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Community Action

2003-2004 | 2002-2003 | 2001-2002 | 2000/2001 | 1999/2000

Community-based programs address the needs of persons infected with or affected by hepatitis C. For a description of projects funded in your region of the country, please check below.

Please select a Region

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BC
Alberta
Manitoba
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Ontario
Quebec
Atlantic Region
Northern Secretariat

Funded Projects - 2002/2003

British Columbia

Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education Society (PACE)
A Taste of This Life: Recipes and Reflections from People Living with Hepatitis C
This funding will enable the Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education Society (PACE) to implement a project aimed at improving the health of sex workers who are infected with hepatitis C.

Established in 1994 in Vancouver, PACE delivers peer-driven support programs for sex workers including outreach, counselling, education, and advocacy. Most of PACE's members deal with issues such as poverty, homelessness, lack of education, and addiction.

Sex workers who use injection drugs are at great risk of hepatitis C infection. Three quarters of PACE's clients are Aboriginal peoples who use injection drugs and who are infected with hepatitis C. The goal of this project is to increase the awareness and understanding of hepatitis C among sex workers in Vancouver with a view to preventing its spread and improving the well-being of those infected.

Activities will include setting up a multi-sectoral project advisory team comprised of hepatitis C experts, PACE clients and other community stakeholders including the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Weekly skills building workshops will be offered to clients about hepatitis C and nutrition. A resource cookbook will be developed offering information on nutrition and wellness.

Healing Our Spirit BC Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Society
In the Spirit of Sharing: An Aboriginal Hepatitis C Project
The Healing Our Spirit Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Society (HOS) was established in 1992 with the mandate to prevent the spread of HIV infection in British Columbia's Aboriginal communities and to provide care and support to people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in both urban and rural communities across the province. The society has recently added hepatitis C to its mandate.

BC Provincial Health Officer's Annual Report 2001 indicates the incidence of communicable disease is disproportionately high in Aboriginal communities. Hepatitis C in British Columbia's Aboriginal population is almost seven times higher than in the non-Aboriginal population. Project funding will enable the Healing Our Spirit Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Society to deliver an Aboriginal-specific hepatitis C prevention program in First Nations communities across British Columbia.

Positive Living North West Society
Shared Voices, Common Ground: HIV, HCV and Co-infection Harm Reduction, Prevention and Support Project with People Who Use Drugs
PLNW is a community-based, non-profit society that delivers hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS prevention programming and support services in the City of Smithers as well as to the outlying remote areas of northwestern British Columbia. PLNW is the primary organization that provides hepatitis C education, prevention and support services in this area.

There is a need to address the many issues of injection drug users in rural communities through education and strengthening the connection between service providers, community members and people who use injection drugs. Activities of this project will include providing hepatitis C community outreach, workshops, presentations and the development of a hepatitis C educational tool for service providers. This project will establish partnerships with community organizations throughout British Columbia that have a proven track record in working with at-risk populations including people who use drugs, street-involved youth and marginalised women.

British Columbia Multicultural Health Service Society (BCMHSS)
Multicultural Hepatitis C Prevention Project
Established in 1996, the mandate of the BCMHSS is to assist refugees and new immigrants in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland to maintain and improve their health and to access health and social services. It has extensive experience delivering peer-based education programs focussing on particular health issues, including HIV/AIDS prevention.

Studies show that refugees and new immigrants are often more vulnerable than the general population to poor health, illness and disease. It is also clear that hepatitis C programs and services targeted to the general public are not readily accessed by refugees and new immigrants because of linguistic and cultural barriers.

The goal of this project is to increase awareness and understanding of hepatitis C within the Vietnamese and Latin American communities in Vancouver and the lower mainland. Activities for this project include: the development of a peer education training manual for peer educators; implementation of a training program for peer educators; and, the development and distribution of multilingual resources dealing with hepatitis C prevention, care, treatment and support.

YouthCO AIDS Society
BC HepCATS (Hepatitis C Awareness, Training and Skills-Building Project)
Established in 1994, the Youth Community Outreach AIDS Society (YouthCO) is a community-based, non-profit society focussing on youth infected with, affected by, and at high risk for contracting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV. Its work consists of providing outreach services, prevention education programming, training, volunteer opportunities, advocacy and peer support to youth throughout British Columbia. It is the only youth-oriented HCV and HIV/AIDS service agency in Canada and is highly regarded for its innovative, peer-driven training workshops and resources. It has developed strong partnerships with youth-serving agencies throughout British Columbia ranging from Boys and Girls Clubs and the Girl Guides of Canada to public schools and the provincial Youth Correctional Facility.

This project funding will enable YouthCO to implement a comprehensive hepatitis C prevention program targeted at youth who are vulnerable to HCV infection.

Alberta

The HIV Network of Edmonton Society (HIV Edmonton)
Hepatitis C and Women: Addressing the Risks
The HIV Network of Edmonton Society (HIV Edmonton) will work with the Edmonton Institution for Women (EIFW), Marvel College and Est-Elle Academy of Hair, Canadian Liver Foundation, Capital Health Authority and the British Columbia Hepatitis C Society (BC Hep C).

The goal of the project was to increase knowledge of issues related to women and hepatitis C in the correctional services setting and in the esthetics industry. Planned activities included meeting with inmates and health care staff at the Edmonton Institution for Women (EIFW) to continue the development of a monthly hepatitis C support group; conducting a survey of current practices in the esthetics industry in Edmonton; and developing and implementing awareness workshops at Marvel College, Est-Elle Academy of Hair, and at least five professional salons. Planned outcomes included the development of recommendations for implementing hepatitis C prevention and support services for women in correctional facilities and adapting esthetic industry standards to prevent hepatitis C transmission. Project results are to be shared at the 4th Alberta Area Harm Reduction Conference.

Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement
Eastern Métis Settlements Hepatitis C Project
The project, is a joint initiative of the Community Health Council comprised of the four Eastern Métis Settlements located in the Lakeland Health Region of Eastern Alberta. The project will promote culturally appropriate and sustainable mechanisms for disseminating hepatitis C-related information through the training of at least one member from each of the four Settlements and the development, implementation and evaluation of at least one hepatitis C awareness workshop in each of the four Settlements. Project partners include Community Health Council members, Settlement nurses, HIV Edmonton and the Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute.

Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS)
Hepatitis C in Rural and Aboriginal Populations: It's not just tattooing and body piercing
The project sponsor is the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS), a non-profit organization that fosters healthy responses to HIV-related issues through education, advocacy and support. CAANS supports people co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV and uses a harm reduction approach to prevent further spread of these diseases. Project partners include Shining Mountains Living Community Services, Street Ties, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, the East Central Regional Health Authority, and the Canadian Liver Foundation, Central Alberta Chapter.

Aboriginal people are over-represented in the injection drug use population and public health providers have reported increased rates of hepatitis C and HIV infection in the area. The project will increase awareness and knowledge of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS within the Aboriginal youth population in Central Alberta through the creation and implementation of a dramatic-entertainment presentation in at least fourteen junior and senior high schools in the region.

Métis Nation of Alberta Association (MNAA)
Are You at-risk? An Education and Awareness Workshop for Métis Youth
The project sponsor is the Métis Nation of Alberta Association (MNAA), a non-profit, province-wide organization with a mandate to represent the rights and interests of Métis people in Alberta and to pursue the advancement of their culture and well-being. Hepatitis C is of growing concern to the MNAA because its membership includes Métis youth who are considered at high risk of being infected with or affected by hepatitis C.

The project builds on previous work by the Métis Nation of Alberta Association (MNAA) to implement an HIV/AIDS awareness project among youth and young mothers in rural areas across Alberta. Planned activities included planning, implementing and evaluating hepatitis C information workshops for a minimum of twenty Métis youth from each of the six zones of the MNAA. Current information and resources were to be identified and additional materials for each zone were developed and included as appropriate. Results were measured by pre-and post-workshop questionnaires and shared with each of the six zone offices of the MNAA, Regional Health Authorities, AIDS Service Organizations, and project partners at provincial and national levels.

The HIV Network of Edmonton Society (HIV Edmonton)
Building Awareness of Harm Reduction: at-risk Youth
The project sponsor is HIV Network of Edmonton Society (HIV Edmonton), on behalf of the Public Awareness Task Group of the Alberta Non-Prescription Needle Use (NPNU) Consortium. HIV Edmonton is a non-profit agency with the mandate to educate and support those infected and affected by HIV and related conditions. Hepatitis C is recognized as a related condition and is addressed by the agency through a number of programs including outreach to addictions and corrections facilities and Aboriginal communities.

This project will build on previous efforts of the NPNU Public Awareness Task Group to raise awareness among high risk youth of the role of harm reduction in reducing the incidence of hepatitis C and HIV. Project activities include recruiting and training a project coordinator and a group of high risk youth who will work with a professional film maker to develop and produce a 30 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) on harm reduction which will be launched and distributed to television outlets throughout Alberta.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton
The Release Kit Project
The project sponsor is Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton on behalf of the Prisons Task Group of the Alberta Non-Prescription Needle Use (NPNU) Consortium. Elizabeth Fry Society is a non-profit organization with a mandate to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law and to help them live as valued members of their communities. The agency supports a harm reduction strategy and provides information and referral resources to many clients who are infected with hepatitis C.

This project will enable women released from correctional institutions in the Edmonton area to access social support and decrease risk-related behaviours through offering information sessions and providing release kits containing information on hepatitis C and HIV, community resources, and practical harm reduction items such as soap, toothbrushes and condoms. Recent evidence indicates that non-prescription needle use and incarceration are leading risk factors related to hepatitis C infection and that hepatitis C rates are disproportionately high among incarcerated populations.

HIV North Society
Essentials of Harm Reduction (Phase II)
Building on previous work, Essentials of Harm Reduction Phase I, which presented sessions to 283 pharmacists across the province, the project will compile information into workbook format for continued use in distance learning format. Opportunities to reach other professional groups will be researched and presentations delivered to one additional professional group in major cities throughout the province. The project will increase awareness among pharmacists and one additional professional group (for example teachers, physicians or social workers) about harm reduction and the effects of harm reduction practice on prevention of hepatitis C and other blood borne pathogens.

Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS)
Methadone Training for Physicians, Pharmacists and Allied Professionals
Project partners for this project include the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Pharmacists Association of Alberta, urban and rural harm reduction programs, regional health authorities, and street clinics.

This project will increase access to Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) for Albertans addicted to morphine or heroin through the training of 60 to 80 health professionals from across Alberta. Currently, this service is available only in the City of Edmonton.

The College of Physicians of British Columbia or a similar professional body will conduct a MMT training workshop in Calgary for 30-40 physicians and allied professionals. Project partners will work with professional associations to promote the workshop and arrange Continuing Education credits for those who participate.

Bissell Centre
Hepatitis C and Mental Health Support - Reaching Across Communities
The project sponsor is Bissell Centre on behalf of the Mental Health Task Group of the Alberta Non-Prescription Needle Use (NPNU) Consortium. The Bissell Centre is a non-profit organization with a mandate to support street-involved individuals in Edmonton's urban core. Hepatitis C is an increasingly significant issue for Bissell Centre clients.

The project will enhance the ability of hepatitis C-infected individuals throughout Alberta to access mental health support through the development and sharing of resources related to forming and sustaining peer support groups and promoting awareness of hepatitis C-related issues among mental health professionals.

Activities include the facilitation of ongoing peer support groups by project partners in Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer. Project staff and partners will engage in regular e-mail and teleconferencing sessions to develop an inventory of resources needed for initiating a support group and educating others about mental health issues and hepatitis C.

Streetworks
Shared Resources and Mentorship at a Provincial Level
The mandate of Streetworks is to involve injection drug users, sex trade workers, and their social networks in a comprehensive harm reduction and health promotion program. Hepatitis C prevention and support has been a cornerstone of their work since 1995.

The project will increase access to information and support for provincial harm reduction programs by developing a manual and library of resources, and hosting on-site learning opportunities for staff of smaller harm reduction agencies throughout the province.

Alberta Community Council on HIV
Alberta Harm Reduction Conference 2004
The sponsoring agency is the Alberta Community Council on HIV (ACCH), on behalf of the Community and Professional Task Group of the Alberta Non-Prescription Needle Use (NPNU) Consortium. ACCH is a partnership of fourteen non-profit, community-based organizations who come together to present a unified provincial voice on common HIV issues. Member agencies support people co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV and use a harm reduction approach to prevent further spread of these viruses.

The project will increase the capacity of service providers to apply harm reduction principles and improve services to vulnerable populations throughout Alberta. Project activities will build on previous annual conferences from 2000-2003 to plan, implement, and evaluate a Harm Reduction Conference for up to 400 participants from Alberta and neighbouring provinces. A conference planning committee will be established and conference themes will be identified based on previous evaluation findings and emerging trends and issues. Conference proceedings and results of the project will be disseminated to participants and to any groups interested in using the project as a model for future events.

John Howard Society of Alberta
A Study of Non-Prescription Needle Use by Inmates in the Alberta Provincial Corrections System
This project will provide the information and understanding necessary to work towards developing harm reduction strategies and policies for inmates of the Alberta Corrections system. The project will consolidate and interpret relevant data currently available or collected by harm reduction programs, regional health authorities and the Alberta Corrections system. Gaps in information and research questions will be identified. A survey instrument will be developed and reviewed by project partners. Approximately ten volunteer interviewers will be recruited and a sample of 250 recently released inmates surveyed at social service agencies throughout the province. Results will be disseminated through presentations and mail-outs to the NPNU Consortium and all participating agencies.

Kimamow Atoskanow Foundation (KAF)
Start and Stop Videos for Aboriginal Youth
The project sponsor is Kimamow Atoskanow Foundation (KAF), a rural, community-based, non-profit organization with the mandate to create a safe and supportive environment for people and communities to share information, resources and experiences that promote a healthy response to HIV/AIDS and related lifestyle concerns. KAF serves Aboriginal peoples throughout Alberta.

Project partners include Lethbridge HIV Connection; Safeworks (Calgary); Youth and Public Awareness Task Groups of the Alberta Non-Prescription Needle Use (NPNU) Consortium; Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute; Health Canada First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Alberta Region; and Alberta Health and Wellness.

The project will raise awareness and knowledge of hepatitis C among Aboriginal youth in Alberta by creating an educational video tool and training Aboriginal youth peer facilitators to effectively use this tool. Evaluation of previous HIV educational workshops with Aboriginal youth indicates the need for information to come from peers.

Manitoba/Saskatchewan - Manitoba

Healthy Futures
A Hep C Educational Awareness Project
The John Howard Society of Manitoba, Inc. (JHS) will partner with Manitoba Justice Youth Institutions: Agassiz and the Manitoba Youth Centre, elders from the Nitinaway Aboriginal Gang Initiative, the Neechawan Project, the Hepatitis C Resource Centre and Rossbrook House. They will provide a culturally appropriate program which incorporates traditional Aboriginal teachings and spirituality when dealing with issues concerning education to youth.

This project will target youth who are infected with hepatitis C or at-risk of becoming infected, providing education and addressing prevention, harm reduction and support. This will facilitate the development of a continuum of care to youth residing in a group home or youth residential centre and upon their return to the community. The long term objective of the project is to reduce hepatitis C infection by involving youth who are infected with hepatitis C or at-risk of becoming infected, by addressing the issues related to hepatitis C in detention centres, group homes and youth residential centres.

Canadian Liver Foundation - Manitoba Chapter
Manitoba Community Hepatitis C Awareness Project
The Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF), Manitoba Chapter, is a community-based, non-profit organization with a mandate to reduce the incidence and impact of all liver diseases, including hepatitis C, through the provision of support for research, education and patient support programs.

In partnership with the Liver Disease Unit, Health Sciences Centre, the Hepatitis C Resource Centre, the Winnipeg Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, the Main Street Project, John Howard Society and other service providers, support will be granted towards reducing the incidence and impact of all liver diseases including hepatitis C . The specific objectives of the project are to provide education and awareness about hepatitis C, and to support people infected with, affected by or at-risk of hepatitis C infection. The project will recruit, train and support peer volunteers and develop educational tools and mechanisms to deliver the program. In coordination with community partners this project will organize a public hepatitis C information day.

New Directions For Children, Youth and Families
Hepatitis C Prevention Project
The New Directions for Children, Youth and Families (NDCYF) is a large, private not-for-profit service agency that has served disadvantaged youth and young adults in the Winnipeg community since 1885.

The NDCYF will provide a culturally relevant combination of health education and health promotion services for persons who are infected with hepatitis C and for those who are identified as at high risk for contracting hepatitis C. The NDCYF will partner with the Women's Health Clinic, Mount Carmel Clinic's SAGE House, Aboriginal organizations and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan - Saskatchewan

Kamamakus Youth Performing Troupe Inc.
Kamamakus Youth Performing Troupe
Kamamakus Youth Performing Troupe Inc. is a non-profit organization. Its objectives are to educate, mentor, and empower youth coming from marginalised and at-risk populations of their community, with an emphasis on First Nations' youth. With its partners, the project will educate Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth about the issue of hepatitis C prevention with the use of theatre, dance and music as mediums. This project will build awareness, strengthen community partners, and expand youth networks and support systems.

Street Culture Kidz Project Inc.
Street Knowledge, Hep C & YOU!
Street Culture Kidz Project, a non-profit organization since September 1998, offers support to individuals, groups and agencies who deal with a number of issues related to hepatitis C. Partners include Planned Parenthood Regina - Y.E.A.H. project (Youth Education About Health), Human Resources Development Canada, AIDS Program South Saskatchewan and the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre.

The project and its partners will participate in information and leadership sessions in order to accurately deliver facts about hepatitis C through drama, vaudeville style presentations and puppet performances. The project will create an environment where participants can strengthen personal networks, provide support, create awareness and offer services to the city of Regina, rural First Nations communities and the province through outreach programs and services.

Ontario

AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County
Community Hepatitis C Worker
The AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County (ACGWC) was incorporated in 1989. Its mission is to provide HIV/AIDS related education, prevention and support services to the city of Guelph and surrounding counties. ACGWC has been working collaboratively with both the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit and Stonehenge Therapeutic Community to promote testing, educate about hepatitis C, and provide access to relevant services wherever appropriate and available.

The goal of the project is to develop a social support network for individuals with HCV, with particular emphasis on those with past or present injection drug use. The project proposes to recruit and train three peer ambassadors who would assist in outreach and development of a support network. In addition, the project will develop and implement twice monthly train-the-trainer sessions for local social and service agencies as well as facilitate the establishment of a local support group.

Phoenix Wholistic Health Centre
Hepatitis C Community Needs Assessment, Education and Support Program
Phoenix Wholistic Health Centre is the sponsor of the Teen Health Centre, a community health centre whose mandate is the promotion of health through service, community education and advocacy. The Teen Health Centre provides health and social services to teens including a homelessness initiative and drop in centre for street involved youth.

In partnership with several community organizations, the goal of this multi-year project is to increase community awareness of hepatitis C and to enhance community-based programming to support people infected with and affected by hepatitis C. Activities will include the development and implementation of (a) train-the-trainer workshops, (b) a local hepatitis C network and (c) a local hepatitis C conference.

The outcomes of the project will include an increased capacity among local service providers to be more responsive to their hepatitis C positive clients, better coordination of services for the target population, increased knowledge about hepatitis C and enhanced social support for hepatitis C infected youth.

ACCESS AIDS Committee
Hepatitis C Education and Support Coordination.
ACCESS - The AIDS Committee of Sudbury is a community-based organization that is committed to promoting wellness and providing support to individuals and the community in responding to HIV/AIDS. In the recent past, staff have noted an increase in the number of clients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). There is also a high prevalence of co-infection (HCV-HIV) among new clients

The goals of the project are to develop tools to enhance awareness of hepatitis C for : individuals incarcerated, using or at-risk of using injection drugs and for youth in the community. As well, workshops for relevant service providers will be delivered. In addition, the project will establish a hepatitis C advisory committee.

The expected outcomes of the project include: increased awareness of HCV in the community, improved services and supports for persons infected with and affected by hepatitis C infection and increased collaboration and partnerships among stakeholder organizations.

AIDS Committee of London
HCV Prevention & Support for Current and Recent Drug Users
The AIDS Committee of London has been a leader in providing services to those with HIV/AIDS and has developed strong ties with the local injection drug use community. It has become a recognized resource in the London area on hepatitis C issues particularly as they relate to street identified populations and those using injection or other drugs.

The project intends to provide prevention and support activities based on a harm reduction model to people traditionally marginalised from services and to develop a pool of peer volunteer services. Activities include the recruitment and training of individuals infected with/affected by hepatitis C as program delivery volunteers, to develop and distribute a hepatitis C newsletter, educate local health and human service providers about hepatitis C and drug use issues and expand the number of inter agency partnerships in the local area.

The expected outcomes of the project include increased awareness of hepatitis C in the community, improved services and supports for persons infected with and affected by hepatitis C and increased collaboration and partnerships among stakeholder organizations.

Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Health Unit Street Health Centre
Hepatitis C Strategy
The Street Health Centre in Kingston was established as a satellite office of the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFLA) Public Health Unit. It provides primary care, prevention and treatment services to hard-to-reach and high risk priority populations such as persons who use injection drugs, street youth and people involved in the sex trade. The KFLA Public Health Unit has observed an increase in new cases of hepatitis C infection since 1995.

The goal of the project is to develop the capacity of the local community to respond to the health and social issues faced by those infected with, affected by or at-risk of hepatitis C infection. Activities include targeted in-service education, the development of an anti-stigma campaign and train-the-trainer peer educators who will assist in the development of peer education and counselling activities.

Expected outcomes include improved quality of life for those people infected with hepatitis C, enhanced experience of social support and inclusion and improved knowledge and awareness as well as improved access to and use of harm reduction resources.

Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network (PASAN)
Hepatitis C "In Reach" Project
PASAN is a community-based network of prisoners, ex-prisoners, organizations and individuals working together to provide education and support to prisoners on HIV/AIDS and related issues. Studies regarding hepatitis C seroprevalence among Canadian prisoners have consistently revealed high rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

The goal of this multi-year project is to reduce the transmission of HCV among prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. To accomplish this, activities include the development and delivery of HCV prevention educational sessions for prisoners in federal and provincial institutions, and the development and distribution of peer-generated HCV prevention and harm reduction materials. In addition, the project will provide HCV skills building activities and support to federal prisoner peer health groups. The expected outcome is the increased awareness of HCV and prevention strategies among federal and provincial inmates.

Street Health Community Nursing Foundation
Street Health Hepatitis C Community Care and Awareness Project
Street Health provides community-based nursing, mental health and HIV/AIDS services to homeless, under-housed and marginalised people in downtown east Toronto. It is the only health service organization in Toronto that exclusively targets homeless populations.

The goal of this multi-year project is to reduce the transmission of hepatitis C, and support and stabilize infected individuals who are injection drug users, particularly among the homeless and marginalised populations of downtown east Toronto. Activities include outreach, and the development of information materials and resources. In addition, the project will also develop and conduct peer led workshops to local health and social service organizations.

The expected outcomes of the project include increased knowledge about hepatitis C, injection drug risks and harm reduction techniques for the target groups, access to health information for difficult-to-reach injection drug using populations, enhanced social supports for persons infected with hepatitis C who use injection drugs, enhanced linkages between the identified population and local health and social service organisations and increased capacity of these agencies to be more responsive to their hepatitis C positive clients.

Quebec

Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador L'hépatite C chez les Autochtones : une formation culturellement adaptée
The Commission de la Santé et des Services sociaux des PremiPres Nations du Québec et du Labrador (CSSSPNQL) was created in 1994. Its mandate is to promote the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals, families and communities of First Nations and Inuit within the context of their own culture and local autonomy.

The goal of this prevention project is to promote awareness, to train and to provide tools to Aboriginal community workers related to hepatitis C infection. The project will seek to increase the knowledge of the community workers concerning hepatitis C and the relevant resources in their region, and to develop and increase the skills of the community workers in order to support them in their work. A training manual will be developed for the community workers and training workshops organized for community workers.

STELLA, l'amie de Maimie
Édition spéciale santé du magazine ConStellation
STELLA is the only community organization in Montreal with the specific mandate to improve the living and health conditions of female sex workers in Montreal. The objectives of this prevention project are to increase the knowledge of sex workers and community workers in regard to the risk factors associated with the hepatitis C virus and to enhance their knowledge of the hepatitis C resource network. One issue of the magazine ConStellation will be focussed on hepatitis C, profiling the health of sex workers and integrating information related to the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C, as well as information on support for people infected.

Centre d'amitié autochtone de Montréal Inc.
Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Outreach Program for Urban Aboriginal Peoples in Montreal
Incorporated in 1974, the Centre d'amitié autochtone de Montréal Inc./Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM) is a non-profit community development organization whose mission is to promote, develop and enhance the quality of life for the urban Aboriginal community in Montreal. In recent years, the NFCM has initiated prevention and outreach activities aimed at reducing the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV epidemics amongst the Aboriginal population living in the Montreal region.

In partnership with First Nations Quebec Labrador Health and Social Services Commission, STELLA and Native Women's Shelter of Montreal, this project will support the implementation of hepatitis C and HIV prevention activities, outreach and accompaniment services that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal peoples at risk of contracting HCV and HIV.

Centre d'amitié autochtone de Québec
«Uauitshitatau eshe Neshtuapetamak» : INNU qui signifie Partageons nos connaissances.
The Centre d'amitié autochtone de Québec was founded in 1979. It is a community group with a mandate to guide and support Aboriginal peoples living off reserve in the Quebec region.

The goal of this prevention project is to reduce the rate of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in Aboriginal peoples living in Quebec's urban centres. The project also seeks to address their quality of life. More specifically, the project will aim to: increase knowledge of HIV and HCV in the target population; and, increase the support to Aboriginal peoples infected with or at risk of infection of HIV or HCV.

Activities will include measuring the current level of knowledge regarding HIV and HCV in this target population, developing educational tools adapted to the needs and cultural characteristics of this population, holding workshops, and developing a support network.

Atlantic

AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
Hepatitis C Prevention Training for Aboriginal people in Newfoundland and Labrador
Hepatitis C Prevention Training for Aboriginal people in Newfoundland and Labrador is a 16-month project of the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, a community-based AIDS organization that serves the entire province. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness of hepatitis C and HIV issues among both the Aboriginal population and the organizations that serve them.

In partnership with the St. John's Friendship Centre and Healing Our Nations, the group will develop an interactive workshop, a resource manual and other culturally appropriate educational materials. The workshop will be offered at seven sites across the province. The project is expected to increase awareness of hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and harm-reduction principles; to increase use of hepatitis C resource material by Aboriginal peoples; and to increase the capacity of community agencies to provide prevention programming to this population.

AIDS PEI
Promoting Harm Reduction in PEI
Promoting Harm Reduction in PEI is a 21-month project of AIDS PEI. The purpose of the project is to increase professional and public support for harm reduction strategies for hepatitis C prevention and to encourage respect for those at risk of infection. AIDS PEI and other project partners will formalize a harm-reduction alliance with representatives from the health, justice and education sectors as well as from the community of people who use injection drugs. Alliance members will receive training in team building, harm reduction, policy development and sustainability. They will work together to develop a harm-reduction strategy for Prince Edward Island and to promote it to the health, education and justice sectors as well as the general public.

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia
Hep C: The Inside Scoop Video

Hep C: The Inside Scoop Video is a project of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, a non-profit organization that works with women in conflict with the law. The goal of the project is to increase awareness of the hepatitis C virus and how it affects the lives of incarcerated women. Building on a workshop and handbook developed as part of a previous Health Canada project, the group will develop a plain-language video appropriate for women. The video, which will be used with the workshop and available at all Elizabeth Fry Societies across Canada, will analyze the relationship between hepatitis C and poverty, prostitution, drug use, health, education and employment. The project is expected to increase the understanding of hepatitis C and harm-reduction practices among both female prisoners and prison staff.

Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre
The Next Phase
The Next Phase is a one-year project sponsored by Direction 180, a program of the Mi'Kmaq Native Friendship Centre. Direction 180 is a low-threshold community-based methadone program employing harm-reduction principles. Direction 180's clients are injection drug users who have been successful in the past in treating their opiate dependance. Direction 180's mission is to reduce the harmful behaviours associated with injection drug use and decrease the spread of HIV, hepatitis B and C and the associated complications.

The purpose of the project is to increase awareness of the effects to health of hepatitis C, to improve personal health practices and to encourage harm reduction practices among people who use injection drugs in the Halifax area. The project will focus particularly on street youth, sex trade workers and people who are homeless, unemployed or in conflict with the law. Participants will be involved in the development of a six-week program that will provide education, treatment and positive reinforcement for healthy lifestyle choices.

Mainline Needle Exchange
Hepatitis C Youth Project
Hepatitis C Youth Project is a one-year initiative of Mainline Needle Exchange, an organization dedicated to reducing the spread of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other blood-borne infections among people who engage in high risk behaviours. The purpose of the project is to establish a coordinated education and support program for youth in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. In collaboration with the Hepatitis Outreach Society and Health Districts 4, 5 and 6, the group will establish an ongoing, youth-led peer support program.

Young people will be involved in the development of the program, which will be delivered through schools, youth groups and other youth programs. The project is expected to result in increased understanding of hepatitis C care, prevention, transmission and treatment.

Hepatitis C Moncton
Hepatitis C Community-based Support and Education in Southeastern New Brunswick
Hepatitis C Community-based Support and Education in Southeastern New Brunswick is an 18-month project of Hepatitis C Moncton, an independent organization dedicated to reducing the spread and impact of the hepatitis C virus. The purpose of the project is to provide education and information about the virus and to educate service providers in the community, government, education, business, labour and health sectors, including family physicians. In partnership with several interested organizations and the provincial Department of Family and Community Services, the group will identify and work to eliminate gaps in services for people either affected, infected or at risk of contracting hepatitis C. The group will promote public awareness through a media campaign and the distribution of brochures and other resource material. The project is expected to reduce workplace discrimination and the stigma for those infected, and to increase and enhance locally available services.

AIDS Saint John
Getting the Information - HEPC Resource Centre for Injection Drug Users
Getting the Information - HEPC Resource Centre for Injection Drug Users is a project of AIDS Saint John, a community-based AIDS service organization that provides a needle exchange program for injection drug users. The aim of the project is to increase awareness and knowledge of harm reduction and hepatitis C among youth at risk, sex trade workers, people who use injection drugs and people infected with either HIV or the hepatitis C virus. AIDS Saint John will develop a resource library for use by staff, volunteers and others who provide services to injection drug users. The project is expected to increase the capacity of service providers to respond to the health-related information needs of people who use injection drugs, and to result in both improved understanding of hepatitis C and reduced viral transmission.

John Howard Society of Greater Moncton Inc.
Hepatitis Outreach Peer Education Project (The H.O.P.E. Project)
Hepatitis Outreach Peer Education Project (The H.O.P.E. Project) is a 21-month initiative of the John Howard Society of Moncton, an organization that provides support and services to men in conflict with the law. The goal of the project is to reduce the spread of hepatitis C among inmates. The Society will work with Correctional Services Canada, the Elizabeth Fry Society, Hepatitis C Moncton and inmate committees to develop and evaluate a peer educator training program for use in correctional facilities. Inmate volunteers will be trained to provide education and support to their peers. Based on this experience, the project will produce a facilitation manual with step-by-step guidelines for setting up hepatitis C peer education programs in correctional facilities. This manual will be distributed to all 52 federal facilities in Canada and to interested community organizations. The project is expected to increase the use of harm-reduction and health-promotion strategies among participants and to encourage the adoption of hepatitis C-related strategies in federal correctional institutions.