NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
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The Guelph Community Health Centre (Guelph CHC) and The AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA) will partner to continue HIV service delivery to Guelph-Wellington community members, under direction of the Ontario Ministry of Health, effective April 1, 2024.
Guelph CHC will deliver harm reduction services including the Stay Sharp (Needle Exchange Program). This is in addition to the HIV clinical services and gender affirming health care that Guelph CHC already provides. The AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA) will deliver HIV support services.
“Our organizations are working closely together to ensure we have continuity for clients who access these services,” says Ruth Cameron, executive director of ACCKWA.
ACCKWA - which is based in Waterloo Region – will occupy a temporary space at a Guelph CHC location until a permanent Guelph location is established.
“For many clients using services, this change will be unexpected, and we are working to be sure no Guelph-based clients face barriers to accessing the care and support they need,” says Melissa Kwiatkowski, CEO of Guelph CHC.
The organizations are working to ensure no disruption to either service, which were previously provided by ARCH. They have developed an FAQ document for clients, developed in partnership with ARCH.
Anyone needing immediate support can contact ACCKWA or Guelph CHC.
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