GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FUNDS HIV/AIDS PREVENTION PROJECT IN KINGSTON

KINGSTON - The Honourable Peter Milliken, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands,welcomes the announcement of the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, of funding to HIV/AIDS Regional Services in Kingston. The organization will receive $257,961 over five years under the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP) of Health Canada's Canadian HIV/AIDS Strategy to reach target populations with information on how to reduce the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS. 

"HIV/AIDS Regional Services will work to increase knowledge among those considered at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS about prevention and harm reduction," said Mr. Milliken. "This project will also provide information about testing and other supportive services available in our community, and will work with those services to enhance them and improve access to them."

While educating target populations about HIV/AIDS, this project will also encourage and provide information on practising safer sex and safer needle use. It will work with various community partners to attempt to increase the capacity of service agencies to provide accurate and non-judgmental information, support and appropriate referrals related to HIV/AIDS. They will also work together to reduce barriers that may limit access to key agencies.

This project will undertake various activities to reach its objectives, including peer training, presentations, consultations, community development, educational displays and events. 

Established in 1988, HIV/AIDS Regional Services uses health promotion and community development principles to carry out comprehensive HIV/AIDS education and support programs.

The Government of Canada announced a comprehensive strategy to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada, in May 1998. The Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS, with an annual funding of $42.2 million, has clear goals: Prevent the spread of HIV infection in Canada; find a cure; find effective vaccines, drugs and therapies; ensure effective care, treatment and support for Canadians living with HIV/AIDS, and their families, friends, and caregivers; minimize the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities; and counter the social and economic factors that increase individual and collective risk of HIV infection.

Funding for this project was provided for in the 2003 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

-30-

Media Inquiries:   Également disponible en français
Debbie Paine
Regional Communications Director
(416) 973-4183

Public Inquiries: 
(416) 973-4389