Prince George, B.C. – Northern Health has distributed $1.59 million as part of the provincial STOP HIV/AIDS initiative.

The money has gone to eight agencies in communities across the north plus 23 First Nations communities

“BC is a world leader in HIV prevention, testing and treatment and it is thanks to this work with our partners that what was once a life-threatening disease is now a manageable illness,” said Health Minister Terry Lake.

“It is great news that this funding will help to expand the work of the STOP HIV/AIDS program and provide HIV education, awareness and supports throughout the north.”

Community-based services will be provided in Prince George, Smithers, the Burns Lake area, Fort Nelson, Hazelton, Haida Gwaii, and Quesnel.

The Northern BC First Nations HIV/Aids Coalition will distribute its Healthy Sexuality kits and deliver train-the-trainer sessions in First Nations communities.

Funds will also support agencies in Fort St. John, Fort St. James, Terrace and Prince Rupert and its expected that new services will be operating by next April, reaching another four municipalities as well as First Nations communities.

The new and continuing services will be linked to Northern Health services through a specialized support team and primary care home alignment which will make services available to people in every community in the North.