A New Westminster non-profit group is spearheading a new pilot program to support HIV-positive immigrants by finding them legal and medical help along with navigating immigration and refugee claims.

Finding out you are HIV positive is devastating news for anyone, but the Lower Mainland Purpose Society says recent immigrants can struggle with the diagnosis more than others.

"When they come here, and he or she didn't know they were HIV-positive, and now finding out … this is adding another layer of stress," Motoi Matsukura, with the Purpose Society, told On The Coast guest host Gloria Macarenko.

"Not only their stress from the past, escaping from their own country, but this new information adding new challenges for them."

Motoi Matsukura with the Lower Mainland Purpose Society says the stigma and fear that surrounds an HIV diagnosis can keep immigrants from seeking the support they need.

54 HIV-positive immigrants

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control's most recent annual report, 54 HIV-positive immigrants arrived in B.C. in 2014. The Purpose Society has seven HIV-positive immigrants in their program.

Matsukura says language barriers and cultural and family stigmas make it difficult to attract participants. Many remain silent about their HIV status to avoid alienation in their communities.

"Even in Canada, HIV is still a very challenging topic for some people," he said. "But in many countries, HIV can be a disease that can limit the possibilities of your life."

Matsukura is optimistic about the potential of the program, and says the extra help is already making a difference in the lives of some clients.

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast

To hear the full story, click the audio labelled: Non-profit group aims to help HIV-positive immigrants