November is red ribbon month in Vancouver

On November 1st, representatives from AIDS Vancouver joined Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson in declaring November as Red Ribbon Month in Vancouver.

Backing up this declaration, AIDS Vancouver is promoting a month long public awareness campaign called the We Care Red Ribbon Campaign. As the the symbol for hope and solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS, the red ribbon is intended to help focus this symbol in removing the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and in promoting safer sex practices.

A full month of activities are planned including a series of lectures and other events including a screening of Parting Glances on November 12th, safe sex caroling on Davie Street from The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and a gala fundraiser on November 30th. A full list of events and activities are listed at http://red-ribbon.ca.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, between 2002 and 2008 over 13,000 people who had tested positive for HIV infection in British Columbia, with almost half of those people living with HIV in Vancouver.

“There is a misconception that HIV/AIDS is a chronic but manageable illness and people think they won’t get it," said Daniel Dex Chair of the Board of Directors for AIDS Vancouver. "Yet in Vancouver, we continue to see the highest rates of new infections with people still dying from HIV/AIDS. We need to work together to promote prevention, education and support for those living with and affected by HIV.”

“The Red Ribbon Campaign is an essential part of our city's efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Vancouver has been home to leadership on HIV/AIDS on a number of fronts, whether it's raising awareness or providing treatment and support for the many families and individuals affected. With everyone's support for this year's campaign, we can raise more public awareness about HIV/AIDS and make sure that the message of prevention gets out."

We Care Red Ribbon Campaign
1 - 30 November 2010

Visit http://red-ribbon.ca for more information.