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“Stride with Purpose” - HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis Program

The Fraser Health Region has the second highest rate of HIV infections in British Columbia. In 1992, in response to the increase in HIV infections in the Lower Mainland, the Purpose Society started the HIV/AIDS program, which includes education and support services to residents of the Fraser North Region.

Stride with Purpose is committed to building supportive environments for people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis living in the Fraser North Region (Burnaby, New Westminster, the Tri-cities, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows). Services are conducted under the philosophies of health promotion and harm reduction. Advocacy, support and education are provided through a diverse range of flexible, client-centered services. We welcome all communities affected by HIV/AIDS and we also welcome those living with Hepatitis.

The Stride with Purpose program is funded by the Fraser Health Authority.

HIV/AIDS AND HEP C SUPPORT SERVICES

We are committed to building supportive environments for people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hep-C.

We offer

• Confidential support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis

• Referral / advocacy services

• Pre-and post-test counselling

• HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis education

• Harm Reduction supplies

We welcome all people living with AIDS/HIV and/or Hepatitis C to access our services regardless of age, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or gender Accessible to all positive residents of the Fraser Health Authority.

Support
Are you positive and looking for support? Come participate in our:

• Weekly on-site food bank

• Laundry/shower facilities

• Phone and internet access (search for treatments, housing, etc.)

• One-on-one

• Outreach visits

• Harm reduction supplies (condoms, lube, needles, mouthpieces etc.)

• Adult Health Clinic
  

WHAT WE STRIVE TOWARDS
 

Healing

• Reducing harm from drug use

• Addictions recovery

• Seeking shelter/housing

• Nourishing the body

• Treatment

• Education

Connecting – Having a Sense of Purpose

• Build support systems

• Volunteer

• Self help promotion

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED BY STRIDE WITH PURPOSE PROGRAM
 

Health Promotion Van

Our Health Promotion Van is out and about in the community five days a week and serves the street-involved population, drug users and sex-workers. Wave us down if you would like…

• Needle Exchange

• Harm reduction supplies (condoms, lube, needles, mouthpieces etc )

• Hygienic Supplies

• Warm clothing

• Referrals to community resources

• Emergency snacks

• To report a “bad date” or obtain a warning sheet of dangerous clients.

To wave us down to access the van call (604)-562-5170.

Education

We provide free educational workshops and presentations for schools, community groups, and services upon request.

Our workshops are:

• Safe, informal and interactive

• Tailored to specific needs/groups/ages

• Designed to meet government curriculum requirements in school settings

Topics include:

• HIV and Hepatitis transmission

• Testing and treatment

• Harm reduction strategies

• Basic sexual health

• Issues specific to different community groups

Educators:

• Our staff are experienced in delivering workshops and presentations to both youth and adults.

Community Clinic and Resource Centre for Adults Only

This clinic is a free, walk-in clinic to improve the health and welfare of people who may otherwise be unable to receive treatment. The program is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Nurse and a case manager from the Stride program who provide basic primary care and a follow up care for our patients that do not have or can’t access a Family Physician.

Clinic operates on a first come first serve basis.

Services Offered

• Immunizations

• Chronic or Acute disease management

• Hepatitis C and HIV testing and care

• Referral to specialists

• STI testing

• Evidence-based health screening

•  Disease and injury prevention

• Physical exams

• Well woman exams

• Access to harm reduction supplies

• Needle exchange

Clinic hours: Fridays 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Community Acupuncture at Stride with Purpose:

Fridays 11:00am - 1pm

Drop-in acupuncture in a safe, confidential, comfortable peer setting

Acupuncture is a gentle yet profound way to enhance overall health. Group acupuncture involves sitting comfortably while a Registered Acupuncturist works with specific points in the ears, arms or legs. Acupuncture can help with pain management, stress & anxiety, addictions, digestion, sleep disorders, and symptoms related to HIV, HCV or other chronic health concerns. Needle-free options available.

This service is free (covered by MSP for low income BC residents). No one turned away for lack of coverage.

For more info: http://www.5shen.ca