News Releases

Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRINCE ALBERT, SK, November 29, 2004 - In recognition of AIDS Awareness Week (November 29th - December 1st) a variety of educational and healthcare activities have been organized at Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

A week-long "Red Ribbon Campaign" commences with the distribution of red ribbon pins to all inmates. Inmates will be asked to complete a questionnaire with a series of True-or-False statements on HIV/AIDS. Those who provide the most correct answers will be entered to win a t-shirt. On "World AIDS Day," Wednesday December 1^st, a come-and-go event will be held for inmates and staff in the gymnasium with the following activities:

• Movie "HIV/AIDS 101"
• A booth with general HIV and anonymous HIV testing information
• A booth with Inmate Wellness Group, demonstrating bleach kits, condoms, and needle cleaning with the bleach kits
• Inmates wearing red ribbons can enter for a prize
• Nursing staff on site to offer blood testing for HIV and Hepatitis C. Candy bars will be offered to the first 125 participants with a chance to win a prize
• Cookies and coffee will be served

Last year's World AIDS Day activities at Saskatchewan Penitentiary were attended by approximately 125 inmates, almost 100 of which voluntarily submitted blood samples for HIV testing.

BACKGROUND: As part of ongoing efforts to better respond to the changing dynamic of the HIV and AIDS epidemics, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) developed and implemented in 1997 a comprehensive approach to the prevention and management of the disease. CSC's comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Program includes a range of coordinated elements, and includes on an ongoing basis:

• Confidential voluntary testing to offenders on admission and throughout incarceration.
• Educational materials and programs for offenders and staff.
• Condoms, dental dams, water-based lubricants and bleach in all institutions.
• Appropriate care, treatment and support of infected inmates.
• Hepatitis A and B immunizations.
• A comprehensive Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program.

Saskatchewan Penitentiary is a federal multi-level institution that houses both medium- and maximum-security offenders (in separate units). There currently are 457 inmates in the medium-security portion of the institution.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Trent Mitchell
Acting Unit Manager
(306) 765-8060