28/07/2025
ORNAP-CAR Leads Successful HIV Screening Outreach in Baguio City
Empowering Awareness, Breaking Stigma, and Protecting Healthcare Workers
BAGUIO CITY – July 12, 2025 – In a continuing effort to strengthen HIV awareness, expand access to testing, and support frontline healthcare workers, the periOperative Registered Nurses Association of the Philippines – Cordillera Administrative Region (ORNAP-CAR) successfully held a free HIV Screening Outreach at the Olive Town Center and Hotel.
Organized in partnership with the Olive Town Center Management and the Northern Sanctuary Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), the initiative aimed to increase the region’s HIV testing capacity, encourage early detection, and offer free, confidential counseling to participants. With the growing importance of proactive healthcare, the activity drew in a diverse group of participants—from nurses to Olive Town Center and Hotel personnel and members of the public.
Special attention was also given to perioperative nurses, who are regularly exposed to blood products and sharp instruments in the operating room. “Napakahalaga ng on-the-spot check para sa ating mga O.R. nurses,” said one of the participants. “Hindi lamang ito para sa kanilang proteksyon kundi para rin sa peace of mind ng bawat isa.”
Notably, the management of Olive Town Center and Hotel went the extra mile by providing free snacks to all attendees—a simple yet meaningful gesture that reflected their full support for the advocacy. Even more inspiring was the active participation of Olive Town Center’s own staff, many of whom also availed of the testing services. As frontline personnel themselves, they acknowledged the need to be informed and protected from potential risks associated with their daily interactions with the public.
“Bilang mga manggagawa rin na exposed sa iba’t ibang tao araw-araw, mahalaga rin na malaman namin ang aming status,” shared one Olive Town employee who underwent testing.
The successful outreach was a testament to what collaboration can achieve when guided by a shared commitment to health and compassion. Through this initiative, ORNAP-CAR continues to champion the health of both healthcare workers and the wider community, habang patuloy na pinapalakas ang kampanya laban sa stigma at diskriminasyon na kaakibat ng HIV.