World AIDS Day is December 1st – It’s time to update your status.
Everyday people in Calgary use Facebook to share up to the minute reports on the status of their lives, but do they know the status of their health? As part of the global Testing Millions campaign, the Calgary Coalition on HIV/AIDS (CCHA) asks you to do your part to stay safe and healthy by updating your HIV status on World AIDS Day. On December 1st, 2009, confidential HIV testing will be offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Sheldon Chumir Health Centre, 1213, 4th St. SW. An Alberta personal health number is not required. HIV testing is a simple blood test offered free of charge.
"It is estimated by the Public Health Agency of Canada, that approximately one-third of all people in Canada living with HIV are unaware of their HIV-positive status. Regardless of your sex, your sexual orientation, or your participation in high-risk behaviours – it is important to get an HIV test on a regular basis to protect yourself and to protect others. You can help to stop this illness," says The SHARP Foundation Executive Director Floyd Visser.
According to Alberta Health Services, between 2005 and 2008, new HIV infections in Alberta rose by 30%. The majority of these new infections were in the Calgary region.
"HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant and current issue facing all Calgarians and it carries a stigma like no other chronic illness. Getting tested for HIV on December 1st is an opportunity to do your part in helping Calgary and the world to fight this 100% preventable illness," says AIDS Calgary Executive Director Susan Cress.
The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that in Canada, people living with HIV do not experience symptoms for an average of 10 years. It is important to avoid making assumptions about who is living with HIV/AIDS and who is at risk. The changing face of HIV in our community includes everyone, and there is still no cure. Treatment is available for people living with HIV but you must know your status first.
Help to fight HIV related stigma and prevent HIV transmission in our community by getting your free and confidential test on December 1st, 2009.
HIV testing backgrounder
HIV testing is available year round through family Doctors, walk-in clinics and the STD Clinic at Sheldon Chumir Heath Centre: 5th Floor, 1213, 4th St. SW. 403-955-6700
Calgary Coalition on HIV/AIDS (CCHA) backgrounder
The Calgary Coalition on HIV/AIDS (CCHA) is a community network of governmental and non-governmental organizations and individuals living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Calgary region. Together, the coalition works towards a healthy community response to HIV and AIDS.
The Testing Millions Campaign
The World AIDS Day 2009 Testing Millions Global Campaign, organized by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, is mobilizing a growing, worldwide coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local and national governments, international relief agencies, faith-based organizations, medical providers, civil and corporate society, the media and YOU, to facilitate free HIV tests during World AIDS Day activities throughout the months of November and December.
For more information contact:
Amanda Chapman, Communications Coordinator
Work: 403-508-2500 Ext. 120
Fax: 403-263-7358
E-mail: achapman@aidscalgary.org
Web: www.aidscalgary.org