The Canadian AIDS Society is undertaking a pan-Canadian needs assessment on HIV/AIDS in rural and remote communities. We are currently seeking individuals with community knowledge and experience to actively participate in a Rural and Remote Community Advisory Committee. We especially encourage applications from HIV+ people who live in rural or remote communities and people who provide services to them. (‘Rural’ is defined here as any community with a population of less than 10,000 people. ‘Remote’ refers to any community that is not within 2 hours commuting time of a rural community.)

This needs assessment will include a literature review, a national survey of rural and remote community organizations, key informant interviews, a series of webinars, a report containing policy recommendations, and an action plan. The Community Advisory Committee will determine the priority areas for exploration, and guide the needs assessment survey and key informant interviews. It will also provide feedback on the project report, and identify themes and presenters for webinars. The project will be completed by March 31, 2014.

Please send an email to Sue Scruton at sues@cdnaids.ca or a letter to the address below by May 7th, 2013 with your name, contact information and a brief description of your rural and remote HIV community knowledge and/or personal experience. Selected committee members will be notified by May 21st. All expressions of interest received will be held in the strictest confidence.

If you have any questions, please contact Sue by email or by telephone at 1.800.499.1986 ext 123.

Sue Scruton
Programs Consultant
Canadian AIDS Society
190 O’Connor Street, Suite 100
Ottawa, ON K2P 2R3
www.cdnaids.ca