What is Community Outreach?
Education has always been one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of HIV. Once people understand what behaviour contains risks, they then can understand what they can do to prevent the transmission of HIV. Reducing their own risk is the first step.
There are certain populations that have a higher incidence of HIV in their communities. These rates have proven a need for outreach to these populations. The targeted populations for this program are:- women
- youth
- injection drug users
- MSM (men who have sex with men)
- refugees
- immigrants
- aboriginal populations
- migrant workers.
AIDS Niagara’s “Community Outreach and Prevention Program” began in 1994 through funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada's, AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP).
Objectives
The Community Outreach Program is committed to reaching higher risk populations to prevent the spread of HIV. This includes increasing access throughout the entire Niagara area, developing a speakers bureau, reduce barriers for these populations, train volunteers and formal education.Program Goals
The goals of the program are to: Increase awareness of HIV/AIDS by conducting safer sex workshops for at risk populations. Conduct peer level outreach to populations, offering harm reduction materials. To train and educate volunteers, peer educators and develop a speakers bureau. Develop and implement a comprehensive education strategy to prevent the spread of HIV in targeted populations residing in the Regional Municipality of Niagara.Services Provided
The Outreach Co-ordinator works in the community directly with the targeted populations and with other service providers. Along with volunteer involvement, the Co-ordinator; Provides educational material about HIV/AIDS and other STI’s, safer injection use, and other risk reduction information; Distributes condoms, lubricants, water kits, dental dams and other risk reducing items; Provides appropriate counselling, referral, and advocacy to clients and contacts as required; Works with other service providers in order to increase their understanding of the target groups, thereby ensuring access and support to targeted populations.For more information
Contact Keira Knowles at
905-984-8684 ext.120
or email her at
