Submitted
Battle River Treaty 6 Health Center recently invited over 150 students from Grades 9 through 12 from surrounding community high schools to the Capital Theatre. To recognize: HIV /AIDS Awareness week Nov. 24 – Dec. 1; World AIDS Day Dec. 1; and Aboriginal AIDS awareness week Dec. 1-5.
It was a day dedicated to commemorate those who have passed due to HIV and to support those that are living with HIV as well as to friends, family members, who have been impacted by HIV.
The focus of the day was to share that even though there is no cure or vaccine for HIV it is preventable and treatable. Always use a condom when having sex, do not share needles and get tested. HIV is manageable with early diagnosis and treatment. HIV screening and testing is the first step in linking you to care, treatment and support. HIV is now seen as a chronic disease. Whether you are HIV positive or negative, it’s important to know your status. Our ultimate goal is for zero new HIV Infections, zero stigma and discrimination, and zero AIDS related deaths. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health recommends a routine HIV test for anyone between 13 and 70 years old. It is confidential and completely voluntary.
We gathered in the Capital Theatre and were able to meet different students from neighbouring schools, listen to a HIV survivor and her son share their story of the impact of HIV on their family.
Following the presentation, we watched a movie called Girl Positive. It is about a high school girl who seems to have the life that most people envy until she makes some decision’s that will impact her life forever. Soon secrets and rumours fly. This was an example of how stigma still exists. This movie emphasized how decisions made in youth can impact them for the rest of their life.
Following the moving BRT6HC Wellness Department did a presentation on the impact of addictions.
This day was to empower and educate the students on HIV.
There is no shame for having HIV.
There is no shame for who you are.
There is no shame for the decision that you make.
We are all humans and have made great choices and not so great choices.
Be proud of who you are.
Don’t let the stigma of HIV have a life.
Give it a new face: of hope, love and that everything will be ok.
