Our Projects

Contraception Awareness Project

Foundation for the Promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health

In 2001, the Foundation for the Promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health, administered by the SOGC, launched the Contraception Awareness Project (CAP), a national initiative aimed at raising contraception and sexually transmitted infection awareness.

The project was implemented to develop an effective education vehicle addressing the lack of public education on contraception and sexuality and to provide continuing medical education activities in the field of sexual and reproductive health in Canada. CAP's ambitious mandate includes enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in providing contraception counselling to patients, lowering the number of unplanned pregnancies and abortions, providing better contraceptive choices, reducing inappropriate sampling and developing a compassionate drug program offering contraception to women in need.

Project Initiatives

The Foundation for the Promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FPSRH) administers five key initiatives.

Contraception Awareness Project This is the largest program under the FPSRH umbrella. The public side is comprised of a nationally renowned, award-winning Website sexualityandu.ca. This popular site offers up-to-date information on contraception, STIs and safer sexual practices. The CAP project works toward sexual health promotion objectives by exploiting the unique characteristics of the Internet; anonymity, accessibility, expertise, interactivity and audio-visual richness. The focus is on information, motivation and behavioural skills to promote sexual well being. Developed by a team of over 60 interdisciplinary Canadian health care professionals, the site has a section for every Canadian who is, or is thinking about becoming sexually active. The Website is targeted to five distinct audiences, serving teens, parents, adults, educators and health care professionals and offers prepared and linked texts, interactive learning and referrals to preventive or treatment support/services. The content of the five separate modules is based on a thorough analysis of the information and professional learning needs of different segments of those audiences based on research on their practices and focus groups. The site emphasizes Canadian sources, medical accuracy and practical suggestions and actions. Materials available on the site will also help individuals and organizations to improve the quality of existing sexual health programs, develop community capacity and strengthen community/public support for programs, policies and practices, contraception, STD and sexual well-being. The medical education component is not only comprised of the sexualityandu.ca Website but also includes a training curriculum and program, and a workshop module. Workshop modules include a contraception didactic update section and an interactive component focusing on the acquisition of contraceptive counselling skills and using case-based learning tools.
Millennium Fellowships These fellowships are grants available for SOGC members wishing to acquire further technical knowledge or skills in the areas of obstetrics/gynaecology and/or sexual and reproductive health. Available grants: Millennium Fellowships for Community Physicians Millennium Fellowships for University/Hospital Based Physicians Millennium Fellowships for Nurses and Midwives Junior Member Electives in International Women's Health
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Scholarships in Women's Health The purpose of these scholarships is to support family physicians (who must be CFPC members) who wish to develop their knowledge or skills in women's health to meet the needs of their community. Eligible areas include sexual and reproductive health appropriate to different ages, sexually transmitted diseases, breast health, prevention and screening of gynaecological diseases, and menopause. Grants are supported through donations to the CFPC's Research and Education Foundation from the Foundation for the Promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Compassionate Contraceptive Assistance Program This program has been developed to ensure that access to contraception is not denied to women because of a lack of funds. A patient is eligible for compassionate supplies in the event that she is not covered by a private insurance plan or government assistance and requires more than a demonstration sample because she is unable to pay for her medication. Once the request form is faxed to the SOGC office, participating oral contraceptive manufacturers fill the request and delivery to compassionate supplies to the physician's office. Public Education Component Objectives Increase awareness and knowledge of: Sexuality and reproductive health The full range of contraceptive options available and the importance of consistent use The necessity for dual protection to reduce STIs and prevent unintended pregnancy Medical Education Component Objectives Increase health care provider awareness of their own values and beliefs regarding reproductive and sexual health and how these values/beliefs influence their practice. Provide them with the knowledge, communication / counselling skills and motivation required to provide appropriate reproductive health care to Canadians, including sensitivity training in matters of sexual orientation and cultural differences. Incorporate in their practice the latest knowledge in contraception technology and encourage healthcare providers to move beyond the curative aspect of practice and focus on prevention. Make health care professionals askable partners capable of providing proactive counselling and accurate information to Canadians. Provide educational and referral tools that will assist health care providers in managing problems beyond the scope of their training and resources and promote collaboration with other professionals.

Last Updated October 22, 2007

Our Projects

Contraception Awareness Project

Foundation for the Promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health

Project Initiatives

Mission

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