1019 10 13630 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/4/1047/UG6-AV-I-357.jpg 47f472be43d8fb9a906301c274ed0893 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lakehead University Collection Description An account of the resource Photographs from Lakehead University's history: people, events, and campus. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Raymond Neckoway Subject The topic of the resource People University Life Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Published in Agora Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1996-9 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context UG6-AV-I-357 People Portrait Published in the Agora Raymond Neckoway https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/4/1041/UG6-AV-I-351.jpg 7e67e8d9ae4db049be7669a5e182aca6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lakehead University Collection Description An account of the resource Photographs from Lakehead University's history: people, events, and campus. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource RBC Seminar Subject The topic of the resource People University Life Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Published in Agora Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1996-5 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context UG6-AV-I-351 People Published in the Agora RBC Seminar Unidentified Person https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/9185d4e909abcbb7ba3d0fbc61bcc964.png 812ee3da716d6dfb769fcf2d65808a18 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Summer 1989 Cover Subject The topic of the resource Communities in Northwestern Ontario Description An account of the resource The cover of the reACT-Believe Summer 1989 issue. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Council of Thunder Bay (ACT-B) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PNG Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Canada-Ontario-Thunder Bay https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2717/1988_reACT-Believe_vol1no1_2.pdf ff7c6f4eb6d2db79e5bd5dbf2250bb32 PDF Text Text THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 1968 VOL 1 ISSUE 1 How To flAMt SAFC StX: The ReACT-Belieye is published quarterly by the AIDS Conittee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B). The Coniittee tas incorporated in October, 1987 and is a registered non-orotit orqaniiation. its charitv nuioer is 0779330-11. Receipts ror tai deduction purposes fill be issued tor donations. Itei6 tor publication ■ay be sibnitted to The Bditor, P.U. Box 3586, Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B 6H2. The AIDS CQHHITTBB OF THUIDBM BAY maintains an intormation and resource centre at 283 Bay Street in Thunder bay, ACT-B operates the AIDS Intonation Fhoneline at 345-8AFB (7233); the business line is 345-1516. Office hours are iron V a.n. to 5 p.i., Monday throueh Friday. Tne AIDS phoneline is staffed dv volunteers on Mondays, »eone6davs and Fridays troi li noon to 2 p.i. Callers can speak to ACT-B staff or access a taped nessaire at other tines. �President's lessage In tnis first issue of ReACT-Be1ieve I »ant to review tne origins and develoonent of the Connittee, and looR toward the tuture. ACt-B was toned on a volunteer basis in January, 19bto address the issue or AIDS in Thunder Bay. A lot of effort went into fathering intonation, providing it to the gav coniunity, and trying to raise the awareness of the (general public. He hosted the first public form in Thunder Bay in November of that year. By October of 1987 we were co-sponsors of a city-wide AIDS Awareness Week, alone with the District Health Unit. He received funding fron the Ontario Ministry of Health in Deceiber, 1987 and were finally able to begin to work in an organiled way. By January the Board of Directors had hired an Executive Director, and Education Officer, and a part-tiie Office Manager, as well as established an office. In the aonths since we established an intonation phoneline with a solid core of volunteers, loved to lore spacious quarters, began to develop a strong outreach prograi, and worked at establishing a strong organizational base on which to continue our work in the tuture. At this point, 1 want to publicly eipres6 ■V deep appreciation tor the work that has been done by all those involved with the Conittee, the directors, the volunteers, and the statf. While everyone deserves a lot of credit, 1 particularly want to thank Michael. Serge, and Lawrence for the inense aiount of energy they have put into their work, and for bringing us this far along as quickly as they have. Now that we are well established it is tiie to focus our vision on the future. We have iany goals to achieve, and ianv proiects at various stages or deveiopient. In order to succeed in our priiary educational ana support wotr we iu6t strive to overcoie hoiophobia, not only in tne general conunitv, but in tne gay conunity as well. At this stage, we also need to expand our leibership. We are a registered charity, and 1 encourage everyone who has not already done so to purchase a leibership; and, if able, lake an additional donation to our support fund. As well, we welcoie volunteers and potential board leibers to participate in the activities of the Conittee. To all those involved up to now, heartfelt thanks, and to everyone, lets work hard for a better toiorrow. DAVID BKLMOSK SUNTOONa UH-OH...THIS VIRUS CDULP BE TROUBLE... IT JUST MADE A RUDE GESTURE AT ME.,, �ACT-B backs OAM call on dreg availability the 15-nenoer Ontario Aids Network, mich includes Al'T-B, recently issued a call to the Federal government to accelerate approval or new drugs for treating PMAs. The (JAN urged Ottawa to “atreressivelv“ seek new drug treatments, facilitate clinical trials conducted by community physicians, and accept the results of medical Iy-recognised drug trials from other countries. The Network said that drugs proven in combatting AIDS-related conditions should be available to PMAs in Canada, even though they may not have been tested in this country. “Persons living with AID8 have the right to chooBe experimental treatments based on the latest information and the advice of their physicians,“ the OAN said. ACT-B circulated the position paper to news media and Members of Parliament, Ernie Bpp and Ian Angus, and also to several Northwestern Ontario members of th.e provincial legislature. The AIDS Committee of Thnmder lay provides a wide range of services: - speakers for educational presentations - a library of brochures, books, pamphlets, clippings and videos - confidential one-on-one counselling - the AIDS Infortation Phone line - in-service sessions for professional groups. ACT-B maintains links with the medical and health care organisations in Thunder Bay. The Committee i6 a member of the Ontario AIDS letwork and the Canadian AID8 Society/ La Societe canadienne di SIDA. Dry Kisses & Stiff Kicks Every issie of ieACT-Believe mill teatire am awarding of two kinds of prises to people, organisations, and instititions involved with AIDS. The awards will fall into two categories: Dry Kisses (which are, of coirse, eminently safe sex) and Stiff Kicks (which speaks for itself). leaders are invited to nominate their own candidates tor either award. In o«r imaigiral lssne, we throw oir Dry Kisses to oar dedicated volunteers. Bravo! Oir Stiff Kicks go to the government of British Colinbia. Victoria has been penalising PVAs by charging them, retroactively, tor the nse of AZT, the drag of choice tor treating HiV infection. CANADIAN AIDS SOCIETY LA SOCIETE CANADIENNE DU SIDA �Voluteer Profile - David Volunteers help ACl'-B tunction as a successful coifunity-based AIDS organization. ReACT-Believe rill regularly feature profiles on our volunteers. Recently re spoke to David, a 30year old rho brings a lot of corritrent to bis rork on the AIDS Pboneline. Q. David, that brought you to ACT-BV A. "I think education is the cure. The lore people are intoned, and the *ore people are filling to infor* others, then we'll be able to do something about AIDS." 0. What do you think ot your fork here? A. "It's like being a firefighter. It’s «ore important to be there than to have 10 Billion fires to fight. Through education fe can avoid having an AIDS crisis that fe can’t handle." Q. David, what’s been the single biggest challenge you’ve had as a phone 1ine volunteer.' A. "It fas the tiae a young tan fho * d just found out he'd tested HIV positive phoned and told ae he fas thinking of suicide. I still get freaked out fhen I think about it." Q. Hof do you earn your living? A. "I fork at a paper fill here in Thunder Bay. When I’i not forking, or involved fith iy union, I do a lot of fork in art." Q. Hof’s that? A. "1 run a graphic arts service part-tiie. Vou see I studied art in different places; bronze sculpture in Mexico and I've also been to the University of Wisconsin and the Banff School of Fine Arts." 0. Hof do you like to spend your free tiie, David? A. “I like sports, sfining, fountain biking and, in the finter, downhi11 skiing. But I also like to party. I’■ famous for that." AIDS Atareness leek ipdate Planning for the 1988 edition of AIDS Afarenes6 Week is already fell under fay. “Living fith AIDS" is the lifeaffirming theie selected for this year by the Ontario AIDS Wetfork, the uibrella organization of cofiunity-based AIDS groups of fhich ACT-B 16 an active leiber. ACT-B is chairing the steering coauittee for the event here. We have struck suocoiBittees ror iedia relations, prograiiing and Keynote events. Pinal details on the prograi should be ready by lidAugust. Soie events fill be sponsored by ACT-B, soie by the feek’s co-sponsors 6uch as the District Health Unit, local hospitals and educational institutions. Volunteer help fill be essential to lake all of this happen the fay it should. If you would like to lend a hand in faking AAW leaningful for a lot of people, call the office at 345-1516. �Healthy sex hoise parties ACT-B is reviewing its services to the gav community. in aadition to our regular literature table and display at GIB social events, le have a nunoer ot new projects under development. The first is a series ot HisALTHY SEX house parties to start August 25th. The program is designed tor gay and biseiual ■en to learn more about safer sex, to share their concerns with others in a small group setting. The house party tormat will be limited to ten participants, and held in a local home. The theme is supporting healthy sex attitudes and activities, in a casual and confidential atmosphere. Ife hope to otter a half dosen of these workshops, about one every six weeks. If your're interested in coming to the first party, please phone 3A5-1516 and ask for Hichael. The first ten people we hear from will get into the first party. Others wili be put on a reserve list for parties later on. There already are some people signed up, 60 we anticipate the spaces will go quickly. it's tree, it's Thursday evening, 7-1U p.m., August z51h. It’s the start of big tning6 to come. io** AIDS 3 4 5 PHONELINE - 7 2 3 3 AIDS COMM ITTEE6fTHU NDERBAY �ACT-1 aoves to ne* hoae Statf and volunteers von’t have to worry about craaped auarters anyaore. ACT-B’s educational and resource centre aoved troa its original location to a coatortable newer space at 283 Bay Street. The wove was coapleted by Jane 14. Volunteers Eleanor Jensen and Andree Langlois were enoraonsly helpful. Their staaina - in very hot weather - helped us aove the office furniture, typewriter, coaputer equipaent, and hundreds of kilos of books and paaphlets. Thank you Andree for salvaging those sorely neglected house plants! Be will add new rooa for private counselling, and we'll need 6oae help with painting. Above all, we need area rig«/c«rpeti, a door aat, stackable chairs (12 at least), plant stands, and pictire traaes for oar aany attractive posters which need proper display. It you have any iteas of this kind yoi'd like to donate or lead, do give as a call. Calling all aeabers! Cop? deadline tor the Fail issue ot ReACT-Believe is dept. 9, 198B. The Editor fill consider all sabiissionB. The opinions expressed in ReACT-Believe are those ot the anthors and do not necessarily represent the policy ot the A1 Dd Conittee ot Thunder Bay. Elsewhere in this newsletter, ACT-B president David Belrose writes that our organisation is ready to put a tajor eaphasis on nenbership recruitaent. It'6 through the building up of aeabership that ACT-B will be able to recruit volunteers, develop a source for aoral and financial suoport, enhance its profile as a truly connanity-based social service and develop a pool of talent troa which can be drawn future aeabers of the board. Membership in ACT-B has several benefits they are listed elsewhere in ReACT-Be 1 ievebut the aost important thing is the chance to be part ot the solution to one of the greatest social and aedicai challenges this country has faced. �foi Are tot Alone A Coluan by Hichael dooou Alternative treataents end coapliaentary therapies There have been tio significant developments in the struggle with AIDS during the past 12 months that I’d like to talk about here. The first is the ■oveaent troai AIDS beine considered an acute, terainal illness to tnat of AIDS being looked upon as a chronic illness fith occassional acute stages. More people who nave AIDS are staving alive, and staying alive longer. The secono developaent is the aounting evidence that HIV is probably not the cause or AIDS. It aav be necessary ror H1V to be present, but or and bv 118e 1 f it may not be causal. This view is not universally accented iust vet, nor detinitelv proven. Doth of these deveiooaents shift focus to prevention and treataent aethods. And this is very needed attention, as so auch energy, tiae and money has been put into education up to now. Traditional aedicine does not promise either a cure or vaccine in the near future. But there have been breakthroughs in net drug treatments that can be invaluable to PiAs who pursue the medical model. PCP Ithe pneumonia that has been the number one cause of most AIDS-related deaths! can now be both effectively treated and prevented by the use of aerosolized pentaeidine. This, along with other infection fighters, anti-viral drugs, and immune boosters give a lot of hope to PKAs. AL’T-B has information about new treatments and can refer vou to other sources. Looking at both areas or prevention and treatment, the subiect of complementary therapies comes into crucial focus. If HIV is not causal to AIDS, that probably means there are a6 vet unidentified co-factors involved. He have long known that diet, eiercise, hygiene and psychology all plav intergral roles in our basic health. Any one of these can be a contributing co-ractor to ill health. PIA coalitions have been in the forefront of seeking out and using alternative, complementary tnerapies. When diagnosed with AIDS, se1f-acceptance ana a strong oesire to restore wellness become a challenge. Complimentary therapies offer avenues or personal empowerment, that is, taking responsiDiIitv personally in the healing process, rather than merely submitting oneself into the hands of traditonal medicine. Changing and improving one’6 diet reouires no one's permission or follow through but your own. The same with changing and improving eiercise, reducing stress, meditating, visualizing, resting. Hore is being written about complimentary therapies than ever before. ACT-B has a growing resource library of books, articies and tapes in this area. It is available free at our drop-in resource centre. Or phone us for updates and it vou have any questions. SILEN(E=DEATH �I WANT TO HELP: I support the Roals of the AIDS COMM ITTBB of Thunder Bay - ■obilizine our coaiunity through education, advocacy and suooort to respond to the challenge of AIDS - and I vant to be a leiber. ACT UK HBNBKRSHiP: S5.00 itor lnoiviauais »ho fisn to volunteer tue and effort.) SUPPORT!IG HKNBKkSHlP: $25.UU lor more) (tor institutions, orjranizations, groups and individuals vno cannot co*mt volunteer ti*e and effort.) ACT-B will issue receipts tor tar deduction purposes for every donation of $5 or wore. Tar deduction receipts are not issued tor aeabership fees. The list of aeabers and supporters of ACT-B is kept strictly confidential. All ne» ACT-s leibers receive rree: A copy of AIDS: What livery Responsible Canadian Should Knoi, a subscription to ReAl’T-Be 1 ieve, ACT-B’s newsletter, and voting rights at the General Annual Heetine of the AIDS Coiiittee of Thunder Bay. 1 vould aiso like to lane a donation to ACT-B for: $ sm THIS HHHBBHSHIP coupon To: AIDS COMM ITTBB OF THUHDKR BAY P.0. BQi 3586 THOIDBI BAY, OITARIO P7B 682 NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: _ _ PROVINCE: POSTAL CODE: TELEPHONE: ON VACATION? KEEP IT SAFE! � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 1 Issue 1 - Summer 1988 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1988 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2718/1988_reACT-Believe_vol1no2_2.pdf af516322117dfc70ae0941b5f515198c PDF Text Text THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY NEWSLETTER FALL 198B VOL. 1 ISSUE 2 Vhe KeAlT-delieve is niiDiisnea quarterly by tne Aiub toMittee or i'nunaer hay (ACl-lf). t'de loMittee fas incorporated in uctooer, IVB7 ana is a registered non-nroiit charitanie organisation. cnanty nuiber is 07/VJJU-ll. THAT'S INSIDE’ * f>resi(lent;’s letter.................... .....p. 2 Uur neie6t brochure............................p. i t'rue Phone line questions................... p. 4 AAi Calendar..................................p. b-7 Hot survivors cope......................... p. 9 Readership survey........................... p. ID •you are not alone*........................p. 11 �puts i urn's muM inis issue ot the newsletter focuses on AiDS Awareness WeeK, the secona such annual event in Thunder Bav, and this year a province-wide event tor the first time. This year’s theme ot "Livinp Witn AIDS" gives us the occasion to reflect or, our current situation, and trv to understand iust wnere we are in relation to tnis epidemic. Oniv a tew snort vears apo. AIDS was unnearo ot, nut now we Know it is an evpr-oresent tact or me. for persons witn aids. or tnose who are mu-positive, me nas tasen on new dimensions, ano rails forth new attitudes and approacnes. it is no longer enonen to uve onnoiv ana careJessiv. We are all raced witn tne need to re-assess our iitestvles. our neairn options, and our reelings aoour. deatn ana lire. LinKed very close 1 v witn an this is tne concent ot nomoonooia Itne irrational rear of homosexuality and homosexuals). The ability or society to cope witn A1 us is linked very directly with its attitudes to sex ana sexuality in ail its variations. Tne recent deoate in the united Cnurch over pav ordination snows only too clearly the iacK ot real understanding in society or what it means to be pay, to see the world from a pay perspective. wnen we encounter opposition to Plans tor specific sater-sex education, wnen people reel we must be very caretui now we present ourselves a6 tne aids committee, wnen pav men are arraid to pet neip because tneir rear or beine tnoupnt or as pav is too strong, or wnen a thousand other tninps cloud tne air ana prevent clear seeing, tnen we are racing the manv ana varied aspects ot nomoonobia. mere are manv elements involved in ■‘Living Witn AIDS". some or wmcn are addressed eisewnere in tnis newsletter. 1 want to urpe all ot vou wno are reaoinp mis. to taKe somp time to consider vour personal reennps around homosexua 1 itv ana pavness. in particular, if you are pav or oi-sexual vourselt, vou have personal resoonsibilitv to assess vour attitudes and decide whether vou are part ot the solution or part or the problem, nomoonobia is one of the most proround issues that we nave to deal witn in these times, and i expect the Committee to deal witn this in a variety of wavs in the months ahead. to rnanpe tne subject now. i want to address the matter or tne organization and development or Ad-fl. over tne past tew montns. tnp Doara or directors has developed a set. ot pv-iaws, as well as a number of lmnortant oolicies concernmp our operations and procedures, in November ot tnis year, we will oe noldinp our Annual beneraI fleering, at wh.un time a board or directors win oe rormaiiv ejected bv tne members, and our ov-iaws approved. Now is the time to oecome a member or ACi-B, if vou have not aireaav done so, to ensure tnat vou nave a voice in tne future or tne organization. Special thanks po to a 11 volunteers. Vou have done a lot ot important work in the past months, and your involvement will be an the more essential as we expand our worK or education and support in the future. Let us ail use Aiuri Awareness weeK as an opportunity to maKe tne communitv aware or wnat we nave to orrer. ana to he id everyone overcome tneir fears in tnis time ot "Livinp witn Aium. David Belrose �3 K1KSV PUBLISH!Kb After rive months of development, ACi'-B nas publisned our first self produced brochure. As part ot an overall revie» ot our services to the (fay community, le identified a blank spot in available AIDS educa­ tion literature. The brochure te have created is a “second generation* leaflet, first generation material gives general information aoout AIDS ana usually contains prevention methodology. ‘second generation* education material moves tomarfl supporting changed oehavior, fhile reinforcing basic information. Uur orocnure, titled "HKALIHY SKI KUK bA» AID DISKIUAL mil* is targeted specifically tomard the gay community. It is not for general distriDution. its primary focus is prevention of Alps trans mission in gay and oisexual males. This is the population group tnat continues to account for the greatest number or diagnosed AIDS cases. The secondary focus of the Brochure is to combat the sex negative and homophobic messages that have been aimed at the gay community. The brochure was officially launched at a bays of founder Bay dance on September lUth. Complimentary copies of the brochure have been sent to member organisations ot the Untario AIDS Bettor* and the Canadian AIDS Society. ...cover or net ACT-B orocnure. �4 REAL QUESTIONS EROM THE A1IJS INFORMATION PHONELINE 1. Can I f^et AIDS trot a public swiaamg pool? lo. The virus thought to cause AIDS cannot survive eiposure to 6oap, bleach, cleansers and 6inlar agents, such as cnlorine. Chlorine is used to keen the tater ot stilling pools tree ot ianv types of bacteria and other eleients tnich could be hanrui to Datners. L. I'a a 14-year old girl and ay best triend contracted AIDS through a hlood translussion. that can I do? A lot. lour triena needs vour understanding, your support, your love. Sne needs to knot that your’re there to listen and be caring. Persons nth AIDS (PIAs) often feel deserted and abandonned they they tell their tanly and friends ot their diagnosis. At a tue then iany of thei are entitled to support, they find their relationships daiaged, it not destroyed. One of the proven lays thy ■any PVAs have been living longer - and better - is the quality of huian relationships they are able to enjoy ihile dealing tith AIDS. 3. Boa do l know which brand ot condoa will give ae optiaua protection? Using the right kind of condoi, and using it properly, is essential to safer sex. But as long a6 you use latex condois, specific brands or makes don't latter that inch, lever use condois lade out ot annal leibrane; their texture is uneven and that could aliow the AIDS virus to cross the condoi barrier. Latex condois are electronically tested tor resilience. The laterial is strong and can be designed to incorporate features ianv people tind appealing: different textures such as ribbing, colours, even tastes. There are snug-fitting condois, lubricated and dry ones. The oest way to find out vhich condoi suits your style, personality, iood and physical requirements is to try out a nuiber of different kinds. Also use later-based lubricants, particularly brands that include nonoxynol-y as an ingredient. honoiynol-Y is a sperncide which eifectively kills the A1 Ob virus, it affords an extra leasnre ot protection. Condois are now readiiv available in lost drug stores. Heseiber that condois are ■anuiactured and packed ntn lot uuibers clearly larRed." Should you discover a fault, you can contact the lanufaciurer. till the olood test tor antibodies to the Hit virus tell ae it I've got Allihl 4. ho. Although the blood test is a fairly reliable way of determining the presence of antibodies to HIV it does not tell a person who test6 seropositive wnetner they will go on to develop AIDS, in fact, the test cannot really infori the person that they have the so-called AIDS virus at all. AIDS AWARENESS WEEK SEMA1NE DE SENSIBILISATION AU SIDA EN ONTARIO 1 N ONTARIO • LIVING WITH AIDS VTVRE AVECLE SIDA OCTOBER 17 - 23. 1988 DU 17 AU 23 OCTOBRE 1988 �5 VOLUNTEER PROM Li ReAlT-Beiieve regularly features protiies on ACT—6's volunteers. we’re pleased to present Roberta, one of our nardest workingvolunteers, to you: Q. Roperta, wny dia vou come to ACT-B/ A. "Because i was going to no volunteer worK and I nappenea to see AU'I-B's announcement on haciean-Hunter tame lv. i tnouent tnat people wno make a commitment to worK in Alps wonla oe reanv conscientious people to worn with." U. have vou rouno tnat to oe t.ne case.' A. "ires. I like tne people in the orrice". me 11Re vou too. Kooerta. i U. inat nave vou done nere. besides start tne phone line.' A. "Computer training- - and 1 mve it. I’ve aiwavs been arraid of computers, but now I'm not. That’s mv reward here." 1). that's been the most memorable experience on the phone r A. "The most touching moment was when a 13 or 14 year old £irl phoned. A friend of hers had apparently contracted AiilS through a biood trans fuss ion, and she wanted to know how to taik to her friend." U. tnat did you tell her? A. "1 asked ner aoout tne nature or their friendship and then advised her to be loving ano caring, to allow her rriend to taU men she wanted to and not to be arraid." u. Kooerta, i think vou do other volunteer worn as well, don’t you? b. "I've had teenage runawavs stay at mv place until tney've straightened themseives out. Also, kids wno’ve been Kicneo out or tneir nomes. I've aiso taRen in Rids mo nave aiconoi or drug orooiems." ij. mere do vou see Al'i-D goinjf? A, "i see it as a vitai part or tne community; it nas an important function to play tor education ana amreness, i tmn* it's ream tne onky place people can go.‘ ii. mat are vour interests, vour noobies: A. “Reading. i*m an avia reader. 1 read a «ot or seit neip poors, out fm aiso a mg tan or horror stories, horror movies toe. i me Steven Ring a ioi:“ DRY KISSES and STIFF KICKS c.verv issue or KeAu-rteiteve reariires awards in me categories ol Dry Hisses mice! ana Stitt hicks mol nice), to neopie and organisations involved tun AIDS. Headers can nominate tneir own candidates ror e11ner award. in tnis issue or ReACT-beiieve, our Dry Hiss award goes to tne uri'ARlO AlU.S NkTVUKK, tor having the roresignt to nave AIDS Awareness teek declared a nrovince-wide event in I9HB. And two stitt hicks this month, one to me d.c. government - AirAin! - ror its continued retusai to lund communuv-nased aids organizations iaids Vancouver and AlUS Vancouver island), and to me :;ueoec governmeni for grossly underfilling U-.NAfl, me taior ai»•:» organisation m mat Drovircc. Copy deadline tor the Rioter issue of ReACT-BeIiewe is December 30, 1 988 . 1 he toitor will consider all submissions. The opinions expressed in KeACT-BeIleve are those ot tne authors and do not necessarily represent the policy of the Alub Committee of Thunder Bay. �6 MONDAY OCTOBER 17 SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 vVEDNESi BALLOON LAUNCH Hillcrest Park PRESENTATION: Indian Friendship Centre Satellite Ottice 704 McKenzie St. 7:00 PM 12:00 Noon SAFER SF.X WORKSHOP tc HETEROSEXU/ L. U.Centre Theatre KEYNOTE EVENT "Living With AIDS" Panel: Dr. Ian Mackie Dr. Stuart HoItby Kami Iv Memoers Kamada Inn/Prince Arthur Hotel b:uo pm 2:30 PM TUESDAY OCTOBER 18 FACULTY AND STUDENT FORUM "Living With AIDS "Panel Conlederation College Lecture Theatre 10:00 AM Ainc AIM AOCMCCC niu<s mfvni ilhlou lAfft-t-K r» \ |0CT03ER 16-22.1988 | VIDEO NIGHT Families Welcome Waverlev Resource Library 7:30 PM SAFER SEX WORKSHOP ft GAY & BISE) MEN 203 Ogden fc 7:30 PM PRESEN'I A l 1C POUR I.A COMMUNAUlb F KANCOPHON F.co I e Franco—sum 2645 Donate 7:30 PM �FRIDAY OCTOBER 21 HEALTHY SEX CABARET: Little Finn Hal 1 316 Bay St. 8:00 PM SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12 THURSDAY iA,»0»5tR 20 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: assemble at 283 bay St. silent walk to Unitarian Church for ceremony 7:00 PM AIDS IN THE WORKPLACE FORUM: Thunder Bay District Health Unit 999 Balmoral St. 7 : 3ii PM | THEME: LIVING WITH AIDS | AIDS AWARENESS EXTRA EVENT: Outreach to the Deaf Community Co—sponsored by Thunder Bay Centre For The Deaf, Canadian Hearing Society and AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay �8 'CONFRONTING AIDSI Never too young 'I thought it couldn't happen too me' thought I knew about safe sex. I thought it wouldn’t happen to me. I was wrong. It did happen to me. I took the confidential AIDS test at Hassle Free Clinic and I was told that I'm HIV-positive. What does being HIV-positive mean? According to one recent study re­ ported in the Globe and Mail on Mar 31,1988, being HIV-positive means that “unless an effective treatment is found, most people exposed to the AIDS virus will develop the disease within nine years.” And according to , the controversial Surgeon General of the US, we may never find an effec­ tive treatment for AIDS, at least not in the foreseeable future. What does being HTV-positive mean to me personally? It means that I may have nine years of fairly good health left or I may only have a few. Regardless, I’ll probably develop full-blown AIDS before I’m 30 years old. Being HTV-positive means that I can pass on the virus to other people through my blood, blood products and semen. 1 Most of all, though, it means that I am afraid. I’m afraid that I’ll pass on the virus to my lover, I’m afraid I may get sick soon and I’m afraid other people might discriminate against me or reject me when they find out. Something that makes me feel worse is that I know I’m not alone. In an article dated Apr 19,1988, the Toronto Star reported that US teenagers ignore advice on safe sex. The article quoted a study of 300 teenagers in San Francisco (one of the cities hit hardest by AIDS in North America) which found that only 2 percent of sexually active girls and 8 percent of sexually active boys used condoms every time they had intercourse. I use condoms. All the time, now. But, when I first came out in 1985, my lover told me that as long as he didn’t come inside me ass-fucking was safe. I trusted him, and, even after we broke up, I occasionally let guys fuck me without a condom, as long as they didn’t come inside of my ass. I found out the hard way that un­ protected anal intercourse, even when his cock is withdrawn before climax, is unsafe. I want to tell other youth, be they lesbian, gay or straight, not to make the same mistakes I made. Read up on safe sex and practice it If you want to to talk to someone call the AIDS Committee of Toronto Hotline at 926-1626 or call the Lesbian and Gay Youth Phoneline, Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10pm at 591-6749. I’m a member of Lesbian and Gay Youth Toronto, but I think it’s important to say that I could be any­ one, anywhere. I look as healthy as everyone else and I feel fine for now—but for how long, I don’t know. I would like to sign my name to this article because I feel it’s impor­ tant to put a face to AIDS, but I’m holding off from doing that for now. Reprinted with permission from Pink Inc, the newsletter of Lesbian and Gay Youth Toronto. �9 LONG TERM SURVIVORS by Richae! fallen flicnael fallen (FIA Coalition in Het VorK) round these qualities in the 17 lone-ten survivors he interviewed. 1. All or then had dabbled in alternative approaches. *ith Ah', (Kaposi's Sarcoia, a cancer occuring frequently anong FiAs, bd.kotej there were several striking stories ot success with macrobiotic or vegetarian diets. About hair of the longten survivors had wade major diet changes. The rest paid wore attention to their diets. l. Host or all hao used approaches sucn as sniatsu massage, acupuncture, or visual nation. A clear naiortty were involved with groups such as Louise hav, or Alllh flastery or fletaphvsicaI Alliance. ;i. All but two round solace in religion about hair in the religion or their cnildnood. Uthers did not seen organised religion, but spoke or spirituality, or a sense ot oneness, hone became bible-thuiDing fundamentalists. All who did become involved in cnurches were critical or some aspects of organized religion. *. All said they needed hope to survive, liach had to deal in soie way with the ■edia’s repeated message that everyone who develops AIDS dies. bone found it important to knot survivors; iany knew each other. All but two are aggressively involved in the AIDS movement, or working with FlAs; iany are in the forefront. 3. inev are fighters, often dmicuit patients, not passive. Host used a group ot physicians to coordinate tneir care, not just one. A naionry have fired a pnvsician, or ordered one out or tneir hospital roow. b. Several had moving, near-deafh experiences. i. mere was no magic oulict, no single treatment used by an the survivors. Not all or them used lipios, or macrobiotics, or ribavirin, or anytning else. Their eioenence suggests tnat AIDS is not one disease, vim one substance that will work lor everyone. Reprinted rro« Healing AIDS, Vo 1. 3, ko. 3, p. 1. (Thanks to A ilia Repina newsletter, better, J9tfd/ \ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGNovember 23, 1988 the Aibh cotiittee or Tnunder bav win hold its Annual General Neeting on •ednesday, loveiber 2J, IVbb. The leeting will see the election of a new slate ot Directors to the board. As of this writing, nominations for directors ot ACT-6 are open. It you are interested in serving as a board leiber or if you would like to nominate soieone, get in touch with the office at 3*5-1516. Candidates for election to the ACT-B Board Bust be members in good standing of the organization. The venue and starting tine for the AGH will be announced iater. �KbAl>KK8HIH SUNVhV MEET YOUR BOARD le tould line to knot mat you think ot KeACT-flelieve, tne ACT-B nets letter. Please take a loient to till oot this snort survey. Results fill nelp us serve you better. Clip tne survey and return to: ACT-B, P.U. Box 3586, THUIDEK HAt. Ontario, P7B 6H2 Currently at its tail coapleaent ot 12 aethers, the board or directors ot r.ne AIDS Coaaittee ot Thunder bay is responsible tor creating policy, approving programs and projects initiated by start, and engaging m long-range planning. 1. What do you think or the content, generally? (Please circle one) Directors: band belrose: A letter carrier, ne has been president ot ACT-B since its founding. Mane Fortier: Vice-President, is a student and child care worker. Michael Chan: Treasurer, an occupational therapist and also a co-founder ot ACT-B. Or. Frederic► V. ball: Microbiologist and director ot the Untario Public Health Laboratory in Thunder Bay. Darlene Dinette: Coordinator or tne Community AIDS Program tor the District Healtn unit. Diane bntton: Coordinator ot the Beiuaiiy Transmitted Diseases Clinic at the District Health Unit. Douglas broaan: Also a co-rounder or ACT-B, a printer and graphic designer. Andre Chaabertam: Cnewicai dependency counsel lor ror youth. Karen MaKi-kaitsaKas: Community activist witn organizations such as Planned Parenthood and tne Canadian (rental Heaiin Association. lhe kev. Chris Morden: The latest addition to the board, Chris is an Anglican clergywan witn a special interest in ■ mistering to persons with AIDS. The kev. Jack Fatterson: Minister ot Trinity United Church in Thunder Bay. Deb tthite: A newer Board member, Deb is a pharmacist at Hogarth-iestmount Hospital. CRBAT! OK HERDS 10RK l. Please rate tne to 11ovin? features »itn t I being "iosr. favourite": column!si news atones volunteer Profile cartoons Other :i. uin you nnn anv stones, neannnes or illustrations orrensive? it so, mien ones.' 4. Rnat would vou l»;.e to see in future issues :f the Al’T-B newsletter? CHAHK rim PUR NEl.PIMl UJi BARK OUK IKIBLKTTKK A BKITKK CUHHOnICAflOl TOOL! �ruu m win auw n A Column bv flichael S’obota SI Al ISTlCS', SPKCULA1 iON ANl) SHllUTUALlT* Une or me nost rrequent questions we get as Red is ‘how many people are tnere with AliiS in Thunder bay"' It's a question that, is not siiple to answer. It’s useful to look at inat »av he behind me question. Despite all ot the lnlormalion available, AiDS remains a qirricnit and rricRv sumect to understand. People want hard ana near intor«ation. People want to feet sate, it mere is a low niimoer or ornciai persons witn AIDS in Thunder hay, that iBtgni «ase people reel saier man, sav mere were a nunnreo niaenoseo cases herp. i oeneve mere is anomer wa; to answer tne quesiion man list statistical numbers, a wav th:’i hems we live with the re-«rs and concerns about AIDS' in our coiTuOitv. I nave three points la line to lane here: 1. it is crucial to understand mat A1 l)S i6 here. There are still people who tmnR that we are not like Toronto or other large Canadian cities, that somehow our isolation protects us. This couldn’t he nirther troi the truth. 2. People get AIDS, not statistics. The people who have died, or those in the care ol tneir physicians, or those worRing in other ways to live with AIDS are people: not nuioers. They could be vour brorber or sister, vour next door neighbor, your doctor, yoor son, ynnr lover. They are tne “living laces ol AIDS* and as such deserve ihe oest oi our nuian responses: support, coipassion, encouragement. 11 i. »e are an living inn A ms. mat is me tnemp chosen lor me province wide AIDS Awarpness >prr. The weeR is designated Ucioher 15-22 in Ontario. It pulls into locus wnat to nave neen experiencing tor aany years now: ail oi us, our community nas been living with aids, me ween will mgniigm certain aspects oi this, including an opportunity to remeader tnose individuals wno nave died trom AIDS, as well as to honour and show our respect lor those wno are living and worRmg tun aids on a daily oasis. Tms will taRe place at tne Candlelignt Vigil, Thursday evening, September 2Dth. So how many people are attected by AIDS in Thunder Day/ id truth, we all are. Let us be Rind to one another. Have you been discriminated AGAINST BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF AIDS? Tne 9C Civil liberties Association is conaucting a CANADA-WIDE STUDY of the extent of unfair discrimination against oersons with AIDS, or oersons perceived to be infectious lavbe you nave suffered such discrimination, out because of fear of further disenminatton. or the belief mat nothing can be done you noven t told anyone Or mayce you nave tried to do something about it. to no avail W are most concerned about discrimination in nousing, education, employment, health care and public services We want to hear from you ^ease write us at 518-H9 West fender 3t.. Vancouver. BC V68 1S5 Or call us collect at: (604)687-2919 Sponsored Cv me 8C Civil Liberties Association with assistance from me Department of me Secretary of State . Your anonymity will be STRICTLY PROTECTED �SAFKK SKI WURASHUP Kecent additions to our KhSOUKCK LlHKAHlf: During AI US AIARKKKSS ■KKK, there till be a Safer Sex Workshop tor gay and biseiaai ten. Wednesday, October 19. The workshop till be held at 203 Ogden Street I"the nsual Fort Williai Location"|. The vorkshop is ca&ial and ases a discussion foraat. There is not any 6eiual activity in the vorkshop, bat rather a relaxed and confidential ataosphere to talk aboat sex and any tears or concerns about AIDS. The vorkshop focuses on helping gay ten and bisenals to be positive about 6ex, while under­ standing changes in sexual behavior to protect theaselves troa getting or giving AIDS. Last year's vorkshop vas received enthusiastically by the ven vho attended. Kverything that occurs in the vorkshop is confidential, to assure a sate, oon-threatening ataosphere. The vorkshop begins at 7:30 and vill last approxiaately 3 hours. AUV1CK POM LlPM: A Woaan’s liuide to AIDS, Risks and Prevention oy Chris Norwood sORKOlti IAS HKRK: Profiles in the AiUS kpideaic by Oeorge Wmtaore AIDS ANU IMK HKAl.kK WMHIl bv men baarortn AI Oil ANU SUliaTAILl*. AtfUSU Aids: A SKLP UAKK flANUAL ov me AIDS Proiecr. i.os Angeies THfc OUll.i: Stories hroa Tne Naves Proiect uwimg With aids by loa O'Connor ana Anaen lonxalei-Nunei The AIDS Coaaittee of Thunder Buy provides a vide range of services: - speakers tor educational presentations - a library of brochures, books, pavphlets, clippings and videos - confidential one-on-one counselling - the AIDS Inforaation Phone line - in-service sessions for professional groups. ACT-B aaintains links with the aedical and health care organiiations in Thunder Bay. The Coaaittee is a aeaber of the Oitario AIDS letvork and the Canadian AID8 8ociety/ La Societe canadienne da S1DA. CANADIAN AIDS SOCIETY LA SOCIE IE CANADIENNE DUSIEA � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 1 Issue 2 - Fall 1988 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1988 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2687/1997_reACT-Believe_vol10no1_2.pdf ba8e3f6a45328a2a5fb34e670ef857c5 PDF Text Text reACT-Belicve The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Spring, 1997 Volume 10, Issue 1 Plet>5c To Renew ■National AIDS Strategy by Michael Sobota, Executive Director, ACT-B Prime Minister Jean Chretien, in a speech in Vancouver on April 29, 1997, announced his government’s commitment to renew the National AIDS Strategy (NAS). The current NAS is scheduled to expire in about 10 months. The fact that the Prime Minister himself made this announcement, and that it is committed in writing in the Liberal Party’s current “Red Book”, is a significant achievement in overall HIV/AIDS policy development. Many, many individuals participated in the advocacy efforts aimed at the Federal Government toward renewing the NAS. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, together with its sister agencies in Ontario and other National partners, have been lobbying extensively for the renewal for more than a year. We want to thank all of you who responded to our requests for letter writing and petition signing. We thank local Members of Parliament, Stan Dromisky and Joe Comuzzi for the time they gave in meetings with us, and for taking public stands in support of renewing the NAS. We thank the Prime Minister for making this promise. While the Prime Minister’s announcement is a welcome one, we are well aware that this commitment is being made during an election campaign. The actual commitment as stated in the Liberal Party’s new “Red Book” says: "The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a third critical health challenge facing Canada today (Ed. note: together with breast cancer and smoking). An estimated 20,000 Canadians now suffer from AIDS, while close to 45,000 Canadians are infected with HIV. The bulk of the AIDS epidemic lies ahead of us, not behind us; another 10,000 to 20,000 Canadians are expected to contract AIDS by the year 2,000. In 1993, this government launched Phase II of the NAS, providing $40.7 million annually forfive years to combat continued on page 7.. . AN ELECTION ISSUE Vr»t>er the cover...... AIDS Strategy Renewal Education Update Here And There Agency Activities Teaching Tool Developed Dear Robbie Who’s “In Control”? Parting Glance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Health Promotion Insert: Viral Load Testing �E&ucMioti Update Substance {/sc Outreach Project (SX/OP) by Janet Adams The changing; face of AIDS by David Belrose, Education Coordinator This year’s social marketing campaign has focused on the changes that are happening in HIV infections in our region. We have tried to make people aware of the fact that increasing numbers of people are living with HIV/AIDS in Northwestern Ontario and they come from all walks of life, all ages, all racial and ethnic backgrounds and both genders. Along the same lines, the Canadian AIDS Society has declared the theme for National AIDS Awareness Week, September 29 to October 5, 1997 to be “The Changing Face of HIV/AIDS.” Think about ways that you can help make your school, your agency , your community more aware, more compassionate and safer. Plan to become involved in AIDS Awareness Week this year. Call us for ideas or assistance. ACT-D Library HIV/AIDS is a risk—especially if you drink before sex or use injec­ tion drugs. HTV/ AIDS can be prevented. Learn how to prated yourself. Call: I-807-3HS-I5IG ■kaketb AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay In spite of our efforts to get the word out, our well-stocked resource library continues to be little-known in the wider community. We have received compliments from knowledgeable people about the richness and diversity of our holdings on HIV/AIDS and related issues. Whether you are a person with HIV/AIDS, a family member, a health care professional, a student working on a paper or an interested member of the public, this library is available to you. Books, videos and other material can be used in the library itself or, in most cases, borrowed for up to two weeks. Our library is located at 217 S. Algoma. 2- - The Substance Use Outreach Project (SUOP) has been running since December 1996. Five peer ambassadors have been trained to do outreach. You may have seen them at your favourite bar, fitness club, coffee shop or mall, handing out condoms, sharing information about safer sex, harm reduction, HIV and substance use. If you take the city bus, you will see our ads. Four ads have been designed to highlight the relationship between substance use and the risks of HIV. Each ad will run for three months on all 49 city buses. The ads will also be made into posters. We have produced cards and match books that provide info and tips about harm reduction, safer using and safer sex. The cards talk about local agencies offering anonymous testing, needle exchange, detox, assessment, drug treatment and support for people infected with HIV or affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the next year, we will be hosting several mini cabaret nights in local bars. We’ll offer information, free stuff and a Tiny Sex Theatre Play entitled “Ken's Night Out". The peer ambassadors will be at the bar night to answer any questions about harm reduction, safer sex, HIV and substance use. If you would like some information cards, matches or posters, call Janet at the AIDS Committee - 345-1516. �Here..... <\nt> there..... Volunteers honoured... AIDS specialist to visit... On Wednesday, April 2, 1997, AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay volunteers were honoured at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. Pizza, punch and popcorn were on the menu, and the room was abuzz with chatty friends catching up on gossip. The 80 volunteers in attendance were entertained by the Thunder Bay Theatre Sports League’s high paced improvised theatre games. All volunteers received a certificate of appreciation, red ribbon pin and pen. Volunteers who contributed over 50 hours of service were also awarded ACTB T-shirts. Three outstanding volunteers were recognized. Linda MacKay and Anne Ciemny have both contributed over 200 hours of service as receptionists during 1996. Pius White was presented with the coveted “Volunteer of the Year’* award for his superlative achievements as an advocate, spokesperson, board director and volunteer. The AIDS Committee commends over 155 volunteers for their dedication and excellence in voluntarism. Dr. Richard Fralick, an HIV/AIDS specialist from Toronto, will be visiting Thunder Bay to provide consultation for people living with HIV/AIDS and their physicians. This pilot project will be re­ evaluated in six months. Dr. Fralick’s first clinic was held at the Immunology Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Wednesday, May 14. There were more clients seeking appointments than could be accommodated on that day. If you wish to see Dr. Fralick, you must have a referral from your physician. If you don’t have a physician, contact Sheila Berry at the AIDS Committee. For further information about dates and booking procedures call 345-1516. Did you know... - between 2,500 and 3,000 new HIV infections are reported in Canada each year. - SOURCE The Globe & Mail. February 15, 1997 Amsterdam Conference.... Mayor's Salute.... ACT-B volunteer and board member, Pius White, will be attending the 3rd On Wednesday, April 16, in celebration of National Volunteer Week, two ACT-B volunteers were honoured at the Mayor’s Salute. Mayor David Hamilton bestowed “Certificates of Achievement” on Linda MacKay and Pius White for their commitment to the AIDS Committee. 70 volunteers from 35 agencies throughout Thunder Bay were recognized at this event. International Conference on Home and Community Care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. The conference runs May 21 24 in Amsterdam. The theme is “Meeting the needs of the infected and affected.” Pius has been awarded a full scholarship by the conference organizers. Watch for a report in the next reACT-Believe\ Don't HIV/AIDS is final And it's occurring more in women, our young people and aboriginal population. Find out what you can do. Call: I-807-31S-ISIG ■^03% AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 3- - �! A 5 Fvmt>rAism5 News bvf ]ohn Books - Fundraising Coordinator c n c M A c t i V i t i c £ i. Thank you to all those who have supported the AIDS Committee during this past year. I am very happy to report that we were able to surpass our fundraising goal of $80,000. We could not have done this without the hard work and the support of so many people in our community. But this never ending fundraising wheel moves on and this year, we must raise $84,000. Our new campaign began with the fourth annual Art AIDS Auction. Though the auction was a success in many ways, fewer patrons attended than anticipated and we fell $2000 short of our $6000 goal. It was, however, a remarkable effort and one that we can be proud of. The craft and art community donated generously, and those patrons who attended enjoyed the event thoroughly. In mid July, during the Harbourfest celebrations, we will again be hosting the Cheesecake Challenge. Professional and amateur chefs may enter, with prizes for the best cakes in both categories. If you are interested in entering or would like to volunteer, call us at 345-1516 The big event of the year will be the AIDS Walk Thunder Bay, to be held on September 28th. We need your help to make this the most successful Walk ever. Our goal is to raise $18,000. Roughly translated, 180 walkers need to raise $100 worth of pledges each. There are many ways you can get involved: be a volunteer on the Walk Committee; ask your family, friends and co-workers to sponsor you; form a challenge team with your friends. Pledge forms will be available at the office in July. Cofne W<\1k With VS! 4- - Yom said ipM'd always be ttnere but snce yoM fieard tfie news, tfiere's a distance float (oas come between ms tfiaf I don't understand. Yom said iyoM'd always bve me no matter wfiat came our way Now someone close to me loas tfie wms. I can't fiod yoM anywhere. I need your support and understanding. I need you to let me 6now tfiat tfngs between ms are sti tfie same, becaMse I need yoM io my fe. by Sandy Joftosfon AIDS Walk Thvmfcer Bau Svmfcavp September 2$, 1997 Lakekeab Vniversitvj Outpost Supporting tke services provided bv* jjipf tke AIDS Committee ^ wttrtMHbi □ □ ffi § of Thunder Bavj in the fi<zht acainst AIDS Yes, I want to participate. Please send me more information. Name:................................... Address:................................ Postal Code...................... Yes, I want to help as a volunteer. Telephone............................. Return to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 �Health Promotion by Darylc Dollart, Support Services/Health Promoter Viral 1oat> testing What is viral load testing? What do the results mean and why should you have a viral load test done? In this issue of reACT-Believe, I would like to answer those questions for you. What is a viral load test? Quite simply, a viral load test measures the amount of virus (HIV) in the blood. It is not a complicated procedure and is very much like a blood test. Your doctor can order the test on a special form, and you will be asked to go to the lab (usually on a particular day). The lab worker will draw some blood, and send this blood to a lab in another city where the viral load tests are done. The results of this test will be returned to your doctor, who will discuss the results of the viral load test with you. What do the results mean? The results of a viral load test can be a good indicator of where the virus (HIV) is going or how much damage it is doing. For example, if your viral load is high, the virus is doing damage to your immune system and could progress more quickly to AIDS than if your viral load is low. Why should I get a viral load test? There are good reasons to get a viral load test done. The results of viral load tests, when looked at with your T-cell counts (also known as CD-4 and CD-8 counts) are the best way to decide when and what kind of treatment or therapy is necessary. In managing your health, it is best to have TWO tests done: a viral load test, and T-cell counts. Because results can vary, it is advisable to get another series of THE SAME TESTS done, 2-4 weeks later. This will provide you and your doctor with a more stable base (“base line”) to look at when deciding what your treatment options are. Before starting any kind of new therapy, it is a good idea to have a viral load test. Then, after you have been on the therapy for 4-6 weeks, another viral load test can show whether the treatment is working. For example, let’s say that based on the results of your CD4-CD8 counts and viral load tests, you and your doctor decided to try a combination therapy consisting of AZT, 3TC and Indinavir. Six weeks later, your next viral load test showed a big decrease and one month later (and another viral load test later), it showed a continued decrease. This is a very good sign that the combination therapy you are using to combat the virus is working. A word of warning.... You may have heard that some of the new combination therapies (including a protease inhibitor) can lower the amount of HIV in a person’s body (as measured by a viral load test) to undetectable levels. This does not mean that you are cured, or that you no longer have the virus, but these therapies can make you feel healthier and, in some cases, can dramatically improve your health. �Kc\\ to Antiviral *rsi> StMus Nucleoside Analogues: act on early stage of reproduction of HIV virus GENERIC/CHEMICAL NAME BRAND NAME MANUFACTURER APPROVED IN... PAYMENT STATUS ONTARIO AZT - Zidovudine, Azidothymidine Retrovir Glaxo Wellcome Canada, 1987 Sunnybrook list ddC - Dideoxycytidine Hivid Hoffrnan-LaRoche Canada Sunnybrook List ddl - Didanosine Videx Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Sunnybrook List Lamivudine 3TC, Epivir Glaxo Wellcome Canada - developed here Limited Use Product d4T - Stavudine Zerit Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, July 8, 1996 Limited Use Product Protease Inhibitors: block later stages of viral reproduction GENERIC/CHEMICAL NAME BRAND NAME MANUFACTURER APPROVED IN.. PAYMENT STATUS Saquinavir Invirase Hoffrnan-LaRoche Canada Limited Use Product Indinavir Crixivan Merck & Co. Canada, Sept. 18, 1996 Limited Use Product Ritonavir Norvir Abbott Canada, Aug. 14, 1996 Limited Use Product Nelfinavir Viracept Agouron Experimental None, no EAP or CA Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI): delay replication of the virus GENERIC/CHEMICAL NAME BRAND NAME MANUFACTURER APPROVED IN.. PAYMENT STATUS Nevirapine Viramune Boehringer-Ingelheim USA, Pending - Canada Expanded Access Program Delavirdine Rescriptor Pharmacia & Upjohn Pending - Canada, USA Expanded Access Program Loviride no brand name Janssen experimental in Europe none, no EAP or CA Sunnybrook List - Sunnybrook manages this distribution to hospitals in Ontario and the drugs on it are available without cost to anyone for whom they are prescribed, regardless of income. Limited Use Product - These drugs are listed in Section III of the Formulary (the main list of drugs) but have a Limited Use status. For 3TC and Saquinavir, this means that an HIV registered physician must prescribe them and must fill out a Limited Use/Nutrition Products form. This form is given to the patient along with the prescription and the patient gives both to the pharmacist. Facilitated Access List - This is Section 6 of the Formulary (#35) and is comprised entirely of products used in the treatment of people with HIV/AIDS. They must be prescribed by an HIV Registered physician, in order to be covered by ODB, TDP. There is no form, nor letter, that the physician needs to provide to patients nor to the Drug Programs Branch of the Ministry of Health. Many private insurance carriers will also cover these drugs. It is a fairly simple process for a doctor to become a registered HIV physician. None of the above drugs is on this list. Section 8 - This is a letter that your doctor writes requesting Section 8 approval, to pay for a drug through ODB or TDP, which she prescribes for you. If you intend to submit a TDP claim for a Section 8 drug, the date of the Section 8 approval must be earlier than the date on which the prescription was approved. Your doctor will know how to do a Section 8, remind him if you are planning to submit a TDP claim, to include this information. Expanded Access Program (EAP) or Compassionate Access (CA) - This is free access to the drug, often in an experimental protocol. These are offered by the drug company, primarily before approval by Canada. Often one’s free supply is continued for a period of time once it is approved. Your doctor makes application for you. ODB - Ontario Drug Benefits - To get these benefits you must qualify for FBA or be a senior. Neither ODB nor TDP pays for drugs that are experimental. They must be approved/released by Health Canada. TDP - Trillium Drug Program - This is also an Ontario Ministry of Health program. It is an income based program for which you apply annually (April 1 thru March 31). It’s intention is to give financial assistance to people who are not eligible for FBA/ODB and who have high drug costs. Your pharmacist will have application/information packets. Use only the packets/applications with the orange stripe. TDP will NO longer accept the green striped application. Printed with permission from Hemophilia Ontario, AIDS Program (416) 972-0641 Information subject to change and was accurate on December 19, 1996 �AIDS Teaching Tool Developed for Aborism^l People Article reprinted with permission from Canadian AIDS News, Volume ix. Number 2, fall 1996. Poster reprinted with permission from Gabe Kakeway. H1V/A1VS Wheel An interpretation of the medicine wheel based on the ancient symbol of the circle explains how HIV affects all aspects of life: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It also shows how a person living with HIV passes through cycles of growth from an infant, to a youth, an adult and an elder. The concept and design of this wheel came from Leonard Johnston, who with Frederick Haineault, were co-founders of Healing Our Spirit, the BC First Nations AIDS Prevention Society in Vancouver. Leonard and Frederick used the HIV/AIDS wheel to incorporate Aboriginal teachings into their HIV prevention work. Leonard and Frederick have both since passed away due to complications related to AIDS. HIV/AIDS Teaching Turtle Poster This poster integrates the HIV/AIDS wheel into the body of an animal recognized as a spiritual guide by Aboriginal people. The turtle symbol includes the colours of the four directions: east as yellow, south as red, west as black, north as white. The colours of the four elements of creation are also noted: blue for water, green for plants, brown for earth and purple for fire. The poster shows how a person living with HIV can find support and healing from the physician or traditional healer, counsellors and family, and community members. This tool is unique because it identifies staying healthy as being in tune with the environment. The concept and design for this tool came from Gabe Kakeway of Grand Council Treaty #3 in Kenora, Ontario. �dear robbie; IMHO by Rob MacKay Well, here we are with a new issue of Re-ACTBelieve. And for all you information hungry readers, we have a new feature! ''dear robbie; IMHO", will attempt to answer all those hard to ask questions in a fun and informative way. if you are one ofthose acronym hounds and can't quite figure IMHO, it stands for "In My Humble Opinion". However, a good friend of mine once told me that it really means you can say whatever you want in print, as long as you end it with IMHO. dear robbie, I was recently in a situation that I didn't know how to handle and I need your advice. In the staff coffee room at work, we frequently run into problems with people using coffee mugs other than their own. One of my co-workers, sick of retrieving her cup, placed an "HIV Positive" sign on her mug as a deterrent. I was infuriated and felt that our AIDS education efforts had somehow failed- What could I have done to address this situation*’ Signed, Infuriated- interesting questions, if you feel you need more information, be sure to ask our knowledgeable Education Coordinator at ACT-B. IMHO; robbie dear robbie, My boyfriend was in a fight and came home with blood on his shirt. Is dried blood infectious*’ Do I run a risk of contracting HIV if I wash his clothes with mine*’ Should I be tested*’ Signed Scared. Dear Infuriated, Why drink from it of course! Sometimes the only way to combat ignorance is to confront it. Your co­ worker was very clever to capitalize on unrealistic fear to get what she wanted- Unfortunately her goal is very selfish and shortsighted- You, my friend, a re seeing the larger and more important picture. You may however be wrong in assuming we have failed at AIDS education in North America has had a monumental effect on reducing infection rates and increasing knowledge about transmission. But as they say, "it ain't over till the horizontally challenged lady sings". So, sit back, pour yourself a cupa Java in that Dear Scared, HIV is a very difficult thing to transmit. Unless you get the blood Cor other body fluid) of an infected person in your blood stream, you are not at risk. Also, HIV is a very fragile virus, outside the "host", it dies very quickly. Soooooo, unless your boyfriend had unprotected anal intercourse with the man before he beat him up, you don't have too much to worry about. The "should you be tested" question I cannot answer. You may very well have other risk factors, robbie suggests you seek out a trained HIV counsellor or educator so that you can examine ALL your risk factors before deciding if you should be tested- marked cup, and be prepared to answer some IMHO; robbie. AIDS education. We just aren't done yet. Please address your questions for "dear robbie" to teACT-Believe. Address is on page 8. 6- - �Who’s “hi Control”? ACT-B Publishing Success Story Over the years, ACT-B has produced a variety of successful prevention and education materials. Most recently, we reprinted IN CONTROL Maintaining Healthy Sex: A Brochure for Gay and Bisexual Men. This brochure, developed in Thunder Bay, has sold over 12,500 copies — many of them in the United States. In a simple and visually appealing way, IN CONTROL looks at the difficulties men face in trying to consistently practise safer sex. Copies of the brochure are once again available. Please call 345-1516 for a sample copy and pricing information. DiO you know. . . The Toronto Department of Public Health reports that 65% of males and 47% of females will have had three or more sexual partners by the time they graduate from high school. And, despite the barrage of safer sex messages aimed at teenagers, only 27% of adolescents report using a condom the first time they had sexual intercourse. -SOURCE: The Globe & Mail, February 15, 1997 continuedfrom page 1. . . . the AIDS epidemic. This investment together with the efforts of provinces, the medical and research community, community organizations, and people living with HIV and AIDS has led to tangible progress in research, education, prevention , care and treatment. Canada now has an effective community support network, while research and fast-tracking of drug approvals has led to improved drug therapies and new hope for those living with HIV and AIDS. As the incidence of HIV and AIDS continues to increase, however, it is clear that we must continue our efforts. A new Liberal government will extend the National AIDS Strategy at current funding levels for an additional five years (Ed. Note: through March 31, 2002)". The above is an election promise. At this writing, we do not know who will form the next Federal government. From the Liberals’ own words, it is clear that AIDS is an election issue. If you want further details about what you can do during and after the election campaign, call our office at (807)345-1516. And again, thank you for all of your support. - - Rick Atkinson Receives Gary Gillum Awart> This award is presented to three Canadians who demonstrate exemplary achievements in promoting social responsibility in credit unions. Rick has been on the Bay Credit Union Board since 1989. He has also served on ACT-B’s Board for the past 6 years. Rick has worked as a community legal worker in many capacities and provides representation and legal advice to clients in all areas of “poverty law”. He has always been a strong advocate of social responsibility. Congratulations Rick! Jo-Ann Jacorub fakes leave of absence! Volunteer Coordinator Jo-Ann Jacomb (also known as Jo-Ann Waytowich) will be running her play “/ Can Sing! (Can 7 I?)” at Magnus Theatre this summer. Replacing her from June 15 to August 2 will be Carrie-Anne Whidden. Good luck to both of you! 7- - �Parting GLvicc ACT-B Afcvisorvf Council Mothers Cupboard Gives Thanhs! Fred Ball The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay has been operating a small food bank called Mother’s Cupboard for the past four years. We would like to thank our community partners who generously donate to this project: Comcare Confederation College Students Kellogg’s Current River United Church Saan Knox United Church (Shuniah) Lakehead University Students Psi Master Chapter Beta Sigma Phi St. John’s Anglican Church Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Ogden East End CHC Addiction Research Foundation Co-Chair Crossroads Centre Family Physician Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Safety Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Co-Chair Mary Lee Barry Douglas Cave Richard Atkinson Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Murray Nielsen Diana Smith Nicky Tittley A special thank you goes to the First Presbyterian Church on Grey Street, who set aside Sunday, May 11 as a food drive day for the AIDS Committee. We were astonished and very grateful when boxes and boxes of food arrived at our door. Thank you for your most generous contribution. Rev. Don Uhryniw Pius White ACT-B Bo^rb of Directors Rick Atkinson James Budd Carmen Klassen Brenda LeSage Bruno Valente Pius White If you would like to make a donation of non-perishable food to Mother’s Cupboard, please contact ACT-B at 345-1516. Joyce Barnes Deborah Emery Steacie LaChance Rob MacKay Noel Ward Darryl Williams, President ACT-B StAff Janet Adams Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Daryle Dollan Jo-Ann Jacomb Lawrence Korhonen Michael Sobota The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: > Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau > Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) > All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. Substance Use Outreach Project Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Fund Raising Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Volunteer Coordinator Administration Coordinator Executive Director reACT-Bclieve Contributors Jo-Ann Jacomb Editor Richard Boon Design and Layout Rob MacKay Writer ACT-B staff, volunteers & members Yesl / want to become a member of ACT-B! / know that mif contribution will realty count! Here is mif donation of $lo.oo___, $20.00___ or The opinions and medical information offered by “reACTBelieve” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. $90.00___. Name: Please address any comments or concerns to Address: reACT-Bclieve P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807) 345-1516 | City, Province & P.C: Telephone: 8- - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 10 Issue 1 - Spring 1997 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1997 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2688/1997_reACT-Believe_vol10no2_2.pdf 3bab9fb79e5a9b0748c7effad01f5e49 PDF Text Text rcACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Fall, 1997 Volume 10, Issue 2 AIDS Awareness Week Issue The Changing Face of AIDS “Most Canadians think AIDS is someone else’s problem. They are sadly mistaken. HIV/AIDS continues to exact an enormous toll on our society. Medical care costs alone amount to at least $100,000 per person living with HIV/AIDS, but when indirect costs are factored in, this number rises to $650,000. Most devastating is the loss in terms of human life. More than 14,500 AIDS cases have been reported in Canada and at least 50,000 Canadians have contracted the virus. Each year, between 3,000 and 5,000 people are infected. Over half of these are younger than 25. The recent good news is that new treatments have helped lead to a decline in AIDS deaths. The disturbing reality is that HIV infections have increased since the early 1990’s. This preventable virus that we have known about for over a decade is spreading. Each year, an increasing number of women, gay and straight youth, Aboriginal people and injection drug users are becoming infected. The rising rate of infection means there is an increased need for new, bolder prevention messages, and increased care and support for people living with HIV. One way or another, we’re all affected by AIDS. I urge everyone to play safe, to learn more about HIV prevention, and to help reduce the spread of this dangerous and costly virus.” Jann Arden Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden is serving as spokesperson for the Canadian AIDS Society’s 1997/98 National AIDS Awareness campaign. The campaign is being launched on September 28, the date thousands of Canadians will be walking to show support for continued AIDS prevention, education, treatment and support. Under Our Cover... AIDS Awareness Week Schedule “Opening More Doors” AIDS Walk Let’s be Social “Dear Robbie” Here and There Parting Glance AIDS We're all affected^ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 �AIDS Awareness Week Schedule of Events Saturday, September 27 AIDS Awareness Week Kick-Off Social for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, & transgendered community and friends 518 Fort William Road 9:00 p.m. Sunday, September 28 Thunder Bay AIDS Walk 5 km. walk from Lakehead University Outpost. Registration at noon, walk starts at 1:00 p.m. Prizes, games, activities, music, food, friends and fun! Monday, September 29 Tree Planting Ceremony 11:30 a.m. Marina Park (Wilson Headland) Tuesday, September 30 Positive Talk About Staying Negative A workshop for gay and bisexual men. 8:00- 10:00 p.m. ACT-B Information Display - Confederation College Wednesday, October 1 Bar Night “Ken *s Night Out” Confederation College - Sharkey’s Pub 9:00 p.m. Information Display - Confederation College Thursday, October 2 Bar Night “Ken’s Night Out” Lakehead University - Outpost 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil - 7:30 p.m. Call ACT-B for details. “Opening More Doors” Regional Counselling Conference Information Display - Intercity Shopping Centre Friday, October 3 “Opening More Doors” Regional Counselling Conference continues Information Display - Intercity Shopping Centre Saturday, October 4 Information Display - Intercity Shopping Centre PHA Retreat (continues Oct. 5 and 6) Other Events Information Display - Village Clinic, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Victoriaville Mall all week Information Display - Smith Clinic, St. Joseph’s Care Group all week To be announced - Lakehead University, Port Arthur Collegiate Institute 2- - �“Opening More Doors" NW Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference I , The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will be hosting its 6th annual regional counselling conference, “Opening More Doors” during AIDS Awareness Week. This year’s conference will take place on October 2nd and 3rd at the Prince Arthur Hotel. Funding for the conference has been provided by the Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau. The conference will offer workshops on HIV counselling issues and the development of support systems in Northwestern Ontario for those living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. This year’s topics include: 0 Counselling issues relating to the needs of PHAs (Persons living with HIV/AIDS) who have children; such as disclosure, guardianship and treatments. 0 Barriers that people living with HIV/AIDS face in NW Ontario: Issues relating to living in smaller centres, attitudes, confidentiality and accessing resources. 0 Issues relating to youth peer pressure, sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases. 0 Counselling issues related to drugs and other chemical dependencies. 0 Counselling clients on current medical options. 0 Women’s issues: creating risk awareness for women leading to the early diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. 0 Pre and post-test counselling for individuals who want the HIV anti body test. 0 Death, dying and the grieving process: a focus on spiritual and emotional issues. “This is one of thefinest conferences I have attended. People from around our region so often feel isolated, especially when dealing with HIV issues. It was terrific to share ideas with others from Northwestern Ontario. Excellent!” Due to the overwhelming response to the conference, we are currently placing people from outside the city of Thunder Bay on a waiting list. There are still openings for registrants from Thunder Bay. The fee for the conference is S30.00 which includes all workshops and lunch on Friday, October 3rd. A $10.00 fee will be charged for those wanting to attend the opening or closing plenaries only. For more information about the conference, contact Joanne Books, Conference Coordinator at 345-1516 or 346-9388. 3- - �AIDS WALK Thunder Dai/ Have you registered for AIDS Walk Thunder Bay yet? It’s not too late! Form a team; encourage your friends from work or school to join you. Support each other as you collect pledges. Bring a pet, wear a costume, have your pel wear a costume, bring the kids; there will be something for everyone! This year’s Walk will be the biggest and best ever with activities for children, entertainment, food and games. The 5 km. Walk will begin at Lakehead University’s Outpost at noon on September 28. As a pledge collector, you will be joining thousands of Canadians in over 60 communities as they help to support the cause of HIV/AIDS. The lucky person who collects the most pledges will receive a trip for two to Toronto with a stay at the Delta Chelsea Hotel (courtesy of Lakehead Travel, VistaJet and the Delta Chelsea.) Second highest pledge collector receives a night’s stay at the White Fox Inn with dinner and breakfast (courtesy 1 YES! of the White Fox Inn ), and third prize is an evening’s stay at the Prince Arthur Hotel and show tickets (courtesy of the Prince Arthur Hotel.). Other prizes will be awarded for pledges greater than $150.00. All money raised in Thunder Bay stays in Thunder Bay. The pledges you collect are used to fight HIV/AIDS here in Thunder Bay on three levels: ♦ Support Services for persons living with HIV/AIDS in Thunder Bay and the region. ♦ Education ♦ Policy and Advocacy The active client case load of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay has doubled in one year. HIV is gaining ground quickly! Be a part of the solution! Fax your completed registration form to 345-2505, call us at 345-1516, or mail it to: Box 24025, RPO Dwntn. North, Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9. I’ll raise money and walk ‘til my shoes fall off to fight AIDS and support people with HIV/AIDS. Please send my Walker kit right away. Name: Street Address: Apt. No.: City: Province Postal Code: Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Employer/School/Organization Age: Sex: □ □ □ □ □ Team Name (if any): □under 18 C]l8-25 □ 26- 35 □ 36-45 □over 50 □M □F Please send me 1 2 3 4 5 Pledge forms, (circle one) I’ll take the lead in forming a team. Please send me a Team Leader’s kit. In addition to walking, I can volunteer my time. Please call me. This is my first AIDS Walk Canada. I can’t make it on September 28. I want to donate. Please call me. 4- - : �Vrotezisc Inhibitors by Deirdre MacLean, CA TIE This document has been reviewed by CATIE s treatment information staffbut not yet by an external reviewer. General: Protease inhibitors are a new class of drugs taken to fight HIV infection. Saquinavir (sold as Invirase), ritonavir (Norvir), and indinavir (Crixivan) are approved for sale in Canada. Several other pharmaceutical companies have protease inhibitors in development. Agouron’s protease inhibitor nelfinavir (Viracept) is in Phase III clinical trials. Glaxo-Wellcome, in partnership with Vertex, has Phase II trials underway of a product known as 141W94 (if you’re reading G - W material) or VX-478 (if you’re reading Vertex material). Pharmacia & Upjohn have a third generation protease inhibitor under development. Many other manufacturers are also working on HIV protease inhibitors. Drugs that fight HIV infection are called “antiretrovirals” because HIV is a retrovirus. These drugs interfere with the viral life cycle in order to stop, or at least slow down, the progression of HIV disease. A brief review of how HIV replicates will help explain where and how antiretroviral drugs work. How HIV infects cells The core of HIV is made up of two stands of the genetic material called RNA wrapped in a protein coat. It is surrounded by an envelope made of fat and protein. HIV is not alive. All living things, even single-celled organisms like bacteria, fungi, or protozoa, must breathe, eat, excrete, and reproduce. Viruses do none of these, except reproduce. cells. Different types of cells have different receptors. The HIV envelope has “spikes” on it, called gpl20, which happen to fit into the CD4+ receptor on a cell’s surface and act like a key, unlocking the receptor and allowing HIV to enter the cell. Two kinds of immune system cells have CD4+ receptors and can be infected by HIV: macrophages and CD4+ lymphocytes (also called “T4 cells” or “CD4+ cells”). After HIV has bound to the CD4+ receptor, it enters the cell and begins the process of replication with the help of its own chemical messengers called enzymes. First, the enzyme reverse transcriptase converts the genetic material of the virus (RNA) to match the genetic material of the cell (DNA). Then, this new viral DNA (also called proviral DNA) enters the nucleus of the cell. A second enzyme, integrase, inserts the proviral DNA into the cell’s own DNA. The virus has now “hijacked” the cell and starts making new viral RNA. Some of this RNA will become the genetic material contained in new viruses. Other viral RNA will go on to make the proteins which will coat the new virus. These proteins are produced as long strands of polyprotein which must be cut into the appropriate sizes. The enzyme protease (or proteinase) works like scissors to cut or cleave the polyprotein. Finally, the viral proteins and viral RNA are assembled into new HIV and bud off the cell’s surface. How protease inhibitors work... The process of making more viruses is referred to as replication rather than reproduction because the virus simply makes copies of itself. Replication can happen only after HIV has inserted its genetic material into the genetic material of a cell. Once HIV has entered the body, it infects cells which have a CD4+ receptor on their surface. A cell is covered with different receptors, like a face can be covered with freckles. Cells use receptors to communicate: they let information, in the form of tiny molecules, in and out of Protease inhibitors are drugs that interfere with the action of the protease enzyme. They block the scissors­ like action of protease so that new viral proteins cannot be cut to the right sizes. If the viral proteins are not the right size or shape, new virus cannot mature, and as a result, will not be able to infect other cells. Protease inhibitors not only work at a different stages in the viral replication cycle than reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors, they also work in different cells. As mentioned above, both CD4+ lymphocytes (CD4+ cells �or T4 cells) and macrophages can be infected by HIV. CD4+ lymphocytes usually die within 48 hours of being infected with HIV. Macrophages, however, may live for several months, continually producing new virus. Thus macrophages become “reservoirs” of HIV. RT inhibitors (like AZT, ddl, ddC, d4T and 3TC) seem to work only in CD4+ lymphocytes, but test-tube studies of protease inhibitors indicate that they may work in both CD4+ lymphocytes and macrophages. Drug interactions The protease inhibitors, and many other drugs, are metabolized (broken down) in the liver through the actions of the cytochrome p450 enzymes. Some drugs can inhibit these enzymes, which means that they perform less effectively. Others can induce these enzymes, which means that they perform more effectively. Potentially dangerous drug interactions can result. For example, taking a drug which induces the actions of p450 enzymes can cause a second drug to be metabolized more efficiently; which may lead to reduced levels of the second drug in the body. As a result of the lower levels, that second drug may not have a beneficial effect. A drug which inhibits the p450 enzymes can cause higher levels of a second drug to circulate in the body, which could produce potentially dangerous side effects. Side effects Although protease inhibitors are more powerful drugs than nucleoside analogues, they seem to be better tolerated. However, all three drugs can cause side effects that range from mild and annoying to severe and potentially dangerous. In clinical trials to date, the most commonly reported side effects of saquinavir are weakness or fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and headache. Ritonavir, especially in the first three or four weeks of treatment, can cause moderate to severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. “Dosing up” from half the recommended dose to the full dose over two weeks can help reduce the side effects. Indinavir users must drink an extra 1.5 litres of water daily in order to prevent kidney stones. Resistance & cross-resistance Over time, as HIV makes copies of itself, the virus can change its structure. These changes allow HIV to resist the effects of antiviral drugs. Resistance to protease inhibitors seems to appear after 12 weeks of treatment. Combining protease inhibitors with one or more nucleoside analogues may delay the development of drug resistance. To limit the risk of developing drug resistance, protease inhibitors should be taken every day, precisely as prescribed. If a dose is missed, the next dose should be taken as soon as possible. Never double a dose to make up for missing one. Some studies, both in test tubes and in people, have shown that protease inhibitors may be cross-resistant. This means that if HIV becomes resistant to one brand of protease inhibitor, it may also be able to resist the effects of other protease inhibitors. The development of cross-resistance will limit the choices of antiretroviral treatment. For example, ritonavir and indinavir are cross-resistant, which means that someone will probably not benefit from switching from ritonavir to indinavir. Summary: the good stuff Many researchers, clinicians, and people living with HIV are understandably excited about the arrival of the protease inhibitors. Dramatic results in CD4+ lymphocyte increases and viral load drops to below detectable levels have been reported. There have also been reports of ailments like persistent thrush or hairy leukoplakia clearing up after a few weeks or months of using protease inhibitors. If these promising results last for two or three years, protease inhibitors, especially when used in combination, will be a major step forward in HIV treatment. Reproduced with permission from Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE). For more information contact the CATIE's Information Network at 1 -800-263-1638. �AIDS AWARENESS WEEK KICK-OFF SOCIAL an event for the gay, lesbiani, bisexual & transgendered community and friends Saturday, September 27, 1997 St John Ambulance 518 Fort William Road 9:00 pm till 1:00 a.m. Cost: $6.00 a joint project of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay and Community Partners Friday, October 31,1997 Location to be announced (call 345-1516 for details) 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Cost: $6.00 Wear your most outrageous costume and party down! Discount priced tickets are available for members. An event for the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgendered community and friends! 5- - �dear robbie; IMHO by Rob MacKay "dear robbie; IMHO", will attempt to answer all those hard to ask questions in a fun and informative way. if you are one of those acronym hounds and can't quite figure IMHO, it stands for "In My Humble Opinion". However, a good friend of mine once told me that it really means you can say whatever you want in print, as long as you end it with IMHO. dear robbie, People keep calling me an "AIDS Victim". This bugs me because I don't feel like a victim at all. What's your take on this, how could I respond? Signed, Victim no more. Dear Rubber boy, I wish I did have the answer to your question! if we knew exactly why people don't always follow safer sex guidelines, the work of our education departments would be a lot easier. The truth is there are almost as many reasons why safer sex fails as there are people having sex. They break down into three main categories. Don't like condoms, "I'm not going to get it", and tack of education. The most common complaints about condoms are they take away spontaneity, intimacy and reduce sensations. The ones who don't think they will get HIV have a sense that they are invincible. Although not limited to, often these are younger people. Lack of education is not necessarily caused by the information not being available, but barriers between the information and the people that need it. These barriers include Organized Religion, School systems, conservative parents and others. "Victim Noun: One who is harmed or killed by another: a victim of a mugging" That's the definition according to The American Heritage Dictionary. Looks like we are victims after all... NOT. What that definition does not say but implies is that the "harm" was intentional. In my case and in many others there was no intent to cause harm. I don't feel like a victim and therefore I am not one. Individuals and the media have used the "victim" word to describe People Living with HIV/AIDS for years. We can't let a single word be used to clump us all into one big group. When someone uses the word to refer to me, I simply correct them. Victim no more, It's time for you to define for yourself whether or not you are a victim of HIV infection, and be bugged no more. That is a quick look at some of the reasons safer sex is not always practiced- The question now becomes, "How do we address these issues and effect change?" Many things have been tried by our educators, some successful others not so successful. I would LOVE to hear from my readers on their ideas! How about it? You be "EDUCATOR FORA DAY"! IMHO; robbie. dear robbie, Why do you think people are still having such a difficult time practicing safer sex? I know that it's a real drag to use a condom every time, but I will because 1 want to be safe, what do you think? signed, Rubber boy. IMHO: robbie Please send your education ideas for "dear robbie" to t-eACT-Believe. Address is on page 8. 6- - �Here <*ni> There . . . OOPS! You May Have Expired!!! “Learn New Skills and Network on Current Critical Issues in HIV/AIDS” “Breaking News . . in HIV/AIDS: Getting Together Learning Together”, a skills building symposium featuring institutes in treatment, prevention, education, care/counselling/support, and organizational development will be held at the Westin Harbor Castle in Toronto, ON, January 15 - 18, 1998. Health care professionals (doctors, nurses, social/mental health workers), and policy makers will join with the staff and volunteers of AIDS service organizations to learn new skills, network, critique best practice models in HIV/AIDS work, and share their perspectives on current and critical issues in HIV/AIDS. For registration information, contact Lorie Dunbar at the Canadian AIDS Society, (613)-230-3580, ext.l 19. Don’t check for your death certificate. But do check your membership card). If your membership card says 1997, you are alive and well and an eligible member of ACT-B. If your card has any previous year, or you don’t have a card, you are in real trouble! ACT-B’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is fast approaching. It will be in November (exact date and location still to be determined). But you must be a current, eligible member at least 30 days prior to the AGM to be able to vote. Members elect our Board of Directors. Most members renew their membership in the fall, prior to the AGM. If you take out a new membership now, it will be good for the remainder of 1997 and all of 1998. We need your active, alive support. Please renew your membership now (use the handy form on the last page of this newsletter). And call us next month about the date, location and special guest speaker for this year’s AGM! Trivia Quiz Can you name this ACT-B board member? Who ♦ Attended an international AIDS Conference in Amsterdam and had his wallet stolen? ♦ Spent until 5:00 a.m. at the police station filing his report - only to receive a copy written in Dutch? ♦ Had the suitcase with ALL the souvenirs “go missing” on the way to the Amsterdam Airport? ♦ Manage to make it back to Canada with no I.D.? If you guessed Pius White, you would be correct! Despite all these DISASTERS, Pius reports that the conference was an excellent way to make many personal and professional contacts. The highlight of the journey was attending the AIDS Memorial Day services. Pictures from his trip are on display at ACT-B. Fort Frances AIDS Committee??? Some folks in the Fort Frances area have been busy generating interest in the development of an AIDS Committee or group. If you live in the area and would like to get involved, please call Mary King at (807)274-3266. Goodbye Jo-Ann!! The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay bids a fond farewell to Jo-Ann Jacomb, Volunteer Coordinator and editor of reACT-Believe. She leaves to pursue a career in theatre and music. Good luck Jo-Ann! 7- - �iy Parting OUticc ACT-B Abvisorvf Covmcil Thank- You Thunder Bay! Fred Ball This summer, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay hosted our second annual “Cheesecake Challenge” at Harbourfest. We were able to raise $400 from this event and would like to extend our thanks to all who entered, judged and volunteered. Special thanks go to Anne Ciemny and Joyce Barnes for coordinating this event. We would also like to thank the Thunder Bay Art Gallery - Gallery Gifts, Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks and Magnus Theatre for donating great prizes! On August 20, we held an AIDS Walk Media launch and Pancake Brunch. Many volunteers helped to make this event possible. We extend our sincere thanks to Marge Cross, Lisa Clarke, Raili Clarke, Madyson Clarke and Myra Thompson for flipping the best pancakes this side of Finland! Ann Garwood also did a terrific job of soliciting donations of food from Maltese Grocery, Village Market and Safeway. Thank you all for making the pancake brunch possible! Mary Lee Barry Douglas Cave Richard Atkinson Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Murray Nielsen Diana Smith Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Pius White Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Ogden East End CHC Addiction Research Foundation Co-Chair Crossroads Centre Family Physician Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Safety Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Co-Chair ACT-B Bo*rt> of Directors Rick Atkinson James Budd Deborah Emery Steacie LaChance Rob MacKay Pius White Joyce Bames Charlene Burford Carmen Klassen Brenda LeSage Bruno Valente Darryl Williams, President ACT-B Staff Janet Adams Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry Joanne Books John Books Daryle Cano Jo-Ann Jacomb Lawrence Korhonen Kyle Poluyko Michael Sobota Carri Whidden The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: > Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau > Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) > All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. Substance Use Outreach Project Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Counselling Conference Coordinator Fund Raising Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Volunteer Coordinator Administration Coordinator Development Assistant Executive Director AIDS Awareness Week Coordinator rcACT-Believe Contributors Jo-Ann Jacomb Rob MacKay Editor Writer ACT-B staff & volunteers Vest / want to become a member of ACT-B! / know that my contribution wiU really count! Here is my donation of $1C.OO__, $20.00___or SfO.OO__ . The opinions and medical information offered by “reACTBclicvc” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Name: Please address any comments or concerns to Address: rcACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807) 345-1516 City, Province & P.C: Telephone: 8- - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 10 Issue 2 - Fall 1997 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1997 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2690/1998_reACT-Believe_vol11no1_2.pdf 45607e51982c6aa975a4b9039bb174f5 PDF Text Text reACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Spring, 1998 Volume 11, Issue 1 Spring/Summer Issue Outreach to Injection Drug Using Community In 1996, ACT-B created a Substance Use Outreach Program (SUOP). Health Canada (ACAP) funded SUOP. This program piloted a number of approaches to reaching Thunder Bay’s substance using community, including using peer ambassadors to do outreach, an advertising campaign to raise the profile of HIV and substance using issues, and a bar outreach campaign. During the past year, together with representatives of sister agencies from across Ontario, we were consulted by the Ministry of Health’s AIDS Bureau, about how to address the growing front of HIV infections coming from injection drug use (IDU). The AIDS Bureau decided to fund outreach workers strategically placed around the province where there was a high rate of HIV transmission from IDU and a high rate of drug use. Using the experience gained from our SUOP activities, we developed a proposal and secured funding for a new, full time prevention, education and support outreach worker to the injection drug using community. This position will carry forward some of the essential components of SUOP but have a critically necessary addition: support. ACT-B is pleased to announce that Janet Adams has been hired for this position. Janet has a long history of working in the addictions and substance use field, with previous counseling experience at the Smith Centre (Adolescence Residential Program), coordinating The Exchange (Thunder Bay’s needle exchange service) and coordinating ACT-B’s SUOP. We are proud to have Janet join our education and support team on a full time basis. Replacing Janet as our SUOP coordinator is Stuart Boland. Stuart, ACT-B’s newest employee, will coordinate the SUOP activities on contract until December 31, when SUOP funding expires. Stuart comes to us with experience as a staff member at Shelter House and training with The Exchange. Please welcome Janet Adams and Stuart Boland. If you have any issues or questions relating to HIV, injection drug use or substance use, give them a call at 345-1516. Michael Sobota, Executive Director SUOP Peer Ambassador Update The SUOP Peer Ambassador Program has been running since December 1996. In that time, we have had eight people working as peer ambassadors: Ryan Bureyko, Jodi Maguda, Michael Poulin, Anna Grizans, Erik Collings, Kylie Hancock, Tyler Tebbenham and Ross Filice. As the coordinator of this program (until April 13, 1998), I would like to thank all the peers for their hard work, creative ideas, enthusiasm and dedication to this work. Without their help, this program would not be the success that it is. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with these individuals on this important and exciting project. It was with regret that I said goodbye to Ryan, Jodi, Kylie and Ross. Jodi and Kylie have both moved to Ottawa and hope to continue with this type of work. (Check out Jodi’s poem in this issue of reACT-Believe). Ryan left the program at the end of April to pursue his education in Toronto. I wish Ryan, Jodi, Kylie and Ross the best of luck in their endeavours and know they will be an asset to any­ thing they undertake. Janet Adams, IDU Outreach Worker Under Our Cover ... Volunteer News Fundraising News ACT-B Resource Library Health Promotion Insert For Your Information Agency Activities Here and There Parting Glance 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ! 1 �oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 1? t VoCnntccr News t <g» 6y SoCCy Pafama^i - VoCuntoor Coordinator <g> *w* V OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO National Volunteer Week Salute to Volunteers April 19th to 25th was National Volunteer Week in Canada. Here at ACT-B we celebrated our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night on April 2nd. The evening began with volunteer Derek Buttars playing the piano. A message from Deborah Emery, President and Chair of ACT-B was read. We were then entertained by local singers Michelle Lenardon and Nancy St. Jarre. Both were great and everyone enjoyed their performances. Michael Sobota and David Belrose, as two of the original volunteers at ACT-B, cut the special cake that had been made for the occasion by Harri Bakery. 181 volunteers gave 7,245 hours of service to the agency in 1997. All volunteers received a certificate of appreciation, red ribbon pin, “thank you for volunteering” pen, and a special commemorative button (recognizing 13 years of volunteering at ACT-B). Those who contributed over 50 hours also received ACT-B Volunteer t-shirts. Volunteers who gave over 200 hours received Magnus Theatre passes as well - these people are: Anne Ciemny, Sandy Johnston, Linda MacKay, Michael Sobota and Pius White. Two volunteers were given special mention, Bob Baskerville, our regular driver, and Marge Cross, our Christmas elf and regular bingo office worker. Thirty long-time volunteers were also recognized with special certificates and lapel pins. These are people who have been volunteering at ACT-B on an ongoing, continuous basis for several years. The final event of the evening was the naming of the ACT-B 1998 Volunteer of the Year. Sandy Johnston received this award. Sandy is a regular receptionist, a regular bingo worker, and also does a lot of public speaking for us. She is very dependable and willing to try out any task we ask of her. She’s always available, has a great sense of humour and is a wonderful ambassador for our agency. She is also very committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Sandy received a “wolf’ t-shirt and an eagle candle, as well as a volunteer t-shirt, pass to Magnus Theatre, pen, pin and button. She also received a framed “Volunteer of the year” certificate and her name is engraved on the “Volunteers Extraordinaire” plaque that hangs in the reception area of the ACT-B office. On behalf of the agency, the staff, the clients and the board, I would like to say to the volunteers THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! Your gift of time which you give us as volunteers is truly appreciated. You gave us an incredible number of hours (7,245) and you should be very proud of the work you have done. Thanks again. The Thunder Bay Association of Volunteer Administrators held their 4th annual Salute to Volunteers at Intercity Mall on Wednesday, April 22nd. Over 60 volunteers were honoured by 33 member agencies. The 2 ACT-B volunteers who received special certificates are Sandy Johnston, our 1998 Volunteer of the Year, and Tara Kormish. Tara began volunteering last fall and quickly became a regular. She is enthusiastic and willing to try almost anything, and (this is a bonus for us), she is usually available at the last minute. Tara is friendly and sociable and a joy to be around. Congratulations to both of you for a well-deserved award. With Our Thanks The AIDS Committee would like to extend a special thank you to Marge Cross. Marge is our Christmas Elf/ Santa’s Helper. With the help of Liisa Clarke, she coordinated the Christmas baskets and stockings this past year. It takes a lot of organization and time to find sponsors and donors to put together a large project like this, but Marge excels at it. Our clients were very thankful for the wonderful baskets and stockings donated by both corporations and private citizens. Many expressed amazement and tearful thanks at the generosity of their community. Thanks again to Marge and Liisa and also to all the people who shared their Christmas with others. We would also like to say thank you to Shaun and Gerry Friesen at Shoppers Drug Mart on Memorial Ave. for their recent contribution of diapers to our agency. The diapers were well received by a local family. An appreciation is extended to Thunder Bay Cellular for supplying a unit for use over the winter holiday/new year’s break to Support Services. It was well used and provided a comforting link to clients who needed some assistance. ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) service bilingue disponible The Network 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca catie internet: www.catie.ca Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange 2- - �fundraising News Gy Jofin Booths - fundraising Coordinator - The Thunder Bay Rotary Club, Fort William The winter was mild and this beautiful spring - The Senator Norman G. Patterson Foundation - The Thunder Bay Foundation weather has many of us Northerners feeling - The United Way of Thunder Bay “New Initiatives uncharacteristically expansive. The fundraising Fund” campaigns of the last fiscal year were very successful. I would like to thank all those who contributed to them. AIDS Walk 98 on September 27th There will be many challenges this year: This is the easiest and most popular way to sup­ - several very large campaigns, especially the one for port the fight against HIV/AIDS in Thunder Bay. the new hospital in Thunder Bay, threaten to over­ Join us at the AIDS Walk. shadow other charitable causes. Over 500 people met the challenge last year. - more and more people are accessing the services of Put on your walking shoes and come on out! ACT-B - and, our local economy continues to shrink, unlike the provincial trend. We begin the new fiscal year with enthusiasm and hope, we will meet the challenges. We will fulfil our We need a few more people on our Walk Com­ mandate to provide prevention programs for this mittee. If you are interested, call John at 345-1516. community and support those affected in our region. Fundraising Notes The most important campaign of the year is the AIDS Walk on September 27th. If anyone would like to serve on a small Walk Committee, please call John at 345-1516. Last year the AIDS Walk was a great deal of fun and brought in over $25,000 to the AIDS Committee. The 98 AIDS Walk will be even more successful. Pledge forms will be available in the early summer if you wish to begin collecting pledges. Once again there will be some great prizes and incentives for those who qualify. The leading pledge collector last year brought in $1,710. AIDS Walk Thunder Bay Sunday, September 17, 1998 Lakehead University Outpost § □ NEW VEHICLE SOON Soon the AIDS Committee will have a new vehicle to replace our aged van. The first van was purchased in 1989 with funds ^ from the Trillium Foundation. It served the AIDS Committee well for almost 10 years. However, as it aged, maintenance costs kept escalating. Awhile ago, we began seeking funds for a new vehicle. Over the years, we have been searching for funds from a variety of sources to help us replace the van. At last we have secured enough funds to proceed with a new purchase. We would like to acknowledge the following for their generous support: - The Life and Health Insurance Companies of Canada -3 Supporting the Services provided by The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay in the fight against AIDS Yes, I want to participate. Please send me more information. Name: _ Address: Postal Code: □ - Yes, I want to help as a volunteer. Telephone:___________________ Return to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 �A07-ff /legotiftf //tfraty By David Belrose - Education Coordinator Gay Men and HIV/AIDS It’s not over yet Much emphasis has been focused in recent months on the changing face of HIV/AIDS, and we have noted that new HIV positive clients have been largely heterosexual. However, this does not mean that gay and bisexual men can quit thinking about HIV/AIDS, safer sex and healthy choices. Young gay men, in particular, need to realize that they are very much at risk for HIV infection if they fail to take appropriate measures to protect their health. “Homophobia Hurts Us All.” Youth have spoken at regional HIV/AIDS counselling conferences held by the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, and a World AIDS Day event in Dryden.. A regional newsletter called Northern Connection has been produced with the second issue due out in May 1998. There is a real need for support for lesbian, gay and bisexual adults and also for parents, families, and friends. In small communities it will be essential for everyone to work together to help improve the environment of tolerance and acceptance. Anyone working in social service or health agencies, or in schools should be looking at ways they can help make their community more accepting of diversity. Through the development of a more supportive social environment, young people will be able to enhance self-esteem, and hopefully make healthy choices about their behaviour. As part of our prevention effort, our Substance Use Outreach Project has utilized a peer ambassador targeting gay males. We also continue to provide information displays at community dances. However, we recognize that part of the risk for gay, bisexual and lesbian youth stems from the systemic barriers and discrimination they face. Therefore, effort has been directed to addressing some of these We are prepared to offer workshops to interested concerns. groups, schools, churches, or agencies on request. We can also assist people in setting up support Northern Pride, the support and education group groups. Please call for further information. for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth continues to meet biweekly. We encourage young people to Our Best Kept Secret make use of this free service. Over the past The Act-B Resource Library is the best kept secret number of months, we have been involved in a in town, but we want to get the word out - we have an excellent collection of materials (books, magazines, number of workshops and presentations dealing videos) that includes information on a broad range of with sexual orientation and discrimination. The issues related to HIV/AIDS. We encourage everyone Children’s Aid Society, Lakehead Regional to make use of this valuable resource. Family Centre, and Catholic Family Our staff will be glad to help you find the materials you need. The library is open Monday to Friday from Development Centre have all held workshops 9:30 to 5:00 p.m. for staff on working with lesbian, gay and bisexual youth. David Belrose and Barbara Spencer presented a workshop in the fall of 1997 at the national suicide prevention conference titled “Dying In The Closet: Sexual orientation as an often-overlooked factor in youth suicide.” Fort Frances held a community workshop on sexual orientation called 4- - �Pills, Pills, Pills by Ken Fowler, reprinted from “STEP, your hiv/aids treatment resource Winter 1998 ” Ken Fowler is a computer consultant and member of STEP's Scientific Review Committee Yes, they've changed my life, and they aren’t easy, but I've gotten into a routine with them. I was on monotherapy for some years and about last November my doc recommended 3TC, ddl, and Crixivan. I knew the scheduling would be tricky so 1 spent some time thinking about how I would do it. As you may well know, the ddl and Crixivan have to be taken on an empty stomach and not together. (That's at least two hours after eating and at least an hour before.) The Crixivan I took every eight hours and the other two, twice a day. 1 finally decided 7am, 3pm. and 11pm might work for the Crixivan. If I then did the ddl at 6am and 5pm that could fit, I thought. The 3TC was easy because it didn’t matter what my stomach status was. The implications were that I'd have to get started at 6am so I nowhave my radio set for that. I get up and take the ddl and go back to bed and listen to the news til 7. Then I get up, take the Crixivan and shower, shave, etc. From Sam to 1pm I can eat breakfast, lunch, brunch or whatever. From 1pm to 6pm I can’t. I’ve set my watch for 3pm as without it I'd certainly often find myself involved in something and forget. Five pm isn’t much of a problem as I’m usually ending something about then and if I forget. I’m usually thinking about eating pretty soon thereafter. If I haven’t taken the ddl yet, I do so and wait an hour before eating - that’s easy as it takes that long to get something ready or go somewhere. As long as I’m done by 9pm, I’ll be ready for the 11pm dose of Crixivan. I take the 3TC during or after dinner and again aim for when I first eat for the day. Once I had all this figured out and before actually starting, I took the list to my pharmacist - along with the other things I take and I started using my vitamins as “test pills” to get into the schedule. I put all the pills out each morning so the piles can always tell me whether I’ve already taken the pills or forgotten them. (Besides these I take 3 vitamins. Bactrim, and some Prazosin.) Well, as I’ve said, it works for the most part. When it doesn’t I'm guided by that schedule's philosophy. My system’s Crixivan levels will be best if regenerated about every 8 hours but if I mess up. 10 is better than 16. So, I take it as soon after 8 as I can and try to get back to the schedule (w'ith maybe a subsequent adjustment or so to equalize the intervals). On Christmas, when others had scheduled dinner for 3:00pm, I fudged the 8 to 7's and 9's for a day or two to make it work. I try very hard to watch the empty' stomach part of the routine because if the drugs aren’t being absorbed as best they can be the w'hole effort is probably not worth much. I carry my two afternoon shots around in an old Anacin box about an inch square and a little more than a quarter inch thick - it’s great. One afternoon when downtown my watch w'ent off and 1 realized I’d left the little yellow box at home. My philosophy is that probably the most important thing for me to do these days is these pills - so I left work early, got home about 4:00pm and took my Crixivan. In the old days I’d have stayed at work and at 5:00pm remembered it was time for pills. The pile had the next Crixivan so I took two more and then realized what I’d done. I thought I might not feel very' well that night but I -was fine. I didn’t know what to do next but since 1 felt fme decided that 8 hours after the second I should take some more so I did. Don’t remember now w'hat I did about the ddl but if it happened today, I’d wait an hour and then take the ddl and hope for the best. It isn’t just the pills, of course. With Crixivan I have to drink gallons of water or risk kidney stones which I’ve been told I definitely want to avoid. Drinking the water with the pills seems to work well - I’m sure I’d otherwise be likely to drink half as much. So it’s two glasses of water every time I take pills - except the ddl - the pharmacist thought they might be best with a limited amount of water. So, with the Crixivan and the others I get about 10 glasses a day. The worst part was adding the two before going to bed. But I’ve gotten to the age I guess one has to expect some nighttime bathroom interruptions. I can now, most often, sleepwalk through those and get back to sleep. It’s annoying but it didn’t all start last November. Normally I don’t have to be at work at 8:00am so I can fmd a convenient time in the morning to eat. Recently though, I’ve been commuting one day a week - leaving at 6:45am and returning home about 6:00 pm. If I happen to wake up about 5:30am 1 take the ddl and then the Crixivan just before running out the door. Otherwise 1 take the Crixivan enroute and get by with a little less water than usual. Then I snack from arrival through lunch. It works. My toes are numb all the time, I think from ddl neuropathy. But it doesn’t seem to be getting any worse and isn’t painful. (I try to walk a fair amount hoping the exercise will help and maybe it does - who knows?) I think the Crixivan sometimes makes me a little nauseous - especially if I have some phlegm in my throat. In the morning another half-hour back to bed can help - if there’s time. Some little breath mints or hard candy seems to help too. I don’t know what they do to my stomach status but pills won’t do me any good if I barf them up so I use the mints when the urge hits me. (The pharmacist had said that a cracker or something with the Crixivan could be ok, but the nausea isn’t necessarily right with the pills.) Anyway, the nauseous feeling still makes me cringe a little when I think of Crixivan or look at the pills or bottle. After reading Kabat-Zinn’s Full Catastrophe Living, it seemed wise to make a conscious effort to counter this reaction. I’m making progress but still have a way to go on this. I'm pleased that all the effort is so far productive. My viral load has dropped to and remained “non-detectable.” My life is certainly quite a bit more complex. And those warm summer afternoons when I see others walking down Broadway with fine ice cream cones my mouth waters. I also used to enjoy those occasional mid-aftemoon office birthday cake breaks more when I could partake. In short, being very “compliant” isn't a piece of cake but I sure feel a whole lot better than I did a couple of years ago. �HaaCtk Promotion by Daryle Cano - ACT-B Support Worker/Health Promoter How To Get Treatment Information From Home Are you aware that you can access HIV treatment information from the comfort of your home? If you own a telephone, you can call CATIE, the Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, at 1-800-263-1638. There is no charge for this call. CATIE is an independent, non-profit community-based organization that helps people living with HIV and AIDS make informed health care decisions. The calls are confidential, and the trained consultants can provide information on medication, nutrition, complementary therapy and medical conditions. You can also reach CATIE via the internet, if you are able to use a friend’s computer that has internet access. General E-Mail inquiries should be sent to: info@catie.ca and you can reach their World Wide Web Site at www.catie.ca. Their mailing address is #420 - 517 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M6G 4A2. If you have any further questions about CATIE, please ask your counsellor. CATIE is available to anyone, free of charge. Food For Thought - Submitted by Ingrid Buahene, Nutritionist The buzz word in the Health and Nutrition field is “organic” foods. The latest research shows that 60% of North America is interested in buying organic foods. But, do we actually get what we are pay­ ing for? Here are some tips on what the label tells us: 1) If it is on raw products - the food is grown and manufactured without hormones, pesticides or synthetic fertilizer. 2) On processed foods - the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients. 3) Made with certain organic ingredients - the food contains 50% to 90% organic ingredients. 4) Organic ingredients list means that it contains less than 50% organic ingredients. We have to take the time to read the information label to know what we are paying for. Stouffers published this recipe in a newsletter - try it and see how you like it: Alfredo a la Genovese (a main dish for one) 1 pkg. of frozen Pastaria Fettucine Alfredo 2 tbsp. chopped Genoa salami (about 2 slices) 2 tbsp. thawed green peas Microwave pasta according to package directions. Stir in salami and peas. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; microwave on high for one minute or until hot. Nutrition per serving: 435 calories, 15 gm protein, 23 gm fat, 42 gm carbohydrate Excellent source of vitamin B12. Next time we will talk about vitamins. �A Little Prevention Is Worth ... A Refresher on Preventing HIV Infections From: Hemophilia Ontario News Winter 1997 Vol. 29 No. 3 When someone in the household is HIV+ everyone needs to use their own razors, toothbrushes, towels, and washcloths. When handling needles, always: Intimacy & Protection • • • No risk: • Abstinence • If you and your partner are not infected and you only have sex with each other. • • • • Hold the sharp end away from yourself. Put used needles in a sturdy, plastic jar with a lid. Give the jar to your health care professional for safe disposal. Never put the cap back on the needle. Never bend or cut needles. Never remove the sharp needle from the plastic part. Never put the used needle jar in the garbage. Some risk: • Safer sex activities. • Safer needle use. What are safer sex activities? • Safer sex activities prevent contact with semen, vaginal fluids or blood. • Talk to your partner about safer sex before having sex. Make it your responsibility. • Use a latex condom correctly every time you have sex. • Use only water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubri­ cants such as petroleum jelly must never be used because they may weaken the condom and cause it to break. What if there’s an accidental needle stick? • • • • • • Don’t panic. Put the needle in the used needle jar. Wash where you stuck yourself using warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds. Call your doctor or nurse and tell them what hap­ pened. Follow their instructions. Read the following “needle stick” article. Home Infusions & Accidental Needle Sticks Home infusions have meant greater freedom for children and adults with hemophilia. Any attempt to go into a vein with a needle carries with it the possibility of an accidental needle stick even when one knows all of the “right ways” and takes appropriate precautions. Kids can wiggle when you least expect it or the dog can bump into you sending the needle you've just removed from an HIV infected person right into your hand or the I.V. line discon­ nects suddenly and squirts you in the eye. Many accidental exposures carry little or no risk of infection such as when infected blood gets on a skin sur­ face that is intact. Even some needle sticks carry very little risk. If any of these happen to you contact an emergency room, clinic or your doctor, as there is a prophylactic treatment, which if begun soon after the needle stick, may increase your chances of not becoming infected with HIV. You can be treated following the same guide­ lines as are used when medical personnel experience an accidental exposure to HIV. Depending on the exposure experienced you may be given a 30-day cocktail made up from the same antivirals used to treat people diagnosed with AIDS. If “post exposure prophylaxis” (PEP) is to be implemented, it needs to be started as soon as possible. It is thought to be less effective the longer it is delayed, but there are no data to indicate if there is a specific time after which it is ineffective. Long term effects of this therapy are not yet known. In an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. David K. Henderson of the National Institutes of Health, writes that the decision to support the use of postexposure chemoprophylaxis for [those] accidentally exposed to HIV is warranted, despite the short- and long term risks of such treatments. This information is based on the contents of these two documents found on the web site of the Canadian Public Health Association: Basic Facts About HIV/AIDS & Caring Safelyfor People with HIV or AIDS www.cpha.ca 5- - �Notes from our Placement Students What’s Happening in Support Services these days? My Placement at ACT-B By Sheila Berry, Support Services Coordinator by Me! Wiegand Recreation & Leisure Services Student Working at ACT-B over the last four months has been quite an experience. I have had no previous experience work­ ing in the field of HIV/AIDS. But what I have learned will be invaluable to me in the future. During the past few months I have worked with Fund-raising and with Support Services and I have performed all other duties as required. Some of my duties included helping with the Direct Mail Cam­ paign, The Healthy Sex Cabaret, and Bingos. I also helped in getting the Activities Program started. See you all at the next event. As my placement comes to its conclusion, I would like to thank everyone on staff for their friendship, support, their humour, and most of all their knowl­ edge. You have made this experience truly a re­ warding one. Meegwech. Thanks for the Memories by Colleen Miller Masters of Social Work Student #ijt% A Hello readers! I have had the awe- \ some opportunity of doing my university placement at ACT-B since the beginning of March and will continue until mid-June. Although I am working in the Support Services Department, I have enjoyed inter­ action with all staff at ACT-B. So far, my experience has included coordinating and implementing the Annual Health Agenda Re­ view - surveys and focus groups, support work and I will be co-facilitating a support group for Affected Persons. I must tell you that working at ACT-B with staff, clients and volunteers has been a tremendous ex­ posure to sincere caring and support for people liv­ ing with HIV/AIDS. I also want to plug the library at ACT-B, the resources have made a good contribu­ tion to my research project on the psychosocial is­ sues of women and HIV. My stay at ACT-B has been a pleasant personal experience and I appreciate the opportunity to en­ hance my professional social work skills. Thanks to everyone - it’s been great! 6- - In the past several months, the Support Services Committee has been working with the board, staff, volunteers and interested clients to bring people with HIV/AIDS together for support. Sandy, Mel and Clement have done the organizing and invite other ACT-B clients to join them. In their own words, “We are having lots of fun and laughter.” Activities such as bowling, mini­ putt and movie night have been planned and future events such as picnics, laser-tag, frisbee-golf, and much more will happen. This group is for friends, family and partners. Confidentiality is respected. Kids are welcome! To find out more about this pro­ gram, call 345-1516 HIV Positive Support Group will be meeting every Tuesday evening for the next six weeks, commencing May 5th. The group is for HIV positive people who are looking for friendship and mu­ tual support, and will be facilitated by Greg Adams and Judy Cameron. Confidentiality will be respected. Times for the meet­ ings are 7-9 p.m. For location and more information, contact Sheila Berry at 345-1516. Still life in the hearts ofstrangers by Jodi Maguda former Peer Ambassador, SUOP W W W w w w w w w w w w w w Once there was a leafofmy life, fallen from my tree of knowledge. Parts of my soul travel each vein. Parts of me not yet slain. Most of my purity is gone. Yet lstill live on? This leaf holds many secrets. This leaf holds many tears. This leaf holds a lot of laughter. To you I'm a stranger, nothing in your eyes. I’ve livedsooo long. I've lived so hard. My knowledge is extensive. Yet I'm so eagerfor more. You, you hold the knowledge. that I seek, that I want. Take then this leaf, this leaffrom my life, and ponder. What do you want? Take this leafand know there is still hope. Take this leafand know, that there is till so much more. Each person you lay your eyes on, Holds something inside of them, something so deep something so intimate something so.......... Necessary. ?? �Here and There... ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS For Information - We want to know how to contact you. If you are a volunteer who has not been contacted recently, or who has had a change in address, phone number, time of availability, or area of interest, please call in your current information so we can keep in touch with you. Call Selly at 345-1516. Now that the university and college school year is over and our student volunteers have returned home for the summer, we are looking for more bingo volunteers. Bingos are the 4th Tuesday of every month. It you would like to work at a bingo or you know someone who would, call Selly. Please keep in mind that the AIDS Walk and AIDS Awareness Week are coming up in the fall. If you would like to volunteer for these events, call ACT-B. Anyone interested in walking can call for a pledge form in early summer. About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 Or The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Information Line 345-SAFE (7233) About AIDS (HIV Antibody) Testing: Call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 345-7233 or 345-1516 Anonymous Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 Regular HIV Testing Call the STD Clinic 625-9544 About Counselling or Referrals Call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 345-7233 Aboriginal Healing and Science, can they co-exist? Why, naturally. by Gabriel Kakeeway, Aboriginal AIDS Educator, Northwestern Ontario After a few years of relating the principles of genetics and Aboriginal Medicine, I have come to a belief that they can co-exist. After this research the conclusion has been to nullify homophobia, AIDS phobia and HIV. The history of Canada will dictate that HIV reminds me of Christopher Columbus coming upon beautiful people which he termed “Indeo.” Some historical documentation was brought forth by Walter L. Williams who authored “the Spirt and the Flesh”, the sexual diversity of the North American Indian. His actual research lessened my own fears in regards to working with Gay and Lesbian people and therefore, enabled my logic to work with all people. HIV education concludes that all people’s hemoglobin is the same. Melanin, which dictates the shade of each person’s skin colour, is also consistent in that we are all created equal, so why the racist logic that is still prevalent in the aspirations of freedom for all. Anti-sexual logic may only work if a person wants to climb the political ladder, questioning sexual diversity has, however, become passe. In genetics we start out as female for the first 6-9 weeks while in utero. DNA or our genetic code then mixes in with testosterone, which creates a male person and a female default remains so that the fetus remains female. As basic as this information may seem, a blueprint is created. In current research, men and women are given personalities and certain individuals achieve feminine and masculine qualities. Therefore, genetics dictates it is okay to be diverse or different from heterosexual principles. In many societies, some of these people were hidden, and in earlier history practically “fed to the dogs.” This forced many North American Tribes to go underground with their roles as Medicine People, healers, crafts people and yes, even, warriors and peacekeepers. If people had warriors, common sense would let me know that I shouldn’t ask what people do in their bedrooms. Ask Bill Clinton. During the Residential School era in this region of the Northwest, open sexuality was then considered perverse. Perhaps this is one of the reasons some people have problems in finding out who they really are. As Native People have gone from dodem to modem in their teachings, we must remember that judgment of others is questioned by any religion. Hopefully we can establish healing centers that will assist in this endeavour. As I said, HIV reminds me of the current government system, the moment you get anywhere with it, it changes. 7- - �Parting Glance AG7-B Advisory GouhcIB Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory The following symptoms can be signs of many different health Mary Lee Barry Ogden East End CHC problems. However, many women who have the AIDS virus Karen 0'Gorman Addiction Research Foundation (HIV) have one or more of these. If you have any of them, you Richard Atkinson Co-Chair should have them checked out. Gail Linklater Crossroads Centre Vaginal Yeast Infection - (Especially if it comes back a lot or Dr. Gordon Milne Family Physician is hard to get rid of.) Discharge from a yeast infection is white or Carmen Blais Thunder Bay Indian Friendship cream-coloured. It often looks like cottage cheese. You may feel Centre burning or itching. Your outer vaginal lips may be swollen and Diana Smith Public Health Nurse, Thunder red and sore to touch. Sex may be painful. Yeast infections are Bay District Health Unit very common. Nicky Tittley Safety Coordinator, Thrush - This is caused by another kind of yeast infection. It Thunder Bay Regional Hospital looks like creamy white patches in your mouth or on your tongue. Rev. Don Uhryniw Current River United Church, Changes in your periods - If your periods start to be really Council of Clergy painful or very irregular or you are missing your periods, and this Dawn Kannegiesser Co-Chair is different from your usual pattern, have it checked out. AG7-B Board of Directors Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - The signs of this can be pain in Rick Atkinson James Budd your abdomen (stomach), unusual discharge from your vagina Deborah Emery Dawn Kannegiesser (which may be thick or foul-smelling), painful sex, pain in your Carmen Klassen Brenda LeSage back or legs, pain when you pee, bleeding in between periods, Rob MacKay Bruno Valente fever, nausea and vomiting. If you have one or more of these Pius White Darryl Williams, Pres. symptoms, you may have P.I.D. It is very serious. Don Young Hormone Changes - The AIDS virus can cause hormone AG7-B Staff changes that cause hot flashes, mood changes and some kinds of Janet Adams IDU Outreach Worker vaginal infections (such as a yeast infection). Secretary Cervical Changes - The AIDS virus can cause changes in the Christa Alsch Belrose David Education Coordinator cells (skin) in a woman’s cervix. The only way to tell if you have Sheila Berry Support Services Coordinator these changes is to have an “internal” check-up (PAP test). Stuart Boland Substance Use Outreach Project John Books Fund Raising Coordinator Daryle Cano Support Worker/Health Promoter The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks Lawrence Korhonen Administration Coordinator our various funders: Colleen Miller Placement Student > Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau Selly Pajamaki Volunteer Coordinator > Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Michael Sobota Executive Director Region, Health Canada (ACAP) Mel Wiegand Placement Student > All of the people involved in general fundraising reAG7-Bo6ieve GontriOutors and the support of many local businesses and Selly Pajamaki Editor individuals. ACT-B staff & volunteers Women’s Symptoms For HIV Infection/AIDS Can Be Different From Men’s Symptoms The opinions and medical information offered by “reACTBelieve” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to reACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807)345-1516 Fred Ball Yes! I want to become a member ofACT-B! I know that my contribution will really count! Here is my donation $10.00______ , $20.00______ , $50.00______ . other______ Name:_____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ City, Province & P.C:________________________________ Telephone:_________________________________________ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 11 Issue 1 - Spring 1998 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2691/1998_reACT-Believe_vol11no2_2.pdf d5319a80246476e5a51451ecb0ac297b PDF Text Text reACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Fall 1998 Volume 11, Issue 2 TAe'WaCfl WitA Us" Issue A Message From Don Ferguson Royal Canadian Air Farce, CBC Television On Sunday, September 27, 1998, thousands of people just like you will lace up their sneakers and hit the streets to take part in one of Canada’s most important fundraisers - their local AIDS Walk. You already know what a devastating impact AIDS has had on Canadians. But did you know that Canada’s HIV infection rate has nearly doubled since the early 1990s? And, that at the end of 1996 as many as 42,000 Canadians were living with HIV/AIDS? Looking at these alarming numbers really makes us realize that the struggle against this disease is far from over. Local AIDS service organizations (ASO’s) are at the forefront in this battle. They provide essential support services for men, women and children who are affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. ASO’s also promote effective HIV education and prevention programs among people who are at the highest risk for infection. When you join the AIDS Walk in your community, the pledges you collect stay with your local AIDS service organization. This means that every dollar you raise helps someone in your community who is living with HIV/AIDS. We hope you will join thousands of other caring Canadians and lend your support to this important event. Please, register to walk today. Your help will really make a difference to people living with HIV/AIDS. Thank you. Sincerely, Don Ferguson P.S. The struggle against AIDS is far from over. We can’t continue the fight without the support of generous people like you. If you aren’t able to join this year’s AIDS Walk, please consider making a donation to your local ASO or pledging another Walker. Your active participation is appreciated! AIDS Walk 1998 On September 27th, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will hold its biggest fundraiser of the year. The AIDS Walk will be held on the campus of Lakehead University. With increasingly more people in the region at risk, the fight against AIDS is entering a new phase. Recent reports have focused on the rapid spread of the virus in the Aboriginal population, among people who use drugs, as well as among youth and women. Thunder Bay is not isolated from these trends. Our community, our families and our children are being affected. Data from recent statistics confirms that two to four new cases of HIV + status occur every month in the Thunder Bay region. Last year, over $23,000 was raised in Thunder Bay toward the fight against AIDS. The funds you collect for this year’s Walk are essential. The following are just a few examples of how they could make a difference: • $25 will pay for a treatment news mail out to local physicians • $50 will buy diapers for a month for a HTV+ mother’s child • $ 100 will stock two shelves of our food bank • $250 will send a HIV+ speaker to Dryden or other towns within the region On behalf of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, I would like to invite you to sign up for the 98 AIDS Walk on September 27th at Lakehead University. Join us this year. Bring your pledges to the Outpost between noon and 1 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of fun for the whole family, with entertainment, food, face painting, fish pond, and much more. Come out and enjoy yourself and make some new friends. Call 345-1516 to obtain your team registration kit or to sign up as an individual walker. Come out and have a great time. Together we can make a difference. John Books, Fundraising Coordinator Under Our Cover... Education Update Counselling Conference AIDS Walk Health Promotion Insert For Your Information/Social Letters Here and There Parting Glance 2 3 4 i 5 6 7 8 ! �education Update “AIDS.... We’re all affected99 AIDS Awareness Week 1998 Moves to the End of November In 1998, National AIDS Awareness Week will be held 23 to 30 November, followed by World AIDS Day on December 1. The 1998-1999 campaign will once again feature the theme. The Changing Face of AIDS, but with some new promotional materials, improvements and updates. This decision was made by the Canadian AIDS Society after a survey of member organizations. In the survey, a significant majority of respondents selected the last week of November as the best time to launch the year-long national AIDS Awareness campaign. HIV/AIDS is a risk-espedaUy if you drink before sex or use injec­ tion drugs. HIV/ AIDS can be prevented. Learn how to prated yourself. Call: The rationale for the change included the following: No AIDS Walk conflict: groups will find it easier to plan the week if it takes place after the Walk (see elsewhere in this newsletter for more information), with more time to organize and distribute materials, and more access to staff/ volunteer time. World AIDS Day tie-in: World AIDS Day gets more media attention, and is better known than AIDS Awareness Week, so it will be easier to get stories picked up by local press. Planners can take advantage of the attention surrounding World AIDS Day, but will be provided with original “made in Canada” materials; focus, fact sheets, etc. CAS will also continue to provide planners with information about the global epidemic and its links to the Canadian epidemic. Advance materials: With project funding tied to a fiscal year that begins in April, there will be more time to print, produce and distribute materials in advance. Students/Youth: schools will have more time to plan (and to build HIV/AIDS prevention into the curriculum). This change will impact significantly on planning and preparation in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. We encourage everyone to make plans to hold events during AIDS Awareness Week. We especially urge students and teachers to plan classroom teaching and/or other school activities for this week. Please contact us for ideas or help in planning. Remember these dates: Nov. 23-30 National AIDS Awareness Week December 1 World AIDS Day 2- - ACT-B Enters Internet Age the We can now be reached by E-mail or via the World Wide Web. As of the beginning of August 1998, we now have a web site at the following address: http://www.tbavtel.net/ actb and we can be reached by E-mail at: actb@tbaytel.net. The web site features information about our services, upcoming events, such as the AIDS Walk, infomiation about how to contact us, and links to other sites. As the site develops, we hope to provide other news and information. We encourage you to check us out and let us know what you think. Our thanks to Paul Jasen, who developed the web site for us. Resource Update Library The ACT-B library continues to be an important source of information related to HIV/AIDS and related issues. The library has shifted location in the ACT-B Resource Centre. A number of new print items have been added recently. A TV and VCR are available to preview our video collection. A computer work station is now located in the library with access to HIV/ AIDS related software and internet capability. This will gradually be made available to clients, volunteers and other users. Come in, check us out and ask for help if you need to use the work station. Substance Use Outreach Project This project moves ahead under the direction of Stuart Boland. Two new transit ads have been developed and the first of these is now on city buses. The bar campaign continues with the safer sex puppet play updated and now called “Dick’s Night Out.” This project will close at the end of December. �"Opening More Doors" 7th ANNUAL NW ONTARIO REGIONAL HIV/AIDS COUNSELLING CONFERENCE Thursday, October 15th and Friday, October 16th, 1998 This annual conference focuses on counselling issues relating to HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Committee welcomes health care workers, counsellors, clergy, people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs), and their family and friends to attend. The registration fee is $30.00, which includes all 9 workshops and meals. There is no charge for PHAs. A fee of $10.00 will be charged for those wishing to attend the plenaries only. This event is funded by the Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau. The conference opens with "The 2nd Decade of HIV/ AIDS: A look at where we are at the end of the 90's." This workshop will set the tone for the conference, providing an overview of AIDS and how it has evolved since the early 1980's up to the present. That same evening, we will host “Treatment Information Night", a dinner and workshop focusing on current medical options for those living with HIV/AIDS. Our guest speakers for the evening are two HIV specialists, Dr. Cary Rubin and Dr. John Goodhew. Both doc­ tors attended the World AIDS Conference in Geneva, Switzerland and will share with participants the latest advances in HIV treatment and prevention. This workshop is spon­ sored by Merck Frosst, Glaxo Wellcome, Agouran, Brystol-Myers Squibb, and Abbott Laboratories Limited. Other workshop topics include: ♦ Counselling Aboriginal populations ♦ Issues relating to youth peer pressure, sexuality and STDs ♦ Counselling children and family members of someone living with HIV/AIDS ♦ HIV/AIDS and issues related to alcohol and other chemical dependencies including in­ jection drug use ♦ How to facilitate a support group ♦ Women and HIV/AIDS ♦ Issues related to HIV/AIDS, mental illness and mental health For more information, please contact: Joanne Books, Conference Coordinator At 807-346-9388 or 807-345-1516 3- - �AIDS WALK T&tihder Bay Have you registered for AIDS Walk Thunder Bay also be prizes for teams and for pets. There are also yet? It’s not too late! Form a team, encourage your incentive prizes - collect over $200 and receive an friends from work or school to join you. Support AIDS Walk key chain; collect over $300 and receive each other as you collect pledges. Bring a pet, wear an embroidered AIDS Walk windbreaker; collect a costume, have your pet wear a costume, bring the over $500 and receive a windbreaker and a $50 gift kids; there will be something for everyone! certificate from Aldo Shoes. We have activities for children, entertainment, All money raised in Thunder Bay stays in Thunder food, and games. The 5 km. Walk will begin at The Bay. The pledges you collect are used to fight HIV/ Outpost at Lakehead University at noon on AIDS here in Thunder Bay on three levels: September 27th. As a pledge collector, you will be • Support services for persons living with HIV/AIDS joining thousands of Canadians in over 60 here in Thunder Bay and the region communities as they help to support the cause of • Education HIV/AIDS. • Policy and Advocacy The lucky person who collects the most pledges The active client case load of the AIDS Committee will receive dinner for two at the Valhalla Inn and a of Thunder Bay is increasing rapidly. Be a part of the trip for two to Toronto with a stay at a downtown solution! Bring in your completed registration form Toronto hotel (courtesy of Lakehead Travel and to our office or call us at 345-1516. Canadian Regional). The second highest pledge Register by 4:30 p.m. local time on September 1, collector receives a weekend for two at Grand 1998, and you’ll be entered in a random draw for a Portage Lodge. Third prize is a one night stay and return trip for two to any destination in North breakfast courtesy of Rose Valley Lodge & America served by Canadian Regional. Certain Restaurant (formerly the Unicom Inn). There will conditions apply. YES! I’ll raise money and walk ‘til my shoes fall off to fight AIDS and to support people with HIV/AIDS. Please send my Walker kit right away. Name: Street Address: Apt.: City: Province: Home Phone: ( > Work Phone: ( Employer/School/Organization: Age: □ under 18 □ 18-25 Sex: qM □ □ □ □ □ Postal Code: ) Fax: ( ) Team Name (if any): □ 26-35 □ 36-45 □ 46-55 □ 55+ qF I would like 1 2 3 4 5 Pledge forms (circle one). I’ll take the lead in forming a team. Please give me a Team Leader’s kit. In addition to walking, I can volunteer my time. Please call me. This is my first AIDS Walk Canada. I can’t make it on September 27, but I want to donate. 4- - AIDS WALK CANADA A PLEBCE IS THE FIRST STEF �Vitamins - Submitted by Ingrid Buahene, Nutritionist Introduction The word vitamin was first coined in 1912 by Polish chemist Casimi Frank. The absence of anyone of these vitamins leads to specific symptoms of one or another deficional disease. Also, an absence causes a breakdown in our immune system. The primary source of vitamins is food. When ingested through a well balanced diet, vitamins become active substances assisting the body in achieving optimum health. There are times throughout life when we need vitamin supplements: i.e. taking medications which can impair absorption of nutrients. Vitamins can be classified into 2 groups, namely fat-soluble and water soluble. The 2 groups differ in their chemical structure, distribution in foods, and their functions. Moreover, deficiencies produced by the lack of each vitamin are specific. Fat soluble vitamins are absorbed by the intestinal tract with fats and require bile for their absorption. These vitamins are stored in the body, especially the liver. Water soluble vitamins are readily absorbed, but the body does not store them to any extent. Therefore, they must be provided on a daily basis in the diet. Fat soluble vitamins: Vitamin A Required for normal structure of bones and teeth, maintenance of outer layer of skin and the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Bile is essential to the absorption of carotines from the intestines. The liver stores vitamin A and well nourished individuals have a sup­ ply to last for several months. Foods: Liver, kidney, egg yolk, butter, fortified margarine, whole milk, cream cheese, dark-green leafy and deep yellow vegetables, deep-yellow fruits. Vitamin D Required for the normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract. Adults get enough vitamin D through ex­ posure of the skin to sunlight. People who work at night and sleep in the day, invalids and people who wear religious habits may re­ quire a vitamin D supplement. Foods: Fortified milk, concentrates(calciferol, viosterol), fish liver oils, exposure to ultraviolet rays of sun. Vitamin E Required for the protection of red blood cells and to prevent coronary disease. Foods: Salad oils, shortenings, margarines, whole grains, legumes, nuts, dark leafy vegetables. Vitamin K Required for blood clotting. Hemorrhage is the principal finding in vitamin K deficiency. Foods: Dark green leafy vegetables Water Soluble Vitamins Vitamin C (absorbic acid) Required for the building of collagen, the connective tissue protein that ‘cements’ the cells and tissues together. The body maintains a normal saturation of vitamin C but excessive intake are eliminative in the urine. Ascorbic acid improves absorp­ tion of iron from the intestines and is also needed to convert folacin into folic acid; this is required for the formation of hormones, it participates in the metabolism of amino acids and is essential for wound healing and helps to protect against infections. Vitamin C is called the ‘fresh food’ vitamin; raw fresh fruits or vegetables all contain vitamin C and should be incorporated in the daily diet. Foods: Citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, tomatoes, broccoli, raw green vegetables. Vitamin B1 - Thiamine Required for the breakdown of glucose to yield energy. Adequate functioning of thiamine maintains healthy nerves, a good mental out­ look, a normal appetite and good digestion. Foods: Pork, liver, other meats, poultry, dry beans and peas, peanut butter, enriched and whole grain bread, milk, eggs. Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin Required like B1 is concerned with the breakdown of glucose for energy Foods: milk, cheese, meat, poultry, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, enriched and whole grain breads. Niacin Required for the stepwise breakdown of glucose in metabolism. It is essential for a healthy skin, normal functioning of digestive tract and maintenance of the nervous system. Foods: meat, poultry, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grain or enriched breads, cereals. Vitamin B6 Required for the production of antibodies. Foods: Meat, whole grain cereals, dark green vegetables, potatoes. Vitamin B12 Required for the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow'. It is the most complex of all vitamins. Folacin and Vitamin B12 are both needed for the formation of red blood cells. Foods: animal foods only: milk, eggs, meat, poultry , fish. Conclusion Vitamins should never be taken on an empty stomach. They should be taken a few minutes before the main meal or immediately after, so that they can be absorbed well with the other nutrients. Absorption on an empty stomach is almost nil. Next newsletter will present Minerals and Fiber. �AGGott Laboratories - A/cws Red ease AGGott Announces Difficulty Manufacturing Norvir (ritonavir) CapsnCes Company Plans to Substitute With Liquid Formulation Abbott Park, Illinois, July 27, 1998 - Abbott Laboratories announced that it is experiencing manufacturing difficulties with the capsule formulation of its HIV protease inhibitor, Norvir (ritonavir). “We have encountered an undesired formation of a Norvir crystalline structure that affects how the capsule form of Norvir dissolves,” said Arthur Higgins, senior vice president, pharmaceutical operations, Abbott Laboratories. “Although maximum efforts are underway, to date we do not have a solution to the capsule problem.” The manufacturing difficulties with Norvir capsules will result in shortages and interruption in supply of capsules. Abbott is planning to supply Norvir oral solution (liquid formulation) to provide continued Norvir therapy for patients. Norvir capsules currently in distribution are not affected by this issue. When used in accordance with the prescribing information, product on the market is safe and effective. “We deeply regret this inconvenience,” said Higgins. “Abbott is committed to doing everything it can to enable patients to continue Norvir therapy without interruption, and to resuming timely delivery of Norvir capsules.” The active ingredients in Norvir liquid and Norvir capsules are identical, as is their activity against HIV. Pharmacists and physicians are being informed of dosing instructions to address the capsule-to-liquid conversion. Abbott has contacted and is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) and other international regulatory agencies to address the problem. Abbott will be communicating with health care providers, consumers and the AIDS community through letters. In addition, the company has set up a toll-free number for inquiries and has placed information on its website. For health care provider and patient questions regarding Norvir liquid in the United States, call 1-800-637-2400 or visit www.norvir.com. Norvir is indicated in adults in combination with other anti-retroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection. Norvir has also been cleared by the FDA for use in children between the ages of 2 and 16 based on safety and pharmacokinetic data. Norvir may not be right for everyone, including people with liver disease, hepatitis, or hemophilia. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported in patients taking protease inhibitors. Allergic reactions ranging from mild to sever have been reported. Common adverse reactions include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, taste disturbance, tingling sensation or numbness in the hands, feet, or around the lips, headache and dizziness. Frequently observed adverse events may diminish as therapy is continued. Norvir should not be used with certain medications including some non-sedating antihistamines, sedative hypnotics, antiarrhythmics, or ergot alkaloid preparations. Recent projections estimated $250 million of Norvir sales for the entire year of 1998. While the company cannot at this time predict the impact of this Norvir substitution on sales, Abbott remains committed to meeting its stated goal of low double­ digit earnings per share growth. Questions Q. Is there a cost difference between Norvir capsules and Norvir oral solution (liquid)? A. Our price for the two formulations is approximately the same. Q. Am I at greater risk for resistance with the Norvir oral solution (liquid) formulation vs. capsules? A. No. Norvir oral solution (liquid) and Norvir capsules are identical in their activity against HIV. With HIV therapies, patient compliance is an essential component in preventing drug resistance. It is critical for you to take your medication at the prescribed dose and time recommended by your health care provider. If you have questions about the liquid, contact your physician immediately. �for your Information HIV. NEVER SHARING NEEDLES If you must take injectable drugs, never share needles or other works with other people. USE OF CLEAN NEEDLES AND SYRINGES Use of clean needles and syringes will decrease the chances of ac­ quiring or transmitting HIV. TESTING OF BLOOD DONORS In most developed countries, all blood donors are tested for HIV antibodies. Their blood will not be used if they are tested HIV positive. HIV IT AIDS 1 Jnfo. * From: Black CAP Links, Spring 1998 Some Facts About AIDS www.catie.ca The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Ex­ change (from British Columbia Centre for Excellence In HIV/AIDS, March 1998, Volume 6, Issue 1) The CATIE site, known as The Network, provides up-to-date treatment information from Canada and beyond. Founded as part of the activist group AIDS Action Now!, CATIE is an inde­ pendent, non-profit community-based organization. Its goal is to help people living with HIV/AIDS make informed health care decisions. The Network includes information on what’s new in the area of drugs, other medical treatments and complementary thera­ pies. There is also access to CATIE’s publication list on symp­ toms, diagnosis, prevention, accessibility, and treatment re­ search. An outstanding feature of the site is the fact sheets on every­ thing from Amphotericin to Viral Load Measurement, making it a great boon to everyone dealing with HIV or caring for some­ one with the virus. BACK - TO - SCHOOL SOCIAL An event for the gay, lesbian, bisexual community and friends &. transgendered I -fir ‘S’ •S' Saturday, September 19,1998 -ar -ar Ukrainian Labour Temple 203 Ogden Street 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Cost: $6.00 -sr SE^ SE%> S^lo E^jo E ^o s^p J^o £%> £^o 3E^ S ^o E ^o g ^ o SE^o £%> JE^o HIV is transmitted through the exchange of blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The major ways of HIV transmission include the following: • Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. • Sharing contaminated needles among injecting drug users. • Vertical transmission from HIV-infected women to their babies or through breast feeding after birth. While the above are proven to transmit HIV the following facts should also be noted: • HIV does not survive well without a living host, so envi­ ronmental transmission is very unlikely. • Casual contact through closed-mouth or “social” kissing is not a risk for transmission of HIV. • Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in HIV transmission. • There is no evidence of HIV transmission through insects. • There is no risk of HIV infection through donating blood. HIV infection is entirely preventable if we avoid certain risky behaviours. These are some ways to prevent HIV transmission: ABSTINENCE You may choose to abstain from sexual intercourse altogether or have sex only with the proper use of a barrier. USE OF CONDOMS When latex condoms are used consistently and correctly, they can greatly reduce a person’s risk of acquiring or transmitting 5 - - & �vj/ My name is Brenda Joy LeSage. I am a proud Aboriginal HIV positive woman, j mother and grandmother. I went public with HIV as soon as this disease was y given to me by a person who seemed to hate women. I also know women who \i, \j/ may hide their HIV status and risk infecting men. It works both ways. No mat­ \\/ ter what people tell you, do not blindly accept that what they are telling you is \|/ \[/ the truth. I believe I became infected when I was doing intravenous drugs. I 0 i!'and others in my circle of friends did not share our rigs. That was the rule. i o. During the time that I was seeing this man, I had been going through a rough emotional time. I got careless with my equipment and allowed him to fix me. He * was tripping on hitting me up. At that time, I was high and I didn't care about J anything. I was self-destructing. I don't blame him. After four years of coming Vto terms with this disease, through the help of the AIDS Committee of Thun';, der Bay, ongoing information, support groups, and counselling, and reconnecting y with my native beliefs, I have come full circle with my anger and shame. I know v,; that it is my responsibility to look after my own rigs. So, no matter what, don't vV believe someone you don't really know. If you are going to use intravenous ^ drugs, always know that if you get careless, you may end up with something you x,/ didn't expect. You will have to deal with the consequences. When you are drink­ \]/ \j/ ing or taking a variety of drugs that alter your state, you naturally might have vl/ sex. Always use a condom. Carry them with you. Read the expiry date. Use only y latex condoms. If you need lube, use only water-based ones like KY, or Asvl/troglide. Never use vaseline or baby oil. I have been a board member at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay for v,; the past two years. Being able to tell my story might stop someone from be­ coming infected. I take vitamins, follow the traditional path as best as I can. Vv This does not mean that I don't have my down times or falter, but I feel bet■' ter about myself. In my spare time, I spend a lot of time with people - on the v|/‘ street, in bars, coffee shops, in their homes, talking to them, telling my story, J'and educating my peers about HIV, Hep C and AIDS-defining diseases. They 'yare listening and interested. In the beginning, they avoided me. Now they ask '^questions and tell me their stories. There are still many people out there who t are HIV positive and not aware of the services available. I tell everyone I 2 know. There are also people who are afraid of being tested. It is only through persistence that I have been able to meet people who are otherwise under\|/ \i/i ground. I am a caregiver and enjoy helping others through public speaking, dis­ \l/ tributing information and supplies. It keeps me going. My only wish is to stop the spread of HIV. Meegwetch. / V1/ \l/ \l/ \l/ \|/ ' \l/ 6- - �Here and Tfiere ... ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS We want to know how to contact you. If you have had a change in address, phone number, time of availability, or area of interest, please call in your current information to Selly at 345-1516. We now have bingos on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Because of having two a month, we need even more volunteers than usual. If you can help at a bingo, call Selly. The AIDS Walk and AIDS Awareness Week are coming up quickly. If you would like to volunteer for these events, call ACT-B. Let’s begin this AIDS Awareness Week with thousands of Thunder Bay people wearing Red Ribbons. On November 21, the AIDS Committee will conduct a Red Ribbon Tag Day. If you are interested in helping with the project, call Selly at 345-1516. We will be needing a large number of volunteeers. AIDS Awareness Week will run from November 23rd to 30th. For Information About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 Or The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Information Line 345-SAFE (7233) About The Needle Exchange: Call 625-9767 345-7233 or 345-1516 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 About Regular HIV Testing Call the STD Clinics 625-5944 or 622-7585 About Counselling or Referrals Call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 345-7233 WISH LIST The AIDS Committee recently received the donation of a freezer for our Mother’s Cupboard food bank. If you have any freezer baskets or plastic milk crates that you no longer need, we would truly appreciate it if you would donate them to us. Our sincere thanks go to Ray Laird and Lawrence Korhonen for the freezer. When do I need to submit my application for membership? Membership in ACT-B Why should I become a member? According to the ACT-B by-laws, your mem­ bership must be received at least 30 days prior to the Annual General Meeting (in mid-November) for you to be eligible for voting privileges. There­ fore, the deadline for receipt of your member­ Membership brings with it many benefits. Becoming an active voting member of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay means that you: ♦ Have a say in the direction of the agency ♦ Have paid the annual membership fees ♦ Support the aims and objectives of the agency ♦ Can attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting ♦ Can stand for nomination to the Board of Directors ♦ Can elect the incoming Board members ♦ Receive the Agency newsletter Alongside these direct benefits for you, membership also plays a big role in direct benefits for the agency. Companies will invest in organizations where community members are willing to invest. A large membership speaks volumes to donors and grant providers; commitment from members often translates into commitment for more funding. So, you can be sure that your membership is helping the agency to grow and expand, in more ways than one! ship application is October 9, 1998. How do I apply for membership? The last page of this newsletter has a cut-out membership form that you can fill in and mail to the ACT-B office at Box 24025 RPO Downtown North, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9. For a volunteer-based social service agency, the Board of Directors is an important link to the community. The Board oversees how the agency runs and sets its direction. At the Annual General Meeting in November, a new Board will be elected. If you are intending to participate in the election, you must have a valid membership 30 days prior to the meeting. Call the office to check on the status of or to renew your membership. 7- - �ikP7 Parting QCancc ACT-B Advisory QoumcIS Other Things You Should Know - Fred Ball New Prevention Brochures Mary Lee Barry Karen O’Gorman Richard Atkinson Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Carmen Blais A new series of prevention brochures has been released by ACT-B. The three brochures provide information about the risks of HIV infection, and are targeted at hard-to-reach youth and young adult audiences. Based on material from the Village Clinic in Winnipeg, the brochures address oral sex and HIV transmission, sexual intercourse and HIV transmission and attitudes around HIV infection. These brochures use plain language and are designed for specific outreach work. Also new from ACT-B is a brochure called Safety in Body Art: Tattooing, Body Piercing & HIV/AIDS. Our thanks to Counterpoint needle exchange in London for permission to redo this brochure. Diana Smith Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Dawn Kannegiesser Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Ogden East End CHC Addiction Research Foundation Co-Chair Crossroads Centre Family Physician Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Safety Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Co-Chair ACT-B Board of Directors Northern Pride Rick Atkinson Deborah Emery, Pres. Brenda LeSage Michelle Mainville Pius White Don Young The support and education group for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth enters its fourth year of biweekly meetings starting September 8th. The facilitators. Barb Spencer and Dave Belrose, have been conducting workshops with local agencies, but feel there is a real need for schools in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario to begin to address the issue of sexual orientation and make the schools safer for all students. Please contact us if you would like to help in this effort to reduce harrassment, dropping out, substance use, and suicide. Parents, teachers, administrators and youth all have a role to play in creating safer schools. James Budd Dawn Kannegiesser Rob MacKay Bruno Valente Darryl Williams AC7-B Staff Janet Adams Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry Stuart Boland Joanne Books John Books Daryle Cano Doug Kanto Lawrence Korhonen Selly Pajamaki Michael Sobota The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: > Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau > Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) > All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. IDU Outreach Worker Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Substance Use Outreach Project Counselling Conference Coordinator Fund Raising Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Development Assistant Administration Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Executive Director reAC7-Bo£leve Contributors Selly Pajamaki Editor ACT-B staff & volunteers The opinions and medical information offered by “reACTBelieve” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Yes! I want to become a member ofA CT-B! I know that my contribution will really count! Here is my donation $10.00___, $20.00___. $50.00___, other___ Name:_____________________________________________ Please address any comments or concerns to reACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807) 345-1516 Address:___________________________________________ City, Province & P.C:________________________________ Telephone:_________________________________________ 8- - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 11 Issue 2 - Fall 1998 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2692/1998_reACT-Believe_vol11no3_2.pdf 6ae03592d5038d3db61bc0322b844e67 PDF Text Text reACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Winter 1998 Volume 11, Issue 3 ADDS Awareness Weed & HoCidav Jssne S9H ... The Faces of HIV/AIDS General Campaign November 23-30, 1998 Targeted Campaign Spring 1999 "As Canada’s largest prevention initiative, the national AIDS awareness campaign is central to HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, and ultimately to the health of all Canadians. It is an occasion to celebrate the accomplishments of the AIDS movement in Canada and to acknowledge the contributions of so many.” - Allan Rock, Minister of Health The 1998/1999 national AIDS awareness campaign, to be launched during National AIDS Awareness Week (November 23 to November 30), will build on the 1997/1998 campaign theme with modifications and updates. The Faces of HIV/AIDS reflects the reality of HIV/AIDS in Canada. While on one hand, people living with HIV/AIDS are living longer due to new and improved treatments, on the other hand, the number of new infections each year is on the rise. More and more Canadians are being affected. The campaign is designed to motivate Canadians to become more aware and involved in the prevention of HIV. In Northwestern Ontario, the change in the faces of HIV/ AIDS has been very dramatic. As of the fall of 1998, 95 percent of the people living with HIV/AIDS that come to ACT-B for services are heterosexual men and women, while only 5 percent are gay men. Many have injection drug use backgrounds, many are Aboriginal people, many have partners and/or children. The faces of HIV/AIDS in this area cover a : •; 7® broad spectrum. This is truly an issue that affects the entire community. AIDS Awareness Week offers an opportunity to learn more about the impact HIV/AIDS is having on your community. • Attend one of the events planned for the week: - ACT-B Annual General Meeting, Wednesday, November 25 will feature Dr. Richard Fralick, a member of the Toronto HIV Primary Care Group - Candlelight Vigil of remembrance on Thursday, November 26 - Public Forum on World AIDS Day, Monday Dec. 1 at the Waverley Resource library • Visit information displays at various community agencies • Drop in to the AIDS Committee, pick up information, browse the library, talk to a staff person • Call the AIDS Committee office or watch the newspaper for additional events and activities. David Belrose, Education Coordinator Under Our Cover ... Education Update AIDS Awareness Week Schedule Fundraising News Health Promotion Insert For Your Information Letters Here and There Parting Glance jjj| May the Blessings of ^ ^ the Season be yours ^ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& rr^-' n” wi— tv wi— n’' If** 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 �education Update and other factors that are critical to young peo­ ple's health and development including, in this an­ niversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the promotion and protection of their rights. Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign with Young People The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS) and its co-sponsors and part­ ners have chosen to focus the 1998 World AIDS Campaign on young people. The main reasons for this focus are: Over 50% of new infections with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are now occurring in young people in the 10-24 age group. Young peo­ ple are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and are being very seriously affected by the epi­ demic. Young people have the power to change the course of the epidemic. Young people are not only being infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, but they are also a key resource in mobilizing an expanded and effective response. In preparing their campaign, UNAIDS has been advised by a Steering Committee composed of its cosponsors (UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, WHO, and World Bank) as well as the Association Francois-Xavier Bagnould, Education Interna­ tional, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresceni Societies, MTV International, Rotary International, and the World Assemble of Youth. Note: The article above came from the UNAIDS web site. If you would like further information, please contact ACT-B at 345-1516 or visit the site at http://www.unaids.org/unaids/events/ wad/1998 The campaign will be a chance to sustain the mo­ mentum created during last year's campaign on the theme of "Children living in a world with AIDS" and to build on some of the initiatives that were begun over the past months. Similarly, it is hoped that the activities initiated during the course of this year will be carried over be­ yond the year-end, and that the campaign will be seen as an occasion to develop new approached and to achieve consensus about what needs to be done in both the immediate future and the longer term. Are you looking for Information about HIV/AIDS? Books Videotapes Audio tapes Reference/ Research HIV/AIDS Treat­ ment Information Brochures Posters The theme that has been selected for the 1998 campaign is "Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign with Young People." This highlights the intention of the Steering Committee that the campaign be used as a real opportunity to set up and strengthen processes for involving young people in reducing the spread of HIV, as well as mobilizing support for young people who are al­ ready suffering from the impact of the epidemic on their own lives, their families and their com­ munities. The campaign also provides a platform for emphasizing the links between HIV/AIDS Visit the Resource Centre AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 217 S. Afgoma St. (Algoma and Corn­ wall) 9:30-4:30 Monday to Friday Call 345-1516 E-mail: actb@tbaytel.net 2- �EVENT SCHEDULE AIDS AWARENESS WEEK 1998 Date Event Saturday, Nov.21 ACT-B Tag Day Monday, Nov. 23 Northern Access to HIV Care - focus groups for PHAs during day Healthy Sex Night for Men/ Healthy Sex Night for Women 7:00 PM Lakehead University Residence Conference Centre Tuesday, Nov. 24 ACT-B Bingo Wednesday, Nov. 25 ACT-B Annual General Meeting Unitarian House 7:00 PM Speaker: Dr. Richard Fralick, HIV Specialist Silent Auction Thursday, Nov. 26 Candlelight Vigil 7:30 PM (Silent Walk from ACT-B - weather permitting) Unitarian House, 129 S. Algoma St. various locations Condom blitz - Lakehead University Outpost Monday, Nov. 30 HIV Testing Information Night 7:00 PM Lakehead University Residence Conference Centre Tuesday, Dec. 1 “AIDS-Proofing Your Kids” Public forum for World AIDS Day “Force for families 7:00 PM Waverley Resource Library Change: World AIDS Campaign Auditorium with Young People" Other events Thunder Bay District Health Unit - Safer Sex campaign with “Lifesaver Lollipops” Thunder Bay Regional Hospital - lobby displays at McKellar and Port Arthur campuses Family Services Thunder Bay - information display Listing as of October 22, 1998. Other events/activities may be added prior to AIDS Awareness Week. Please call 345-1516 for current information. Take Note The Annual General Meeting of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will be held on Wednesday, November 25,1998 at the Unitarian Hall at 129 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. to conduct agency business and elect the 1998 Board of Directors. Guest speaker will be Dr. Richard Fralick of the Toronto HIV Pri­ mary Care Group. There will be a Silent Auction. Everyone is welcome. 3- - �fundraising News award for the most pledges collected by a group. AIDS Walk Success Thank you, Thunder Bay! The AIDS The fun doesn’t stop with the Walk - we have more fund Committee of Thunder Bay is grateful for the raising events coming up all the time. The next big event generosity of all those who supported the is the Tag Day on Saturday, November 21st. If you’re recent AIDS Walk. Whether you pledged a interested in helping out, call Selly at 345-1516. friend or co-worker, contributed a prize or sponsorship money, your support made this NATIONAL FOUNDING SFONSOt COMMANOIIAIK FONDATEUt event the most successful ever: $25,000 was raised to help in the fight against AIDS in Thunder Bay. Thank you local sponsors and contributors. Sponsors: The Outpost Pub, Bell Canada, Thunder Bay Telephone, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Dr. Donaldson Media Sponsors: The Chronicle-Journal, KDCX FM Contributors: Canadian Regional, Lakehead Travel, Delta Chelsea Inn (Toronto), Valhalla Inn, Grand Portage Lodge, Rose Valley Lodge and Restaurant, Moxies, Superpet, Zeller’s, Michael’s Hair Design, Coca Cola Bottling, Magnus Theatre, Molson’s, WalMart, Canada Safeway (Arthur St.), Neebing Roadhouse, Blockbuster Video, Good News Cafe, Fresh Air Experience, native Arts & Crafts, J.B. Evans, Morvision Video Productions and Balloon Thunder Bay. And, thank you to the National Sponsors of this event ( see the adjoining column). MOLSON Canadian OFFICIAL AllllNE OF AIDS WALK CANADA 'ft Tl ANSPOITl Ut AtlllN OFfiCItl 0U MAtCHfTHON NATIONAL DU SIDA !??• NATIONAL LEAD SFONSOI FA IT iN Alt 1 ASSOClt Maclean’s L'actualite ukuAMttf o+0CM*AflcmouQutllc ■ NATIONAL FAITNEK SFONSOtS FAtTENAItES NATIONAUX The Walk was a very enjoyable event, thanks to: Norm Sponchia, M.C.; Nancy St. Jarre and Patti Ogilvie, entertainers; the staff of the Outpost; the many ACT-B volunteers; Lawrence Korhonen and Christa Alsch, staff; and also the Walk Committee: Sherry Britton, Doug Kanto, Serge & Nicky Tittley, Carol Nicholson, Selly Pajamaki, Karen Vescio, and Carri Whidden. ALDO Shoes/Choussures ALDO Glaxo Wellcome in partnership with/partenaires BioChem Pharma Hoffmann-la Roche Limited/Limitee Merck Frosst Canada Inc. The Life and Health Insurance Companies in Canada Les societes d'assurances de personnes au Canada The top prizes for the most amount of money raised by an individual for the Walk went to the following people: - 1st prize: Teresa Miller who collected $1,767.50 - 2nd prize: Barb Spencer who collected $652.00 -3rdprize: Maria Fiorot who collected $555.25 - 4th prize: Selly Pajamaki who collected $505.00 Together, these four people raised $3,479.75. Our sincere appreciation and thanks to them and all of the other walkers who helped to make the Walk a great success again! Other prize winners were: - Kenora House was the LU residence that collected the most pledges - Westgate Collegiate & Technical Institute won the Red Ribbon Trophy for the most pledges collected by a local high school - the Golden Woodie was awarded to the 4th year Social Work class at LU - the team from St. Paul’s United Church won the team NATIONAL SUrrOITEt JfONSOtS SUFFOITEUtS NATIONAUX Abbott loborcrtorin, limited/lobora loir *t Abbott, limit** BmkJ-My»c» Sqoibb Pbomtocaufical Grawp/Groop* phon»oc*vtiqu« Canadian Corporal* N«wt/Commvnicotiom CCN CANPAR Trent port Limrt*d/Tram port CAN PAR Um Royol Bank Financial Grovp/Group* financier Bonqvt Royal* Tb* Printing Houm Lid Yahoo! Canodo www.yaboo.co A MOJECT OF / UN FtOiET DE LA Canadian AIDS Society SocitU canndicnne dusida in porftwrthip w.ih community AIDS orgorwiotiom ocroti Canodo /•n collaboration o>k Ui o'goniwn«t communowtoii*! d* lun* conlr* W tido d* lout** W» rAgiont du poy» 4- - �New Ways to Take Old Drugs By Greg Miller, reprinted from "STEPPerspective. Your Northwest Treatment Journal" Winter 1998 In the past two years, we have seen the introduction of two new classes of antiretroviral drugs, protease inhibitors and non­ nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. These new drug classes have greatly advanced the drug treatment of HIV infection. Recently, two additional drug products have been introduced, Combivir and Fortovase. These two products are not new drugs; rather they are new formulations of medications already in use. This article will briefly review these agents and highlight the advantages and potential drawbacks of each. One challenge facing people taking multiple medications to treat HIV infection is adherence to often complicated drug regimens. Due to the importance of proper medication taking, a current strategy is to simplify drug dosing by designing combination therapy with fewer tablets or dosing times per day. Combivir is an attempt to accomplish this. GlaxoWellcome has taken two of its products, Retrovir (AZT) and Epivir (3TC) and placed them into 1 tablet. This new product is called Combivir. For people taking Retrovir lOOmg capsules, 2 capsules 3 times daily and Epivir 150mg tablets 2 times a day, this change would provide a decrease from 8 tablets/capsules daily to just 2 tablets per day. Each Combivir tablet contains 300mg of AZT and 150mg of 3TC. Dosing recommendations are to take 1 Combivir tablet 2 times daily. This matches the dose of 3TC taken by a great majority of people who take this drug (150mg 2 times a day). However, doses of AZT are more variable. Common dosing schedules for AZT include lOOmg 3 times daily, 200mg 2 times a day, 200mg 3 times daily, and 300mg 2 times a day. Daily doses of AZT range from 300mg to 600mg per day, and sometimes higher. The dosage adjustments are frequently made to eliminate or minimize side effects that may occur with AZT. People who are taking AZT and 3TC separately and wish to switch to Combivir to take advantage of the simpler dosing regimen should compare their current dose and frequency of AZT and 3TC to that provided by Combivir. Because of the variety of AZT dosing, it may be impossible to match the daily dose of AZT a person is taking, the schedule of their AZT, or both. Be aware that any changes caused by this switch could have consequences. If the daily dose is higher, using Combivir may lead to an increase in side effects. If it is lower, or the dosage interval (time between doses) is longer, there is the possibility of different therapeutic effect. Often a switch can be made with little or no noticeable difference. Additionally, for people not currently taking AZT or 3TC who wish to start taking Combivir, the dosage adjustments made to AZT to reduce side effects or to 3TC because of decreased kidney function are not possible due to the fixed combination in this preparation. While Combivir may simplify the drug-taking regimen for people taking AZT and 3TC, the inability to adjust dosing should be considered when prescribing or taking Combivir. Adverse reactions associated with either AZT or 3TC can be seen with Combivir. These include fatigue, headache, nausea, insomnia, and hematologic (blood) toxicities, including low red or white blood cell counts, and effects on the pancreas or nerves of the hands or feet. Saquinavir was approved for use in the United States as a hard capsule with the brand name Invirase. The major concern with Invirase was poor oral absorption. Saquinavir is an effective antiretroviral if it can reach effective levels in the blood. Hoffman-LaRoche, the maker of Invirase, reports an average of only 4% bioavailability (amount of an oral dose that reaches the bloodstream). Efforts to improve bioavailability have resulted in the release of a new soft gel formulation of saquinavir, called Fortovase. The active drug, saquinavir, is the same. When taking Fortovase, the amount of saquinavir that reaches a person’s bloodstream is increased in two ways. First, the soft gel formulation increases the bioavailability (absorption) of saquinavir by 3 to 5 times. Second, HoffmanLaRoche doubled the recommended dose of saquinavir from 1800mg per day with Invirase (3 200mg capsules 3 times daily) to 3600mg per day with Fortovase (6 200mg capsules 3 times daily). These two factors, improved absorption and doubled dose, result in blood levels approximately 9 or 10 times higher when Fortovase is taken compared to Invirase. Dosing concerns are the same with Fortovase as they are with Invirase. They both must be taken after a meal, preferably a high-fat meal, to get the desired absorption. It should be noted that the recommended dose of Fortovase is 18 capsules per day, increased from 9 capsules per day with Invirase. This can be an obstacle to proper drug-taking for some people. While the number of capsules and daily dosage has increased, Hoffman-LaRoche has priced Fortovase at the same daily cost (i.e. 18 Fortovase capsules cost the same as 9 Invirase capsules). This means that the cost of each 200mg capsule of Fortovase is one-half the cost of a 200mg capsule of Invirase. Approximately half of the people taking saquinavir are using it in combination with a second protease inhibitor, ritonavir (Norvir). The recommended dose of Fortovase when used in combination with ritonavir is the same dose as Invirase in combination with ritonavir - usually 400mg twice a day. Remembering that Fortovase cost per capsule is half that of Invirase and the dosage is the same when used in combination with ritonavir, the cost of this double-protease inhibitor therapy is reduced by switching to Fortovase. One additional concern with Fortovase not faced with Invirase is storage requirements. Fortovase should be refrigerated prior to dispensing. When stored in the refrigerator, Fortovase will be good for the entire shelf life as indicated by the date on the bottle. When stored at room temperature (77 degrees Fahrenheit), Fortovase will be good for only three months. Care should be taken to prevent Fortovase from reaching temperatures higher than this. Side effects with Fortovase remain the same as with Invirase: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or stomach pain. As more drug is absorbed, there may be an increase in the incidence or severity of these side effects. �Mineral Elements - Submitted by Ingrid Buahene, Nutritionist Mineral elements do not exist in foods, but are combined in salts; for example sodium chloride. They may also be combined with organic compounds; iron in hemoglobin and sulfur in almost all proteins. Unlike carbohydrates, fats and proteins, mineral elements cannot be used for energy. They are found in all body tissues and fluids. We differentiate between macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those major elements that occur in the largest amounts, whereas micronutrients or trace elements are found in very small amounts. Macronutrients Calcium - 99% of the body calcium is found in the bones and teeth where it is combined with phosphorus and other elements to give rigidity to the skeleton. Calcium is required for the complex process of blood coagulation, controls the transmission of nerve messages, and brings about the normal contraction of muscles, including the heart. Food Sources - any kind of milk, hard cheeses, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower rate as fair sources. Among fruits, oranges contribute some calcium. Canned salmon gives calcium if the tiny bones are eaten. Meats and cereal are poor sources of calcium. Deficiency becomes evident only after years of inadequate intake - such as osteoporosis, especially in older women. The causes of the condition are complex, but non-milk drinkers are more susceptible than those who drink milk throughout life. Phosphorous - is essential for building bones and teeth. Phosphalipids - regulate absorption and transport of fats. They also regulate the storage and releasing of energy ac­ cording to the body needs. They supply enzymes that are required to utilize carbohydrates, fats, proteins and buffer salts in the regulation of acid-base balance. Food Sources - milk, meat, poultry, fish, egg yolks, legumes and nuts are rich sources. Magnesium - 60% of it is found in bones and teeth. Together with other mineral elements, magnesium regulates irrita­ bility and muscle contraction and activates many enzymes involved in energy metabolism. Micronutrients Iron - most of it is present in the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is carried in the circulation in the red blood cells. It picks up oxygen in the lungs and transports the oxygen to the tissues so that oxidation reactions can take place in the cells. From the cells, the hemoglobin carries carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled. Iron is also a constituent of many en­ zymes that are required for the use of glucose and fatty acids for energy. When the red blood cells are destroyed after their lifespan of about 120 days, the hemoglobin is broken down. The iron that is released is used over and over again. Food Sources - meat, any kind of organ meat, especially liver, legumes and nuts, dark green, leafy vegetables of all kinds. Fruits are fair contributors, dried prunes, apricots, peaches and raisins are rich in iron, but their infrequent use means that daily intake is not importantly affected. Molasses is a good source of iron. Deficiency - Iron deficiency anemia is found in infants and young women. Iodine - is stored chiefly in the thyroid gland, but is also present in trace amounts in all cells. It is an essential constitu­ ent that regulates energy metabolism. Food Sources - saltwater fish, shell fish. The most reliable way to ensure adequate intake is through the use of iodized salt. Zinc - it is part of the enzyme that transfers carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs, it is essential for the produc­ tion of insulin by the pancreas. Food Sources - it is widely distributed in plants and meats that are good sources of protein. There is little chance of zinc deficiency when a varied diet is consumed. Fluoride - exists in the body in compounds called fluorides. Traces of fluoride are beneficial in protecting teeth from decay and are useful in maintaining bone structure. Source - best provided in the water supply. Other Trace Elements: Chromium - involved in carbohydrate metabolism Cobalt - a constituent of B12. Copper - a catalyst for hemoglobin formation. Manganese - enzyme system, normal for bone structure, blood formation. Selenium - related to activity of vitamin E. �for your Information Women and HIV/AIDS Why arc women vulnerable to HIV infection? Women are biologically more vulnerable than men to HIV infection. Studies have found that male to female transmis­ sion appears to be two to four times greater than female to male transmission. This is in part because semen contains a far higher concentration of HIV than vaginal fluid and also because there is usually much more semen than vaginal fluid present in sexual encounters. The presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) which cause genital ulcers, such as chlamydia and herpes, has been shown to increase the risk of acquiring HIV infec­ tion in the event of exposure to the virus. Given that women often do not suffer from symptoms of STDs, they may go untreated and undiagnosed. Women between the ages of 15 and 19 report the highest rates of STDs and are therefore a high risk age group. The economic, social and physical power imbalance between men and women contributes to the lack of safety in sexual relationships and the difficulty for many women in negoti­ ating safer sex. To do so may have repercussions, ranging from stigma to fear of violence or abandonment. Women in abusive relationships are at a greater risk of HIV infection. Low self-esteem and the fear of instigating violence within an abusive relationship limit an abused »■«* »•«* !■«* *•** *■«* i* K** o woman's ability to insist on condom use with her partner. This risk is an invisible and deadly form of violence against women. In many relationships (abusive and non-abusive), especially with longer-term partners, there is a tendency to associate non-condom use with loyalty, trust or love. It also appears that fear of pregnancy, not the fear of HIV or STDs motivates condom use. Condom use therefore has shown to decline in women who rely on oral contraceptives as a method of birth control. Other factors associated with not wearing condoms includes an increased number of partners, embarrassment about buying condoms, difficulty discussing condom use with a partner, insufficient knowledge about HIV and STDs and the belief that condoms interfere with sexual pleasure. ...continuedon page 8 Service bitingue disponible ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) The Network 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca internet: www.catie.ca Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange catie ***■ »•<* ** t* *** K** »■«*- »•;** ***► A Message From Santa's Elves Christmas is fast approaching and here at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay we are once more in need of "Secret Santa's." Providing something special for Christmas has become an ongoing tradition which we invite you to participate in. The number of individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS has increased yet again. Unfortunately, this includes children. The reality for many is that once they are affected, their support systems vanish. The holiday season, where family and friends are stressed, is particularly poignant for those rejected by famil­ iar faces. We are asking you to take on the role of a "Secret Santa" by filling either a large stocking for an individual or a basket for a family. We will provide specific information, e.g. gender, age and interests, to make each basket/stocking meaningful. Should your schedule not permit the actual shopping, we will gladly accept a cash donation and complete your “Santa" commitment. Baskets and stockings are needed by December 17th at the latest for Christmas delivery. Please contact either Marge at 622-0462 or Liisa at 344-8443 to choose a family or an individual and make arrangements for pickup. Thank you in advance for your caring and gracious support. Mwige Cxcta and fata Ctax/U, Christmas ’98 Santa's Elves ** �☆ ☆ lir yV yy y ^ 'it The Light at the End of The year - by Michael Sobota ☆ 3 am writing, this newt the end of October. She earth is shifting and 3hunder Slag find* itself, tilted further and further awag from hath the light and wwimth of the sun. 3 now came to warii in the dwth and within a few- weeds will he, going home after the waxhdag in the dwth. We axe advancing toward wintex and the darkest dag of the geax. Shis is routine, expected, (<not a hig thing”. While these conditions lend themselves towaxd some difficult months ahead, theix flip-sides axe equallg relevant. Wintex is a time fox closeness, a time fox tucking-in, fox slowing oux hectic ☆ yy pace, fox contemplation and productive thought. 3t is a time when closeness yy is both sought out and forced upon us. (Is we head into these daxhlg rich, quietlg cold months, 3 am gxateful fox the ☆ preparation that 303-3$ has done to get us readg. 3his has been a thick, ☆ busg geax of woxh at oux ageneg. Some of it is vexg visible: if gou have visl^T ited oux location since last summer, gou can see the changes, you axe greeted with a warm and welcoming reception area and equallg warm volunteer reyy ceptienist. Some staff offices have been relocated to provide easier traffic yy flow, consolidation of like services, and a better sense of comfort and confidentialitg. 3his has been a geax of significant training fox staff, upgrading ^ shills and knowledge levels through participation in the (Ontario 333)S Afetwoxh peer shills building workshops, through regional and provincial confer^ ences, through local workshop and training sessions and improved peer netyy working. 0X13-3$ now has an ageneg web site and internet access. Other a equipment improvements resulted from one-time 333)S 3$ureau funding to the Ontario 333)S Afetwork. ^ 3s 3all advances into Wintex, the flow of people through oux doors hasn’t ^ diminished. We are being accessed bg more clients than ever before, we wel☆ come new volunteers each month, colleagues in health come to oux location yy fox diverse meetings. 303-3$ is a warm and busg place. 3he coffeepot is yy usuatlg on, ox the kettle available to be plugged in. We are grateful fox this busg utter-change of people and support. ☆ 3he light at the end of this geax - the external, phgsical light - decreases. Si☆ multaneouslg, all the inner light of all the hundreds of people whose paths ☆ cross inside oux walls, increases and multiplies, yeah, wintex is coming. Afot yy to woxxg. 3ag attention to goux pace. 3hank gou fox gear work. Qlow. ☆ Michael Sobota is the Executive Director of The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 6- - �Here and 7Acre... OOO O OOO OOOOOOOOOO O O O t ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS ? ^ I would like to thank all of the many Y ^ volunteers who helped to make AIDS Walk 98 ^ such a great success. There were approximately 60 ^ volunteers involved with the Walk - we would have been lost without them. In particular 1 ft would like to thank Sherry Britton, for the V Y fantastic job she did in soliciting prizes from local V Y companies; Carol Nicholson and her group of ^ ? volunteers for their work in the Children’s ? <5* Activity Centre; and Karen Vescio tor finding ft ft V corporate sponsors. ft *5* AIDS Awareness Week will run from § ft <g» November 23rd to 30th this year. As part of the <g» <§* activities, the AIDS Committee will conduct a <§* <5* Red Ribbon Tag Day on Saturday, November ft Y 21st. If you are interested in helping with the Y project, call Selly at 345-1516. We will be needing 5? ^ a large number of volunteers. Y ft Bingo continues twice a month, on the second T § and fourth Tuesdays, if you’d like to help at a ? ft ^ bingo, call Selly. ft oopooooooooooooooooo ^¥V1?V¥V¥VV¥lii>1?VV<iii,VV¥¥ For Information About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 Or The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Information Line 345-SAFE (7233) About The Needle Exchange: Call 625-9767 345-7233 or 345-1516 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 About Regular HIV Testing Call the STD Clinics 625-5944 or 6227585 About Counselling or Referrals Call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 345-7233 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Support Services Activities It’s fall again - complete with coloured carpets of crunchy leaves, early morning frost, crisp autumn air, the ever increasing threat of snow, and preparations for winter. Fall is business. Here at ACT-B it’s busy. • The AIDS Walk was a tremendous success with support from local youth, family, friends and col­ leagues, area businesses, and Westgate and Port Arthur Collegiate High Schools. • The 7th Annual Regional Counselling Conference took place at the Prince Arthur Hotel in midOctober and was a great success with over 150 registrants, more than ever before. • Positive Support Group is running for 8 weeks. The last session will be in the first week of De­ cember. Details on times and dates, call Support Services. • Friends, Family and Partners Group for people affected by HIV and AIDS is in the process of organizing for a six week session. If you are interested in attending, please call and let us know. • Retreat for HIV Positive people and people with AIDS took place October 29 and 30th. • Mother’s Cupboard is stocking up the shelves. If you would like to bring in some items for the cupboard, you can drop them off at reception. We now have a freezer, so we can accept bread, mar­ garine, meat and frozen vegetables. • Secret Santas are busy collecting goodies for Holiday Baskets. If you are interested in doing a stocking or assembling a family basket, individually or with a group of friends or co-workers, call Marge Cross at 622-0462 or Liisa Clarke at 344-8443. • Northern Access to HIV Care Study is going to be gathering information over the next few months to assess the level of health care available to People with HIV or AIDS in Northern Ontario. This project is sponsored by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and is being carried out in part­ nership with PHA’s, AIDS Services Organizations and various health-care providers across North­ ern Ontario. 7- - �iy Parting Qdance ACT-B Advisory Council! Co-Chair Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Mary Lee Barry Ogden East End CHC Carmen Blais Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Dawn Kannegiesser Co-chair Gail Linklater Crossroads Centre Dr. Gordon Milne Family Physician Karen O’Gorman Centre for Addiction & Mental Health Diana Smith Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Nicky Tittley Safety Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Rev. Don Uhryniw Current River United Church, Council of Clergy ACT-B Board of VIrectors Rick Atkinson James Budd Deborah Emery, Pres. Dawn Kannegiesser Brenda LeSage Rob MacKay Michelle Mainville Bruno Valente Pius White Darryl Williams Don Young Women and HIV/AIDS (Continued frompg. 5) Richard Atkinson Fred Ball Subordination in education, employment, social and legal status makes women more vulnerable to HIV. Women who have limited access to financial resources are more likely to become economically dependent on men, relegated to the subsistence sector or forced into commercial sex work. Attention to more immediate concerns of food, housing and addiction often takes priority over future concerns of HIV infection. Women also have a shorter survival rate than men diagnosed with AIDS. This may be due to: a) a misdiagnosis of early symptoms resulting in later diagnosis and treatment delay; b) exclusion from drug trials; c) lack of research in natural history of HIV disease in women; d) inadequate child care; and e) the way in which many women tend to care for others before themselves. KEY ISSUES ♦ ♦ An increasing number of Canadian women are contracting AIDS. Among them, 63% are due to heterosexual contact, 17% due to in­ jection drug use, with the remainder due to either the receipt of blood/blood products or undetermined factors. Women are one of the fastest growing popu­ lations infected with HIV. The World Health Organization estimates that over 15 million women will become infected with HIV by the year 2000. ACT-B Staff Janet Adams IDU Outreach Worker Christa Alsch Secretary David Belrose Education Coordinator Sheila Berry Support Services Coordinator Stuart Boland Substance Use Outreach Project John Books Fund Raising Coordinator Daryle Cano Support Worker/Health Promoter Lawrence Korhonen Administration Coordinator Selly Pajamaki Volunteer Coordinator Michael Sobota Executive Director Carri Whidden AIDS Awareness Week Coordinator rcACT-Boiieve Contributors Selly Pajamaki Editor ACT-B staff & volunteers The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: > Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau > Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) > All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. The opinions and medical information offered by “reACTBelieve” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Yes! I want to become a member ofACT-B! 1 know that my contribution will really count! Here is my donation $10.00____ , $20.00____ , $50.00____ , other____ Name:_____________________________________________ Please address any comments or concerns to reACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807)345-1516 Address:___________________________________________ City, Province & P.C:________________________________ Telephone:_________________________________________ 8- - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 11 Issue 3 - Winter 1998 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1998 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English