Red Scarves around Sudbury mark HIV Awareness week

Sudbury is markingHIV awareness week, but the climate for those affected with the virus still isn't very accepting, said a health coordinator at the RseauACCESS Network.

Eric Cashmore, who has had HIV since 2008, said that's why this year's message is about encouraging acceptance and education about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)across northern Ontario,

"When I was in Toronto it [was]much easier to come out as HIV positive and to become an active member in your community," Cashmore said, "here in Sudbury, it's so underground and people are so afraid to talk about it because the reaction that folks in Sudbury automatically give us is very negative."

To help raise awareness, and to help combat the stigma surrounding the disease, the RseauACCESS Network is holding its Bundle up in Red campaign.

Red scarves tagged with facts about HIV and AIDS will be tied around lamp posts and trees across Sudbury.

According to Cashmore there are still a lot ofmisconception about those who have either HIV or AIDS. He said they don't have to disclose to every person theymeet.

Howeverthere are requirements for disclosure."Those specific requirements are only when it comes to sexual contacts," Cashmore said.

"Being HIV positive is not a threat to the community. If someone is living with HIV you can't get it from hugging them, kissing them, skin contact,like shaking their hands. It's only through the exchange of bodily fluids."

The red scarves are a way of getting HIV messaging out to more individuals in the community.

Anyone can take the scarves. Any that are left over will be donated to local shelters.

For more information, contact theRseauACCESS Network.

Listen to Eric Cashmore's story here