The AIDS Network hosted a Faith Leaders information session that focused on HIV/AIDS Education/Awareness, Mental Health Awareness, and Settlement Services. The information session was in collaboration with Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre and took place Thursday, July 11, 2019.

Nana Cipolla from Empowerment Women’s Culture Inc, who is also an evangelist shared how she has used her faith and the knowledge she has gained from working with The AIDS Network staff, to help members of her faith community. She has helped to spread the word about the It Takes Courage campaign, a community-based strategy that aims to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS by encouraging more welcoming African, Caribbean and Black faith-based and spiritual communities.

Faith Leaders can make a difference in the lives of congregates and community by using available resources and their faith values to raise awareness about health issues/injustices. They can be important leaders in creating communities where people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS do not feel judged, but welcomed. The goal is to foster a stigma free community.

For more information, please call 905-528-0854 ext 230 or email accho@aidsnetwork.ca