Understanding, community, hope and change
Today is #WorldAIDSDay. HIV is a virus that weakens a person’s immune system. Without treatment HIV will progress to AIDS, typically in five to 20 years. Anyone, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or economic status can be affected by HIV.
A group of Patient Family Partners (PFPs) are partnering with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to create positive change for people living with HIV. (PFPs are people with a lived health-care experience as a patient, support person, client or resident.)
The participants selected ‘UCHC’ as the group’s name to represent what it offers members: Understanding, Community, Hope and Change.
The group was developed through the work of Tegan Pfefferle, an infectious disease nurse and SHA Saskatoon HIV Coordinator, and Tara Anderson a Patient and Family Centred Care Specialist. The group was formed to advise the SHA on HIV services, programs and processes and to improve awareness and reduce stigma about HIV in Saskatoon. UCHC provides members with a place to discuss shared experiences, a common purpose, and a way to positively impact their community. This group is an example of the SHA commitment to Patient and Family Centred Care.
Learn more about HIV or AIDS at SexLifeSask. Get tested: https://skhiv.ca/.
Members of UCHC smile at one of their most recent monthly gatherings