Free HIV testing today

Free HIV testing will take place today at the Hamilton Health Centre as part of HIV Awareness Month.

The confidential testing will be available from 8.30 a.m. onwards at the Communicable Disease Control Clinic. The free screening is part of the Department of Health's observance of June as HIV Awareness Month.

The campaign theme, 'Sexual Health: Have the Conversation' was designed to encourage discussion about sexual health between doctors and patients, parents and children, friends, family members and couples. Around 60 percent of all HIV infections in Bermuda have been attributed to sexual contact.

The Department of Health advises that when thinking of our sexual health, people should use the five Ps:

— practices

— partners

— prevention of pregnancy

— protection from sexually transmitted infections and

— past history of sexually transmitted infections

Public health nurses at the Communicable Disease Control Clinic are available year-round for sexual health services.

Call 278-6442 for more information, questions, concerns and referrals.

Charities report card shows mixed results

Bermuda's charities are well-structured but most still have room to improve, according to a survey by the Centre on Philanthropy.

The study of local charities, which took place in February of this year, found that 70 percent of the organisations had formal legal structures, and 91 percent hold regular board meetings.

However, only 25 percent felt the charity boards were very effective, and only half had carried out a performance review on their top staff member in the last year.

Programme manager for the Centre Danielle Riviere said: "Our goals for this research study were to raise the level of awareness on the importance of non-profit governance and to gain insight on the current state of the sector. "Now that we better understand how the boards are currently operating, we can address key areas through training and education."

The complete results of the study will be released today at a town-hall meeting at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. The meeting will start at 5.30 p.m.