This health initiative is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and is designed to improve equitable access to culturally responsive, stigma-free, and safe sexual health services for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Alberta who are affected by HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). 

Program Goals  

The initiative aims to: 

• Establish Community of Practice (CoP) groups across key cities in Alberta and Provincial STBBI Working Group to support knowledge exchange and policy engagement 
• Train ACB individuals and service providers in delivering culturally safe STBBI services 
• Deliver public education sessions on prevention, testing, treatment, and care 
• Provide peer support and system navigation to at least ACB individuals at risk of or living with STBBIs 
• Facilitate online training sessions to strengthen the cultural competence of health and social service providers 

Expected Community Impact 

Rooted in community leadership and lived experience, this initiative uses a community-driven model to:  

• Increased access to culturally safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory STBBI services 
• Reduced stigma and greater community confidence in health systems 
• Improved cultural competency among service providers 
• Stronger, more sustainable community partnerships that contribute to public health equity 
• Empowered individuals and organizations driving systems change 

For more information or partnership opportunities, please contact: admin@ribbonrouge.com