the connection jul14
TRANSCRIPT
Community Inspired. Courage Driven.
The Connection
July 2014
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection#30 - 186 King Street
London, OntarioN6A 1C7
Tel: 519-434-16011-866-920-1601
Fax: [email protected]
WHAT’S INSIDE
Annual GIPA/MIPACeremony
2
Message from the ED3
Staff Update3
Anti-what?4
Rex Time5
Past Events4 & 5
Volunteer Update6
RHAC Matters7
Upcoming Events7 & 8
Staff Listing8
Editor’s note: Editing Andy’s Story is difficult;difficult by the fact that taking anything out of his storymight lessen the lesson. However, we edited Andy’sStory slightly, to ensure privacy rights of others. Wemay have had to take a few things out of Andy’s Story– but nothing should silence his voice.
My name is Andy and I’ve been asked to sharesome harsh truths and sweet victories about mylife. I’m not doing this so some of you can saygreat – another boo hoo story, poor me, the worldowes me. I’m not some junkie that belongs in thetrash bags. Maybe if I bare my life before you -some of you just might start seeing me and somany like me in a different light.
My earliest childhood memories are akaleidoscope of beatings and extreme sexualdegradation. There have been more times than Icare to count that I was beaten badly and abusedand left in a corner of the basement, no one reallycaring if I lived or died. I was given my first drugby a family member at the age of seven – (a tab ofLSD). From that I learned that by using drugs –my mind could hide and then it didn’t reallymatter what my body had to endure.
I don’t want your pity. I’m just telling you thefacts. I started doing time at the age of fourteenand have spent a little more than 18 years of mylife caged because of the rage I didn’t know how tocontrol. I worked on and off and at times waspromoted to high levels of management. But Inever learned how to live for very long lookingmyself in the mirror without self-medicating.
The Newsletter of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
Serving Perth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties
Andy’s Story
“T he people within thisagency have literally,
physically, and emotionallysaved my life and many
like myself”.
cont’d on page 2
2 The Connectionwww.hivaidsconnection.ca
Q. What does GIPA / MIPA stand for? A. It stands for The Greater and more Meaningful Involvement
of Persons living with HIV/AIDS. It is about human rights,inclusion, self-determination and dignity of the full humanbeing.
At RHAC we embrace these concepts as we strive to deliver onour mission. GIPA/ MIPA is, and will continue to be, in theforefront of our work.
For the past three consecutive years the Board and staff of RHAChave come together to formally recommit to the principles of theOntario Accord, which promotes GIPA/MIPA. Thanks to thegenerosity and kindness of Pastor John Nichols, this year’sceremony was held at Community of Christ Church in London,and attended by a number of the PHA community memberswhom we have the honour to serve.
Poignant remarks were shared by four people living withHIV/AIDS. The RHAC leadership team lit our four candles ofRemember, Honour, Celebrate, and Cure. As in each of the pastyears, the ceremony culminated in the formal signing of theAccord by each staff and Board member. This framed copy of theAccord hangs at our front reception desk, reminding us each dayof our commitment.
Want to know more?To learn more about the Ontario Accord and our commitment toGIPA/MIPA please visit us at www.hivaidsconnection.caand simply type “The Ontario Accord’ into the search box.
A special thanks to Charlene Milloy, who designed and hand-craftedthe unique commemorative candles for this year’s event.
Relationships were doomed from the start. I couldn’t care lessabout myself so how could I care truly for someone else? Thatwas until I met a soul mate through thick and thin…
When I was diagnosed with HIV I thought this was the end ofthe world – goodbye one and all – thanks for nothing.
I’m not an avid believer in God but someone put the people atthe Regional HIV/AIDS Connection squarely in our path. Thepeople within this agency have literally, physically, andemotionally saved my life and many like myself. These peopledon’t have jobs there. They have passions and their passions arethe people who walk thru their doors. There are the day to daythings that everyone needs which they are so capable of helpingyou out with, but they also surround you with care which is such
a healing force – to the point I’m learning to care for myself inways I never thought possible.
My partner and I have gone different paths at this pointwhich just shows I still have much to do and learn, but with theteam at RHAC walking with me I can’t help for the first time inmy life, but finish first.
Simple gestures of caring can be the balm that can change theworld – even if it is just one person at a time.
Andy is a client and volunteer at Regional HIV/AIDS Connectionwhich serves Perth, Huron, Oxford, Middlesex and Elgin counties inSouthwestern Ontario. This spring he wrote his story to help promote“A Taste For Life”.
Annual GIPA/ MIPA Ceremony –A Renewal of Commitment
Serving Perth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties 3
Every life is valuable! I recently met with a business contactwho, in the course of our conversation, firmly declared his hatefor all “drug addicts”. With what appeared to be great ease andconfidence he followed up with the statement “it would be finewith me if they would all die.” It was explicitly evident that hisstrong feelings were influenced by personal experience. Then hespoke of a brother who is an “addict” and he chronicled thehavoc his sibling has wreaked on their family. He certainlypresented many legitimate reasons that a family would strugglewith the challenges associated with a close relative caught up inthe tight grip of addiction. Conversely, he appeared to have noreal understanding of the complexity of addiction and his “theywould all die” statement was difficult to digest. Not surprisinglythe “let them die” attitude is the kind of response some peoplehad about gay men living with and dying from AIDS in the 80sand 90s. He wasn’t familiar with the work of RHAC and when Ibegan to speak about harm reduction he immediately wanted toknow how many people “got clean” through our programming.He wanted hard statistics. I spoke about addiction being acomplex health issue, but he was having none of it. It was clearthat he was entrenched in his position and while I certainlyexpressed empathy for the challenges of his family, I let himknow his statement about death to drug addicts is not in linewith the values of RHAC.
Many individuals we serve are living with addiction and areexceptionally vulnerable. They are vulnerable to HIV/HCV andmany other health issues such as endocarditis, abscesses anddeath by overdose. They are also vulnerable to societal stigmaand harsh judgment associated with addiction. RHAC willcontinue to have a role and voice in addressing the needs ofindividuals living with addiction. We continue to take action. Ina recent partnership news release we announced the following;“According to the Chief Coroner of Ontario, 41 people in
London and Middlesex County died of prescription opioid drugoverdoses in 2012, more than triple the figure from 2011, anddouble the provincial rate. The human and health-related costsassociated with overdose have reached a tipping point, requiringa response from community organizations committed to harmreduction and health promotion. Starting in June, LondonInterCommunity Health Centre, Regional HIV/AIDSConnection (RHAC), Middlesex-London Health Unit andLondon Area Network of Substance Users (LANSU) will roll outa program to distribute naloxone in the community. Naloxone isa fast-acting, safe and proven opioid overdose-reversingmedication.”
Although we cannot change the minds of some people, such asmy business contact, we can change lives. To us every life isvaluable and Naloxone will save lives!
Thanks for your continued support!
Executive Director
Staff Update RHAC has announced five appointments in
recent months. Kori McCoskey has been welcomedback to the team in her new role as AdministrativeAssistant. Kori joins Director of Operations, GlendaRobillard who began with RHAC early this year.Interim Director of HIV Client Services, KellyWright, and Director of Community Relations,Emily Marcoccia, are the latest additions to theleadership team. Also joining RHAC as an on-callmember in the Needle Exchange Program is LilaHemphill. Lila has been working with the teamsince September 2013 as part of her studentplacement.
Executive Director Brian Lester recentlydescribed the first half of 2014 as a period of“transition”, adding that the RHAC team can now“anchor” and “begin charting its path in new andwelcomed directions, such as the possibleintegration with the John Gordon Home”.
Saving Valuable Lives - The Naloxone Partnership
LtoR: Kori McCoskey, Glenda Robillard, Kelly Wright,Emily Marcoccia and Lila Hemphill
4 The Connectionwww.hivaidsconnection.ca
A Taste For Life Made Hope Delicious
THANK YOU TO OUR GUESTS, PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS,VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS, including title sponsor TD!
We raised over $50,000 in one night at A Taste For Life 2014!We could not have done it without you!
Your generosity and support make a huge difference in our community.
Anti-what?Beginning July first of this year, the federal government is
enacting Anti-Spam legislation. The new law is intended to prevent you from receiving
unwanted ‘commercial electronic messages’ or CEMs as theyare called. ‘Commercial’ means that a transaction – such asbuying, selling, or bidding - is the purpose for the message.‘Electronic’ covers e-mail, texts, voice messages, and socialmedia – to name a few.
Prior to Canada Day, you will be asked to give the sellerpermission to contact you in the future. Authority to completea CEM will be through expressed or implied consent. Each is
described in detail in the legislation. Although there are exemptions for charity and not-for-
profits, it is a very complex law - with exceptions toexemptions! Therefore, at RHAC, we are taking a due-diligence approach. Although our programs and services are‘free’ to clients, we do undertake proactive fund raising tosupport those services. For this and other reasons, we aregoing to ask you – and other stakeholders, if you wish tocontinue receiving certain messages from us – includingnewsletters. At Regional HIV/AIDS Connection we value,respect, and need your ongoing partnership throughcommunications. Soon it will be your right to say ‘no’ to spam.
We hope you say YES to RHAC news.
Serving Perth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties 5
Rex TimeRex Rummery is a business owner and longstanding supporter ofRegional HIV/AIDS Connection. Recently we had a chance toask Rex about his reasons for supporting RHAC and his view ofphilanthropy.
Why do you donate to charity?“There are so many people in need and I think it’s important tohelp others.” Rex makes a point of dining out the night of ATaste For Life each year and encourages friends to join him. Healso donates surplus clothing from Mesh Boutique on a monthlybasis.
Why do you choose to donate to Regional HIV/AIDSConnection? “The main reason is that your agency gives hands-on helping toanyone who needs it.” Rex offers his consignment clients theopportunity to donate clothing that hasn’t sold. Most are happyto know that the items will be enjoyed by someone whootherwise would not necessarily get access to fashion forwarditems. Rex explains that he feels good about the clothingdonations from Mesh Boutique because “I know they are notbeing sold for a profit but instead go right to people who enjoythem at no cost.”
What is the best part about donating?“Hearing about how excited people are when the clothes arrive atRHAC. I love that you guys take the time to arrange and displaythe clothes that give people that experience of indulgence andfun.”
Agency volunteers sort clothing and accessories and displaythem on shelves and hangers for people who use our services toperuse and take what they want. From dresses to handbags toshoes and belts, these items of beauty can be worn or given asgifts and it adds the fun factor of surprise discoveries to a visit toRHAC.
Rex, thank you for being part of the network that supports thepeople who use our services so that they not only survive, theythrive!
If you would like to make a donation or book a tour of RegionalHIV/AIDS Connection’s space call Natalie Hébert, FundDevelopment Coordinator at 519-434-1601.
See your donation in action!
TachycardiaTachycardia 2014 was a tremendous success for the students ofthe Schulich School Of Medicine and for Regional HIV/AIDSConnection. A whopping $28,000 was raised for RHAC throughthe annual production by students. This year it was punctuatedwith the largest crowds in the show’s history. Executive Director,Brian Lester thanked the students, staff, and guests who continueto make a difference for RHAC clients.
Empty BowlsThe London Potter’s Guild Raised $9,000 for Empty Bowls!Nine-month old, Hannah Dolphin tries out some soup with thehelp of her Mother, Julia and their friend Christine Torres.RHAC is very thankful for the generosity and support of the localPotter’s Guild in ensuring that clients of RHAC do not go hungry.
Photo courtesy of Sean Meyer, London Community News
6 The Connectionwww.hivaidsconnection.ca
2014 Volunteer Appreciation Night
T hanking youfor all you have
contributed in 2013and continue to
give in 2014
The London Music Club was home once again to RHAC’sannual volunteer appreciation night, held on May 23rd. Itwas an amazing opportunity for our staff and volunteers tocome together in celebration. It was inspiring to have abroad representation from all of our volunteer programs.The central message delivered on the night was a simpleone of heartfelt gratitude, which is also extended to all theother volunteers who were unable to make it out. BrianLester’s words about our volunteers hold consistent andring true each time they are spoken, “We cannot effectivelyserve the RHAC mission without the dedication of ourdynamic volunteers”. It is only with your help that RHACas an agency continues not only to survive, but also to thrivein meeting the needs and giving hope to all those who weserve and our community at large.
2014 Ontario VolunteerService Awards
A combined total of 25 years of volunteering service withRHAC was honored at the Ontario Volunteer ServiceAwards ceremony held on April 24th, 2014. Ourcongratulations and thanks go out to this year’s recipientsfor their long standing consecutive years of service insupporting our mission.
Pictured LtoR: Award recipients Leisl Biebesheimer (10 years),Russ LeBrun (5 years), with Brian Lester (ED).
The additional recipients were Frank Robidoux (5 years)and Lilka Young (5 years)
Fiscal 2013 Volunteer Program Profile
Nominations are now open for 2014VKH Volunteer Awards
Do you know a volunteer who brings strength inVoice, Knowledge or Hope
to the work they do at RHAC?
Please visit our website for details on each of the threeaward categories and how to make a nomination. Thisyear’s VKH awards will be awarded at our annual AGMSeptember 4th, 2014. This year’s deadline fornominations is August 4th.
Looking for volunteering opportunities?
RHAC is always looking for new volunteers to help us withour mission. Why not join us at our next orientation sessionsto learn some HIV/HCV Basics, and explore if there is anopportunity which suits you and your volunteering goals.
VoiceKnowledge
Hope
Serving Perth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties 7
experience and we look forward to sharing our stories andexperiences with you again next year.
Please stay connected to us on our website’s events calendar,via twitter @_RHAC or on Facebook for more updates on whenthe new round of Anonymous Testing clinics will be hostedthroughout our communities and for other ways you can stayconnected with us and to find out what’s going on in your region!
If you have any ideas for regional work or if you live outsideLondon and are interested in becoming a regional volunteer,please don’t hesitate to contact me [email protected] or call me at 1-866-920-1601.
World Hepatitis Day According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, World Hepatitis
Day is an annual event on the 28th of July that providesinternational focus for patient groups and people living withviral hepatitis. It is an opportunity to raise awareness andinfluence real change in disease prevention and access to testingand treatment.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection is collaborating withHemophilia Ontario and London InterCommunity HealthCentre to bring London just that. There will be a booth at theCentral Library on July 24th, 25th and 28th to provideLondoners with information about Hepatitis C. Free,confidential hepatitis C testing will be available on July 28th atRHAC, and all three of LIHC’s locations.
This year we are striving to reach farther with our awarenesscampaign, so keep your eyes peeled for sidewalk chalk messagesin the downtown area and displays at other agencies in the Cityand surrounding regions. If you would like to get involved withWorld Hepatitis Day events in London, contact Zach [email protected].
RHAC MATTERS –in the counties we serve!
A report from the field by Carlen Costa,Regional Co-ordinator
It’s the summertime in the six counties ofPerth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesexand Oxford and that means… anonymoustesting opportunities!!
We already have many of our regionaltesting sites booked for the season and we
are excited to share them with you. Find me and The Optionsclinic here:
Stratford, Perth CountyChoices for Change
Thursday July 17, 2-4PM
Strathroy, Middlesex CountyThe Next Wave Youth Centre
Tuesday August 19, 2-4PM
Woodstock, Oxford CountyWoodstock Community Health Centre
Thursday September 25, 2-4PM
Come and join us to know your status, and get tested! We workannually with the Options Clinic of London IntercommunityHealth Centre to travel throughout the counties and host theseanonymous testing clinics. If you or an agency you know wouldlike to host a testing clinic, please connect with me [email protected].
Opening DoorsOur major regional event since the last update was the annual
Opening Doors conference. This year’s theme was OpeningDoors to Positive Change, which was a reflection on thehistorical impact of HIV/AIDS work and how we have movedforward to expand our knowledge and service delivery, inparticular with the practices of harm reduction and towards theeradication of stigma. The theme was also about the committeewanting to focus on wellness and provide opportunities forparticipants to engage in ‘self-care’.
The conference was attended by over 140 people, which was alarger participation rate than in previous years. Our keynotespeaker, David Hoe, President of the Board at the OntarioHIV/AIDS Treatment Network was a delightful and fascinatingspeaker. Therefore, thank you again to everyone who volunteeredtheir time, attended the conference or celebrated and reflectedwith us in their own capacity. We look forward to the 2015conference in Windsor.
The conference was hosted at the Hilton London. Next year,the committee looks forward to hosting the annual conference inWindsor. Updates will be available on our RHAC website andsocial outlets. This year’s conference was a memorable
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection serves thecounties of Perth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin,
Middlesex, and Oxford.
PHA PICNICThursday July 10, 201412:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Games and Prizes - Fun for EveryoneRefreshments, BBQ and salads
For more information contact Client Services 519-434-1601 / 1-866-920-1601
RSVP is required
PHA Café occurs the 2nd Thursday evening of each month.Group meetings include dinner, social events, discussions,education and capacity building. PHA Café is open to anyoneliving with HIV. Contact Richard MacDonagh for information at519-434-1601 ext. 228 or [email protected].
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection#30 - 186 King StreetLondon, Ontario N6A 1C7Tel: 519-434-16011-866-920-1601Fax: [email protected]
RHAC Staff Listing:
Executive DirectorBrian Lester, ext. 243 [email protected] of OperationsGlenda Robillard, ext. 234 [email protected]/Accounting AssistantKori McCoskey, ext. 221 [email protected] Director of HIV ServicesKelly Wright, ext. 237 [email protected] of Counterpoint & Harm Reduction ServicesSonja Burke, ext. 244 [email protected] ManagerMiriam Rivera, ext. 235 [email protected] ManagerRichard MacDonagh, ext. 228 [email protected] Support WorkerRob Newman, ext. 253 [email protected] C Outreach WorkerJesse Huntus, ext. 236 [email protected] C Peer Support WorkerKeri Wheatley, ext. 261 [email protected] Outreach WorkerNick Scrivo, ext. 238 [email protected] & Syringe Program CoordinatorKaren Burton, ext. 224 [email protected] of Community RelationsEmily Marcoccia, ext. 229 [email protected] Relations CoordinatorMartin McIntosh, ext. 252 [email protected] Development CoordinatorNatalie Hebert, ext. 257 [email protected] Coordinator of HIV/AIDS ServicesCarlen Costa, ext. 231 [email protected] of EducationMeredith Fraser, ext. 230 [email protected] Men's HIV Prevention WorkerVacantGBMSMT2S & HIV Community Development CoordinatorWes Heney, ext. 258 [email protected] HIV Prevention CoordinatorMercy Nleya, ext. 222 [email protected]'s HIV/AIDS Community Development CoordinatorBonnie Baynham, ext. 249 [email protected] C EducatorZach Templeman, ext. 226 [email protected]
Board of Directors
Save us the postage! Opt to receive The Connection by e-mail and you willsave the agency close to $2 per year. Please send your request to be removedor added to our mailing list to [email protected]
President, Tamara LandryVice President, Mana KhamiSecretary, Lynn Humfress-TruteTreasurer, Matthew ReidStephen BarrDavid Smith
Nancy GriffithsGeoff BardwellMichael MullanTendayi GwaradzimbaLaurie PattersonBill Lewis
Upcoming Events In addition to the counties we serve, summertime means we arereaching out in the London community with “The courage to dowhat is right”. Come out to visit us and lend your valued support atthe following events:
Sunfest 2014: July 3rd - July 6th [Outreach in Victoria Park]
Pride 2014: July 25th - July 27th [Outreach in Victoria Park]July 27th [Parade participants]
World Hep C Day: July 24th, 25th and 28th [Booth at CentralLibrary] | July 28th [Testing]
For more information on these events please visit our website. Forinformation about volunteering/joining us at any of these events pleasecontact Martin McIntosh: [email protected] ext. 252 or toll free at 1-866-920-1601.
Quarterly PHA Feedback Session with the ExecutiveDirector & Client Services Staff
Please join Brian and client services staff for lunch! • ask questions
• share your thoughts and suggestions• provide feedback
RHAC Boardroom
Friday, September 19, 2014 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
30-186 King Street London, ON
To RSVP for this lunchplease call 519-434-1601 / 1-866-920-1601