"SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS": Bahamas Red Cross and ‘World Learning' teaming to get the message TO ELEUTHERA

The Bahamas Red Cross’ in partnership with ‘World Learning’ wants to reach more of Eleuthera’s youth with their message of “SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS” and are endeavouring to do so through a USAID program, called The Caribbean HIV/AIDS Grants Solicitation and Management Program (CGSM), which works to reach populations most at risk for transmitting or becoming infected with HIV/AIDS. 

Focused on reaching the larger population across The Bahamas in general and The Eleutheras specifically, the partners held a press conference on Friday, August 9th, 2013, in Harbour Island with North Eleuthera Administrator Mr. Jolton Johnson and community leaders, that was covered by national and local media.

The panel consisted of Ruth Jankee, Project Director of CGSM; Jolton Johnson, North Eleuthera Administrator; Caroline Turnquest, Director General at The Bahamas Red Cross Society; and John Ronald Darville, Project Coordinator with the HIV Prevention Education Unit of the Bahamas Red Cross.

Administrator Johnson said that he was pleased to have the unified group reaching out to Harbour Island and noted that the project is much needed not only in Harbour Island but on Eleuthera as well.  On behalf of his district and council members, Mr. Johnson extended an offer of any assistance that the partnering groups might need in this venture.

As part of their efforts to reach more young people, the group is attempting to cast a wider net through the technologies of social media with the launch of their new website coinciding with World AIDS Day on December 1st 2013, online at www.watusayin.com (www.watusayin.com).  

(L-R) Ruth Jankee, Project Director of CGSM; Jolton Johnson, North Eleuthera Administrator; Caroline Turnquest, Director General at The Bahamas Red Cross Society; and John Ronald Darville, Project Coordinator with the HIV Prevention Education Unit of the Bahamas Red Cross.

The program will also include a hotline that allows for anonymity, where persons will be able to call in and have their questions answered by trained professionals in the sexual health field. 

The meeting in Harbour Island followed an earlier visit to Eleuthera in July where Project Coordinator Mr. John Ronald Darville, led a delegation of staff and volunteers for a series of stakeholder meetings with key government and civic agencies, during a one day exercise.

For more information, contact Mr. John Ronald Darville at the Bahamas Red Cross Society.  Tel: 242-322-9451/52.  Fax: 242-323-7875. Email: jrdarville@bahamasredcross.com.