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In recognition of National week on HIV and AIDS, eight hundred red scarves will be tied around posts and poles across the County & # 39; Simcoe.
The Executive Director & # 39; Gilbert Center, Gerry Croteau, says there is much negativity and stigma around HIV and red scarves to help raise awareness of a disease that is now considered a chronic condition.
"Seventy-seven percent & # 39; HIV infections remain among gay men or within the LGBTQ community," said Croteau. "It is important that the message remains & # 39; s going, and keep people aware that they need to practice safer sex."
B & # 39; about 150 customer, the Gilbert Center at & # 39; & # 39 Barrie works with, people who are HIV positive, part of the trans community, as well as & # 39; gay men to provide support for social services.
One of the customers is Randy Davis was diagnosed with HIV in February 2015. Davis says that taking daily medicine allows him to live his life as he wants.
"I take one pill therapy is anti-retro-viral called. One tablet a day and continue & # 39; b & # 39; robust," said Davis. "I take daily vitamins to do more anti-retro viral drugs"
The tablet remove the virus level & # 39; HIV blood & # 39; Davis making it undetectable and can not be transmitted sexually. He says the disease can & # 39; is confusing, which is why it supports projects like red scarf.
"These campaigns are extremely important to raise awareness (and) to educate people," said Davis. "It's that fear & # 39; and ignorance concerning HIV causing the stigma that really keep people from being tested."
great message with campaign & # 39; this year is that people are tested, and reduce risks. Choteau emphasize to the public that HIV is now considered a chronic disease, and most people are aware, more b & # 39; healthier they will be.
"Not knowing your status, you do not test it risk," said Croteau. "I do not know that you & # 39; is HIV positive & # 39; over ten years before you also know that being HIV positive."
According Croteau, in the past, someone diagnosed with HIV was taking multiple pills throughout the day. Tablet today's daily giving those living with the disease better outlook on life.
"The side effects are less toxic to the body," said Croteau. "People are more aware so they stay with & # 39; health. They perform better. They have better diets, and there are more positive if you get on the longevity prospects & # 39; ones. M & # 39; longer sentence Death. "
red scarves will be demolished in communities within Simcoe County including Midland, Orillia, Bracebridge and later this week.
The World AIDS Day is on 1 & # 39; December.
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