2016-2017
News Release
REF NO.: 45
SUBJECT: Pharmacy researchers launch community partnership
DATE: November 30, 2016
Researchers in Memorial University’s School of Pharmacy are continuing a well-established and longstanding partnership with the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL).
Dr. Debbie Kelly, associate professor, and Dr. Jason Kielly, assistant professor, are leading the APPROACH study, which aims to develop and implement an effective community-pharmacy based HIV point-of-care testing program.
“The testing program aims to reach those at high risk of HIV infection and those who have never been tested,” said Dr. Kelly. “Point-of-care testing breaks down many of the barriers that prevent people from learning their HIV status, including limited access to health-care resources.”
Those with no permanent address or telephone number may have difficulty obtaining test results, says Dr. Kielly.
“Through the APPROACH program, individuals will receive fast, reliable test results and have access to followup care as well as counselling through community supports and organizations,” he said.
Gerard Yetman, executive director, ACNL, says he is concerned about the increase in HIV infections and the low testing rates in the province.
“In the spirit of the World AIDS Day theme, Hands Up for #HIV Prevention, ACNL will continue to work with our partners to ensure access to prevention education, testing and treatment so we can achieve zero new infections,” he said.
A World AIDS Day poster campaign that encourages community members to know their HIV status by getting tested through the APPROACH program will be launched on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Tommy Sexton Centre, 47 Janeway Pl.
For updates on the APPROACH study, please follow the School of Pharmacy on Facebook here and Twitter here.
REF NO.: 45
SUBJECT: Pharmacy researchers launch community partnership
DATE: November 30, 2016
Researchers in Memorial University’s School of Pharmacy are continuing a well-established and longstanding partnership with the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL).
Dr. Debbie Kelly, associate professor, and Dr. Jason Kielly, assistant professor, are leading the APPROACH study, which aims to develop and implement an effective community-pharmacy based HIV point-of-care testing program.
“The testing program aims to reach those at high risk of HIV infection and those who have never been tested,” said Dr. Kelly. “Point-of-care testing breaks down many of the barriers that prevent people from learning their HIV status, including limited access to health-care resources.”
Those with no permanent address or telephone number may have difficulty obtaining test results, says Dr. Kielly.
“Through the APPROACH program, individuals will receive fast, reliable test results and have access to followup care as well as counselling through community supports and organizations,” he said.
Gerard Yetman, executive director, ACNL, says he is concerned about the increase in HIV infections and the low testing rates in the province.
“In the spirit of the World AIDS Day theme, Hands Up for #HIV Prevention, ACNL will continue to work with our partners to ensure access to prevention education, testing and treatment so we can achieve zero new infections,” he said.
A World AIDS Day poster campaign that encourages community members to know their HIV status by getting tested through the APPROACH program will be launched on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Tommy Sexton Centre, 47 Janeway Pl.
For updates on the APPROACH study, please follow the School of Pharmacy on Facebook here and Twitter here.
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