The Victorian AIDS Council and Bendigo Community Health Services will partner in the project to ensure people at risk of blood-born viruses and sexually transmitted infections have access to information and services they require for their health.

VAC and BCHS have decades of experience in working with communities to affect by blood-born viruses and sexually transmitted infections.

Both organisations have received funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for the new initiative.

The two health groups will also work with the Country Awareness Network (CAN) to integrate a number of the organisation’s unique services into this new initiative.

BCHS already has a great deal of experience regarding blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.

It plans to ensure a strong suite of services are available to those needing these services such as young people, Aboriginal communities, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

BCHS chief executive Kim Sykes said she wants to treat and support those affected by blood-born viruses and sexually transmitted infections.

“The levels of blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections remain a concern in the Loddon Mallee region and the risk remains real,” she said.

“It’s important we continue to educate the community and raise awareness about STIs, particularly chlamydia. 

“This collaboration allows us to achieve better outcomes for communities in the Loddon Mallee by complementing each other’s work.”

Ms Sykes said BCHS takes a collaborative approach with many organisations. 

“The best outcomes are achieved when organisations combine their expertise to work towards a common goal,” she said.

“We have worked hard with our primary partners in Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, Bendigo Health Infectious Diseases Service and the Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health for many years and this new partnership allows us to expand further on that good work.

“We believe the expertise of the Victorian AIDS Council combined with our local knowledge, experienced staff and valued partners will further strengthen our ability to make an even greater difference in the prevention of blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.”

VAC chief executive Simon Ruth said he hopes to build on (BCHS’s) expertise to engage the local community.

“We look forward to working with Bendigo Community Health Services and CAN on delivering important HIV-prevention programs and services to the Loddon Mallee region,” he said.

“(We can also) establish a greater presence at local venues and events, deliver peer education and support for people living with HIV.”