Integrating HIV / AIDS into first Nations health services
Young, H.
Aids/Std Health Promotion Exchange 4: 3
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 1384-2692 PMID: 12346915 Document Number: 294603
Some members of First Nations believe that HIV/AIDS does not affect Aboriginal populations. They instead believe that it is a White man's disease which affects only homosexuals. The mandate of the Manitoba Regional HIV/AIDS Steering Committee (MRASC) in Canada is to incorporate HIV/AIDS-related education and care into provincial health services for Aboriginal people, people living in Canada before Europeans arrived. The committee acts as an advisory group to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Health Committee and the Medical Services Branch of Health Canada, making recommendations upon the development and coordination of an integrated program. One major focus of the program is to strengthen community-based resources so that service providers can provide prevention education in the framework of their ongoing activities. Most of the local health workers have received basic information and training in community education about HIV/AIDS-related issues. MRASC encourages First Nation people to talk to them and use available teaching through community workshops, classes, group discussions, lectures, and video programs. One-to-one counseling is also provided at individual clients' requests.