A program that reduced stigma of HIV/AIDS in North Bay and area is winding down operations.

The board of Patrick4Life has announced they’re shutting down activities at the end of the month.

Born out of the tragedy of Patrick Fortin’s death at the age of 23 in 2001, officials say the organization worked to change the face of HIV/AIDS at a time when there was far too much misinformation.

Many accomplishments include the creation of academic modules on how to talk about HIV/AIDS, the annual P4L Run-Walk and more.

Chair of the Patrick4Life board Michel Paulin says the program which operated for more than a decade has had quite the impact.

“The partnership with the schools, first nations organizations, the health unit, teachers and community volunteers have instilled positive core values of dignity and respect,” he says.

The Partici-Patrick grade 3 to 8 curriculum and teacher supports will continue to be available, for free, on the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area website.

Paulin says they thought about this decision for more than a year and it was a difficult one to make.

“Given the positive feedback we received from the schools and the community at large it’s actually very difficult and emotional for me even to talk about. It was that difficult a decision,” he says.

But Paulin says it was necessary as it was getting hard to ensure the sustainability of the organization without financial support.

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