The YMCAs of Québec HIV/AIDS awareness program is intended to improve public awareness of SBTDs (sexually or blood transmitted diseases), HIV/AIDS and sexuality. Through its actions, it helps reduce the number of new cases of infection in the community.

Many young people and adults know very little or are misinformed about sexuality, sexually and blood transmitted diseases (SBTD), and HIV/AIDS. There is often nobody they can talk to about what they are experiencing, and they don’t always have easy access to relevant information on the subject. With the spread of SBTDs and HIV infection in Canada, it is important to provide better public education and help reduce new cases of infection. In response to this need, The YMCAs of Québec have set up a series of initiatives.

As part of World AIDS Day, The YMCAs of Québec has developed information tools and encouraged specialists from different centres to get involved, in particular through booths to raise awareness of SBTBs and HIV/AIDS.

To reach an adolescent audience, a board game dealing with SBTD’s, HIV/AIDS and sexuality, the “Sexe, sang, tabous” game, was provided to Y youth workers and distributed by nurses in selected schools. Several other tools have been used to raise awareness and inform youth and members at our Y centres (brochures, posters, stickers, condom holders, resource directories, teaching materials).

For more information, please contact Brigitte Crevier at the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Y centre,
514 255-4651 ext. 2236.