Foundation House, TAPS, Harm Reduction Victoria, and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The newly formed Hepatitis C Peer Education Group in conjunction with AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI) will be hosting a Liver Health Education Celebration at Spirit Square on World Hepatitis Day on May 19, from 12-2pm.

There will be a complimentary, healthy lunch served and a variety of interactive displays. The goals of the fair are to provide information about the importance of being tested for hepatitis, to provide information about traditional and complimentary treatments, and to provide hope for those living with hepatitis and to remember individuals who have passed away.

The newly formed Hepatitis C Peer Education Group in conjunction with AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI) will be hosting a Liver Health Education Celebration at Simms Memorial Park on May 18, from 12-2pm, to mark World Hepatitis Day.

There will be a complimentary, healthy lunch served and a variety of interactive displays. The goals of the fair are to provide information about the importance of being tested for hepatitis, to provide information about traditional and complimentary treatments, and to provide hope for those living with hepatitis and to remember individuals who have passed away.

HCV Support Group for people with hepatitis C and those co-infected with HIV

Starting: Tuesday May 11th, and every Tuesday afterwards, from 1:15 to 2:30, in the Boardroom at AVI. 3rd Floor, 713 Johnson Street

Positive people and their supporters and family are welcome. Snacks and bus tickets available.

A support worker will be available after the group to provide one-on-one support if needed, as well as to do intakes into The Positive Wellness Program, and give referrals, etc.

For more information call 250-384-2366 and ask for Hermione, or email hermione.jefferis(at)avi.org

Love Your Liver Health Fair for World Hepatitis Day

We will be providing Hepatitis C, HIV, and co-infection support, information, advocacy, testing, and vaccinations as well as having guest speakers, free food, giveaways,and entertainment. Other community groups involved include: Native Friendship Center, SOLID, Our Place, TAPS, HepCBC, ACPD, Cool Aid, and Harm Reduction Victoria.

May Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Centennial Square, 11:30 to 2:00

For more information Hermione - 250-384-2366 ext 2270, Hermione.Jefferis(at)avi.org

DO YOU WANT TO
EXPRESS YOURSELF?

A new expressive arts group
is beginning at AVI!
There will be opportunities to explore writing,
drawing, collage, dance, yoga, etc. Come and play!

For Women living with HIV or Hep C
Thursdays from 1:00-2:30pm, beginning May 6, 2010. Ongoing intakes.
Snacks and honoraria provided!

Contact Yana or Hermione at 250-384-2366 to register.
Hermione.Jefferis(at)avi.org or Yana.Petronis(at)avi.org

All workshops are interactive and include group games and discussion.
Bonus: Experiential speakers available upon request!

HIV/AIDS: The Basics – This workshop is a basic introduction to HIV/AIDS, including how HIV affects someone’s health over time, how the virus can spread, testing for HIV and how to prevent transmission.

Hep C: The Basics – Another great introduction workshop, only this time covering Heptatitis C! We will talk about how liver health and function is affected by the Hep C virus, as well as how Hep C is transmitted. This is partnered with prevention information related to substance use and safer body art.

Sex, Society & You – A safe space for youth to use a critical lens to explore how social messages and media imagery can impact our ideas about sex and sexuality. Includes an examination of social messaging, and how they impact our definitions of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships.

AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI) will be hosting a public BBQ at their offices (1371 c. Cedar Street, off the alleyway) on May 19 to increase awareness of the shocking statistic that one in 12 people on the planet are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C and yet the majority of those infected are unaware.

“It is important to mark World Hepatitis Day and the fact that approximately 500 million people in the world have either hepatitis B or C and the majority of those infected do not know,” said Jeanette Reinhardt, health promotion worker at AVI. “While rates in Canada are not as high as global figures, British Columbia boasts hepatitis C rates that are twice as high as the national average.”