July 28, 2012 is World Hepatitis Day, an annual event to promote awareness of hepatitis B and C, two forms of life-threatening liver disease. It is also a day to show support for persons living with hepatitis B or C
In reference to the need to raise awareness about how the viruses are transmitted or what the symptoms are, this year's theme for World Hepatitis Day is "This is hepatitis....It's closer than you think. Know it. Confront it. Get tested."
Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It is spread through infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. Some ways it is spread include:
By coming into contact with infected blood (even infected blood on razors or toothbrushes).
By having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who is already infected.
Through oral sex with an infected partner.
From mother to child during child birth.
From sharing needles used for injecting drugs
Check our website for lots of info on preventing, testing and treating Hep B: http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/hepatitis_b_virus.html
Hepatitis C also attacks your liver. The virus is carried in the blood, and is passed through blood-to-blood contact. The virus is most commonly spread through sharing or reusing items such as personal items (toothbrushes, razors), piercing or tatooing needles and equipment, and drug -use equipment like needles or pipes. It is possible to pass the virus through unprotected sex if blood is exchanged during activity.
More info on Hep C is available at: http://www.hepcinfo.ca/en/simple/staying-safe
And for more info on World Hepatitis Day, visit; http://www.whdcanada.ca/world_hepatitis_day.html
To celebrate four decades of service in Calgary - and to look forward to many more - we will bring together long-time supporters and new friends for a playful and thought-provoking celebration.
With the theme of "A Revolutionary Retrospective", our guests will enjoy a playful exposé of how society's views on gender, sexual orientation and reproductive health has shifted over the past four decades, and how CSHC has responded.
The sexual revolution will be played out - and mirrored by the cocktails, music and legends of the times. Then we'll toast our future as we dance the night away at our after-party.
Our silent auction will include a far-out selection of "woodies" (wooden props we use for condom demonstrations) - custom painted by local personalities and a few celebrities that will take our guests by surprise!
October 25, 2012
Belgo
501 - 8 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
Tickets $75
Stay tuned for ticket sales announcements!
Sponsorship spots are available for this fun and unique event. Please contact Pam Krause, Executive Director at pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca for details.
Yahoo! The 2012 Calgary Stampede is officially underway! With the 100th anniversary celebrations this year, the Stampede promises to be even bigger and better than ever before. As always, we're going to be taking in the festivities to help cowboys and cowgirls to Stampede safe!
We're proud to be working with our partners in the Calgary Coalition on HIV/AIDS on some street-level outreach initiatives.
Keep an eye out for our "Put a Condom on Your Cowboy" posters which have been put up around town. If you see one, take a pic and give us a shout out on Twitter at @YYCSexualHealth! It'll be like a treasure hunt! :)
We're also hitting the streets to hand out Love Kits. Watch for our roving teams of volunteers giving out packs with condoms and other goodies.
Happy Stampede everyone! Get out there and enjoy this great city. And ride safe!
In reference to the need to raise awareness about how the viruses are transmitted or what the symptoms are, this year's theme for World Hepatitis Day is "This is hepatitis....It's closer than you think. Know it. Confront it. Get tested." 
