The Nunatsiavut Government’s Department of Health and Social Development will launch a tuberculosis (TB) awareness campaign today.
The launch is in advance of World TB Day, celebrated on March 24 each year, and is in response to outbreaks, involving teens and young adults, in the communities of Nain, NL and Hopedale, NL over the past couple of years.
“TB transmission is typically among older adults who develop active TB, then transmit to family members within their homes or close-living arrangements,” says NG Health and Social Development Minister Greg Flowers. “The recent outbreaks, however, appear to be related to high-risk behavior from sharing cigarettes and smoking devices such as third lungs and bongs used to smoke marijuana.”
Events will be held in the following Labrador communities today:
Rigolet: Community Centre from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Postville: Recreation Hall from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Makkovik: Community Hall from 5 to 7 p.m.
Hopedale: Nanuk Centre from 5 to 7 p.m.
Nain: Jerry Sillett Community Centre from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
And Happy Valley-Goose Bay: 8 Hillcrest Road (the emergency shelter) from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.