Northern Health is seeking proposals from community partners and First Nations health organizations to help enhance HIV and hepatitis C services in communities across Northern B.C.
The health authority is committing $180,000 towards successful community-based projects. It’s looking for proposals that will prevent and reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission, demonstrate partnerships that will enable quick and easy-to-access testing, and that will assist people who are living with HIV or hepatitis C.
“One of our overall goals with this funding announcement is to try and increase the number of partnerships we have across the north, so we can have more community-based organizations in different communities across the north, like Fort St. John,” explained Ciro Panessa, regional director of chronic diseases for Northern Health.
While some northern municipalities, such as Dawson Creek, have community organizations dedicated to HIV and hepatitis C prevention and awareness, others, including Fort St. John, have limited resources.
“There aren’t any dedicated organizations at this time in Fort St. John that are community-based organizations dedicated to raising awareness around HIV and hepatitis C, and doing HIV and hepatitis C community-based work,” Panessa said.
However, some services are available through the Fort St. John Health Unit, such as testing, and the distribution of condoms and needles. Patients can also get tested by a doctor or at the hospital.
Further, opioid substitution is available through Dr. Charles Badenhorst, who helps addicts recover.
“This (initiative) is an opportunity for community organizations in Fort St. John,” Panessa said.
The health authority is committing $180,000 towards successful community-based projects. It’s looking for proposals that will prevent and reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission, demonstrate partnerships that will enable quick and easy-to-access testing, and that will assist people who are living with HIV or hepatitis C.
“One of our overall goals with this funding announcement is to try and increase the number of partnerships we have across the north, so we can have more community-based organizations in different communities across the north, like Fort St. John,” explained Ciro Panessa, regional director of chronic diseases for Northern Health.
While some northern municipalities, such as Dawson Creek, have community organizations dedicated to HIV and hepatitis C prevention and awareness, others, including Fort St. John, have limited resources.
“There aren’t any dedicated organizations at this time in Fort St. John that are community-based organizations dedicated to raising awareness around HIV and hepatitis C, and doing HIV and hepatitis C community-based work,” Panessa said.
However, some services are available through the Fort St. John Health Unit, such as testing, and the distribution of condoms and needles. Patients can also get tested by a doctor or at the hospital.
Further, opioid substitution is available through Dr. Charles Badenhorst, who helps addicts recover.
“This (initiative) is an opportunity for community organizations in Fort St. John,” Panessa said.
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