Established in 1995, Oahas is an Indigenous AIDS service organization that provides information, and culturally safe programs and services to urban and rural (off-reserve) Indigenous people at risk of, living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C (hep C) to the greater Indigenous community.
We approach our work through the lens of Indigenous Harm Reduction, in the spirit of building relationships and supporting connection to each other, culture, ceremony, land, medicine and safe programs and services’
- Harm reduction bundles – safer drug use equipment, safer sex supplies and traditional medicines
- Pre and post-test counselling, education, and support
- HIV/AIDS and Hep C treatment information
- Assistance accessing cultural supports and knowledge carriers
- 2S-LGBTQ+ knowledge exchange and support
- Advocacy and referrals to health and wellness specialists
- Community development, knowledge exchange and support in regard to HIV/AIDS, Hep C, sexual health, and harm reduction
- Home, hospital, and hospice visits
- Family support and education, bereavement support
- Knowledge share and visits to provincial correctional and federal institutions throughout Ontario
Indigenous people are over-represented in HIV and hep C rates in Ontario and across Canada as a result of policies and systems that create marginalization, racism, social inequality, and decreased access to health and support services. With the high degree of movement of our people between urban and rural centers, HIV has affected even the most remote Indigenous communities. Together, we can protect our communities by eliminating stigma and by reclaiming an active role in our health and wellness.
For Love of Ourselves and Our People – get tested for HIV and hep C, practice harm reduction, and practice safer sex