218 10 13079 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2684/1996_reACT-Believe_vol9no1_2.pdf 934d12da4ba291dfa1fbe95d105e99de PDF Text Text rcACT-Believc The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay CaII to Renew the "NAtiovtAl AIDS StrAtegvj by Michael Sobota, Executive Director The Federal government's National AIDS Strategy ends in March 1998. This strategy spells out the role and responsibility of the Federal government in responding to HIV and AIDS in Canada, and commits the government to certain levels of spending in making that response. Included in the commitment to spending, is support for research in Canada related to HIV/AIDS, the National AIDS Secretariat, to the Canadian AIDS Society and the AIDS program of Canadian Public Health Association. As well, the National AIDS Strategy delivers funds across the country to local community based AIDS organizations (ASO's) through the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP). Locally, that filters down to approximately $50,000 annually to ACT-B. These funds support our Health Promoter position, as well as our annual AIDS Awareness Week activities. Healthy Sex Cabaret, our regional social marketing campaign and a workshop series called "Positively Well.” S o the National AIDS Strategy plays a vital role in supporting important, national goals as well as significant community activities. The strategy is in danger of lapsing. To date the government has no plans or process put in place to continue the work against HIV/AIDS in Canada beyond March, 1998. The National AIDS Strategy, which funds ACT-B’s Health Promoter Position is in danger of lapsing. ACT-B is joining our sister ASO's in Ontario and across Canada, to urge action on renewing the National Strategy as a health priority. Meetings have been arranged with the Federal Health Minister to express this urgency. The Minister, while sympathetic, has said he needs to hear the support of local MP's from across the land, that renewing the National AIDS Strategy is important. We will be advocating vigorously with our local MP's. We invite you to express your own feelings to Thunder Bay's two MP's: Stan Dromisky (Thunder Bay-Atikokan) 1500 S. James Street, Thunder Bay ON P7E 6N7 FAX: 577-1905 Joe Comuzzi (Thunder Bay-Nipigon) 180 Park Avenue Suite 210, Thunder Bay ON P7B 6J4 FAX: 345-4752 A simple letter, calling for a renewal of the National Strategy in support of national research funding and local, community activities would be helpful. It is very important that our MP's hear from as many individuals as possible. Under our Cover... Education News AIDS in the News Profiles Focus on Fund Raising Volunteer Corner Health Promotion Insert —.................................. 2 3 4 5 6 ..— �EDUCATION SERVICES AIDS INFORMATION PHONELINE The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay has a range of services available to the community. Most of these are easily accessed in Thunder Bay, but we do offer services in the region on a costrecovery basis. 345-SAFE (7233) STAFF TRAINING, PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS We will tailor presentations and/or workshops to meet the needs of your organization. We offer agency work­ shops for staff, clients, or both. We can also offer workshops for schools, community groups, or others. RESOURCE CENTRE 217 S. Al5<miA St, ACT-B maintains a well-stocked li­ brary of books, videos, posters, pam­ phlets, information files (including treatment information), etc. We have a number of magazines and newslet­ ters. Most material is available free to the public on loan, or for reference in the resource centre. Condoms and lu­ bricant are also available free. Here is a partial list of the areas that can be covered: Y working with clients who may be HTV positive Y HTV/AIDS updates Y living with HIV/AIDS Y infection control procedures Y sexual orientation issues and/or homophobia Y legal and ethical issues Y healthy choices, including safer sex Available anytime for a recorded message. Calls during office hours (9:30 - 5:00 pm. weekdays) are answered by staff who provide information or coun­ selling on issues related to HIV and AIDS. SOCIAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN The campaign involves placing ads in regional news­ papers designed to combat stigma and work towards promoting a supportive social environment. We have completed the first two years of the three year pro­ ject. The first year involved four ads, the second year four ads plus a poster, and a brochure address­ ing homophobia. A disease breeding intolerance? Each year of the project has been Having HIV breading in one's body is bad enough Why should It also txeed intolerance? evaluated through People with HIV / AIDS deserve the same acceptance and care as anyone else a regional tele­ w«h a carious Me-threalening illness. 1 rad8 tearstor tacts for a tree brochure call 1-807-345-1518 phone survey. AUK Canter M o( Thunder Bay AIDS AWARENESS WEEK This is an annual event, that is part of the National AIDS Awareness campaign. Each year has a differ­ ent focus. In 1996 the theme will be "SUBSTANCE USE AND HIV". We urge communities, organiza­ tions, and individuals to become part of this annual effort. ADVOCACY ACT-B is involved in a wide range of advocacy con­ cerns. These include, but are not limited to, direct support issues. We attempt to keep abreast of emerg­ ing issues and act when appropriate. These have in­ cluded access to treatments and drugs, the cost of treatments, sexual orientation concerns, language and human rights issues. We often work in concert with the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society. �AIDS m the news ♦ AIDS STAMP Canada ’s first AIDS stamp was unveiled on May 8, 1996 On May 8, 1996, AIDS Service orga­ nizations and Canada Post joined to unveil Canada's first commemorative AIDS stamp. Created by Joe Average, the design features a multi-coloured stained glass window of faces with a heart at it's centre. It was commis­ sioned for the XI Interna­ tional Conference on AIDS, which is being held in Vancouver from July 7 to 12, 1996. In Thunder Bay, our presentation was held at Keskus Mall on Saturday, May 11. Philatilists were able to purchase limited edition stamps that were em­ bossed with a "day of issue" and ACT-B butterfly logo stamp. The stamps are an attractive addition to collections. Get yours at your local Post Office. Center, Treatment Center, Global Link, In­ formation for Patients, Patient Support Groups, and a Glossary. Not all of the links are fully developed, but there is some very useful, readily available information here. This "web" site has some valuable medical information. I have been to the site and downloaded several files. Some of the more interesting articles include: "Evaluation and Management of Early HIV Infection: Clinical Practice Guidelines" This article is about 200 pages (takes 10 minutes to download) and contains in­ formation on Drug Regimens for Adults and Adolescents, Drug Regimens for Children, and Standards of Care and Prophylaxis for opportunistic disease. If you are looking for information about HIV/AIDS treatments, call The Network. This is a FREE service sponsored by Health Canada. All information is current and your call is confidential. Check it out! WEB SITE The AMA has introduced a new valu­ able resource for HIV/AIDS informa­ tion supported by a grant for Glaxo Wellcome on the Internet. The ad­ dress for this new resource is "http://www. ama-assn. org/special /h iv/h ivh ome. htm It provides information in 9 cate­ gories: Journal Scan (the most recent significant HIV publications), Newsline, Practice Guidelines, Ethics setvke Wingue disponible The ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Tuesday — Thursday 10:00om to 10:00pm (Eastern im) Friday 10:00om to 7:00pm (Eastern Time) Comprehensive, up to date information about HIV/AIDS treatments Network 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information MSE. �Profiles by Jo-Ann Jacomb, Volunteer Coordinator Richard DeVuono The first time I saw Richard DeVuono, he was wear­ ing a bright crimson coloured sports jacket with a perfectly matching tie. I was impressed. The second time I saw Richard DeVuono, I heard him laugh; one of those laughs that cuts through a crowded room - the contagious kind that makes you want to laugh along. I was impressed. Rick is an all round good guy. He is a de­ voted and conscientious volunteer who brings a wealth of business knowledge to the AIDS Committee. I am still impressed. Rick's interests are varied and numer­ ous. He enjoys movies (especially foreign films, swimming, bike riding, cross country skiing, gardening and candle making. He claims to be a "naive home improvement specialist." "I'm putting a bathroom in the basement and it's almost finished after two years!" Richard's real passion is cooking. "I love watching cook­ ing shows, memorizing what they are making and then adding my own variations. I fmd cooking a very creative activity." With this special skill in mind, Rick is co­ ordinating the Cheese Cake BakeOff for Harbourfest this summer! Rick is presently serving his second year as a Director on ACT-B's Board. He likes his commitment with the AIDS Com­ mittee because "everyone makes me feel welcome". Rick has worked on many notable projects at ACT-B, but the one that he remembers fondly is last years Walk. "I think bring­ ing in a thousand dollars for the Walk was a highlight because I actually achieved that goal. I also enjoyed participating in last years AGM." So if you hear a great laugh across a crowded room, and glance up to see someone dressed in a splashy outfit, it's probably Richard DeVuono. Thanks Rick! Christa Alsch There is a desk that sits in the middle of the office (the hub of all we do). A woman sits, poised by the telephone, ready to field any questions that come her way. The pulse of the agency, Christa Alsch is our secretary/receptionist. Christa has worked at ACTB for three years. Coming from the Kinnewaya Legal Clinic, her strength and interest in computers has proven to be an invaluable asset. Christa told me that she enjoys her work at the office, " I like the people and the atmosphere. I like the fact that anyone coming into the office can feel comfortable." Although Christa was bom and raised in Thunder Bay, her extended family live in Germany. Five years ago, she made her first trip to her parents homeland and fell in love with the country. She spent four weeks visiting relatives and discovering her cultural heritage. She also discovered the Autobahn and since then, her driving has never been the same! When not at work, Christa enjoys crocheting, walking her dog Senta, bicycling, and learning new computer programs. She spends time with her partner Wayne refinishing their older character home. �Focus on Fvmt> Raisins Preparing for a busy year! by John Books, Fund Raising Co-ordinator e fell a little short of our fund raising goal for 1995 and finished the fiscal year with $73,000 brought in to this agency. It was a very valiant and coura­ geous effort made possible only through the dedicated work of our fund raising committee and a great many volunteers who con­ tributed their time and energy. These are difficult times for many in Thunder Bay and Ontario. Business and government changes have created an atmo­ sphere of caution and anxiety. Re­ gardless of whether one thinks the changes are good or bad, they have put increased pressure on all kinds of organizations. Many of them need more support and fi- Ourfund raising goalfor this year is $80,000. nancial assistance from the com­ munity and that has resulted in intense competition for the fund raising dollar. This affects the AIDS Committee at a time when there is an increased need for our services. In the coming year, we must maintain our level of service to the community. Our goal for the coming year is $80,000. To help us achieve this goal, we hope to add several more bingos to our schedule and will concentrate our efforts on the Our new Nevada Ticket outlet is Mike's Milk at the corner of Red River Road and Clarkson. Buy your tickets there to support ACT-BI. national Walk in September. Here are some of our upcoming events: Klondike Casino will be June 14, 15 and 16 at Casey's. If you would like to volunteer, please call Jo-Ann. Harbourfest will run from July 19 through 21 in beautiful down­ town Thunder Bay North. The AIDS Committee will sell pop­ corn during the three day festival and also sponsor a cheese cake bake-off. Enter your cheese cake at our competition and you may win some valuable prizes! Yard Sale will be in mid August. Stay tuned! The Walk will take place on September 29. If you are inter­ ested in serving on the Walk or the Fundraising Committee please call us. A sincere thanks to the Thunder Bay Lottery Corporation (Thunder Bay WINS) for its donation of $1010 to the Emer­ gency Financial Assistance Pro­ gram. Your financial assistance helps us to provide emergency aid to our clients. Your donation is greatly appreciated! �Lert&mg There's no shortage of activities for the willing volunteer to help with! & FUnfr Diverse opportunities for volunteers MY LIFE AS A PLACEMENT STUDENT AT ACT-B! Volunteers are our life line! Their commitment and dedication penm­ ates everything we do. To give you an idea of the enormity of their in­ volvement with the AIDS Commit­ tee of Thunder Bay, last year over 200 volunteers logged almost 8000 hours of service! This impressive show of support translates into en­ hanced quality service. by Jennifer Peter, Social Work Student Working at ACT-B over the last few months has been quite the ex­ perience. I didn't know what to ex­ pect as I have had no previous experi­ ence in the HIV/AIDS field. What I have learned will be invaluable to me in the future. During my 5 month place­ ment, I have worked in both the Edu­ cation and Support Services Depart­ I am often asked about the types of ments. Serving a dual role has been activities that volun­ a great learning op­ Last year, over 200 teers perform while portunity. Some volunteers logged almost at the AIDS Com­ of my duties included mittee. There 3000 hours of service! the Social Marketing seems to be a pre­ Campaign, the conceived notion that volunteers Health Agenda Forum, staffing edu­ only help those who are HIV+ or cational display booths, Art Auction, who have AIDS. However, duties support work and other duties as re­ are diverse, with client care being quired (a phrase just about everyone only a small portion of the requests in the office knows by heart). I have that I receive. What follows is an en­ also been visiting community agen­ capsulated description of the various cies to tell them about ACT-B and the volunteer opportunites available services we provide. All in all, this here. has been fulfilling work. As my placement draws to a Clerical: close, I would like to thank all the Upon arriving at the office, visitors staff for their mentorship, friendship are greeted by reception volunteers. and humor. You have made my These people donate 1/2 day each placement a truly enjoyable experi­ week to answer phones, perform ence. clerical duties and input information into the computer. These volunteers play an important role in the day to day operation of the office. Continued on next page.... �(Volunteer Opportunities continued...) Education: ACT-B has a wide array of books, magazines and treatment articles in our library. These materials are avail­ able for use by the general public. Volunteers assist with cataloging, shelving and organizing the library. They may also assist with special ed­ ucation projects such as the organiza­ tion of AIDS Awareness week (first week in October), and the Social Marketing Survey. Voionteers lend a deiping dand in many ways. We gratefoiiy appreciate yoor donation of 2 doors of service per wontd or 20 doors! Fund Raising: This continues to be an area where volunteer committment is needed on an ongoing basis. Our goal is to raise $80,000 this year. The Fund Raising Committee (comprised of volunteers) designs innovative ways to raise money. Volunteers are always needed to assist with the actual events - which are numerous. They include: a monthly bingo, casinos. The Walk, bake sales, yard sales, raffles, Harbourfest, socials, Art AIDS (the art auction) etc... etc... etc... Committee Work: Volunteers serve on all committees attached to ACT-B. 12 people serve on our Board of Directors and 8 com­ munity members sit on our Advisory Board. A core group of volunteers assists each of the Education, Fund Raising and Support Services Com­ mittees. Their role is to offer the guidance and direction that shapes those departments. The Mothers' Cupboard Food Bank Committee meets monthly to generate new sources of food for our clients food bank. This group of volunteers works diligently to access help from our community. Support Services: If you are interested in working di­ rectly with people living with HIV/AIDS, we may be able to match you in our Buddy Program. Volun­ teer Buddies are matched with clients on a one to one basis. They may be able to help with practical skills such as grocery shopping or meal prepara­ tion; or provide a social link into the community. The client's individual needs are met by volunteer buddies. Training is provided. Volunteers lend a helping hand in many ways. There is no minimum or maximum time committment re­ quired. We gratefully appreciate your donation of 2 hours of service per month or 20 hours! I hope this gives you an idea of all the ways to get involved. If you’d like to become a volunteer at ACT-B, feel free to call me, Jo-Ann Jacomb at the office (345-1516). �Parting Glance The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: > > Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Region, Health Canada > Thunder Bay WINS! > All of the people involved in general fund raising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. The opinions and medical information offered by “reACT-Believe” 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 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807)345-1516 0s*. 0***. 0s*. 0s* 0s*. 0s*. ACT-B Abvisorvj Council Director, Public Health Laboratory Mary Lee Berry Ogden East End Health Centre Richard DeVuono Co-Chair Gail Linklater Co-Chair Dr. Gordon Milne Family Physician Diana Smith Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Nicky Tittley Health and Safety Officer, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, Port Arthur Rev. Don Uhryniw Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Pius White Community Consultant Fred Ball ACT-B Boart> of Directors Rick Atkinson Treasurer Joyce Barnes Director James Budd Director Charlene Burford Director Richard DeVuono Director Maryanne Gabriel Director Mahlon Inksetter Secretary Carmen Klassen Director Gail Linklater Vice President Rob MacKay Director Noel Ward Director Darryl Williams President 0s* I want to become a member of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay! _____Enclosed is my $10.00 Membership fee. _____I want to be a Supporting Member. I have enclosed $25.00. _____I would like to make a donation of $_____. ACT-B Staff Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Fund Raising Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager Support Worker/Health Promoter Executive Director Name: Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Jo-Ann Jacomb Lawrence Korhonen Ian Ritchie Address: Michael Sobota City, Province & P.C: rcACT-Bclicvc Contributors Jo-Ann Jacomb Editor Richard Boon Layout and Design Ian Ritchie Health Promotion Pages ACT-B Staff and volunteers Telephone: X X X X X X XXX �Promotion Is Our Drinking Water Safe? On March 28, 1996, the Globe and Mail reported that there was an outbreak of Cryptosporidium in the Collingwood, Ontario water supply. This is important for people living with HIV/AIDS in Thunder Bay, because like Collingwood, Thunder Bay lacks the necessary water filters to stop Crypto from getting into our water supply. In 1993, 150 people in the Kitchener-Waterloo area were infected, and towns in Alberta and Manitoba have also reported outbreaks. The worst outbreak of crypto m North America occurred in 1993 in Milwaukee Wisconsin; 400,000 people became ill and 100 people died. There has also been reported outbreaks in San Francisco, Las Vegas and Denver. Symptoms The symptoms for Crypto infection include; diarrhea, intestinal cramps and vomiting. These symptoms usually last several weeks. Although this parasite is normally not fatal, it can be life threatening for people living with HIV/AIDS, especially for those who are farther along in their disease progression. Treatment Standard anti-diarrhea medications, intravenous fluids, electrolyte management and oral rehydrating therapy with appropriate fluids such as juice, broth or commercially available products are usually recommended, but there is no recognized, effective treatment for Crypto. Prevention In September 1995, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued prevention guidelines for HIV positive individuals. These include: S Washing Hands frequently may be the best prevention strategy. S Always wash hands before preparing food. S Wash hands with soap and water before eating anything, after touching dirty diapers or after touching clothing, bedding or surfaces soiled by diarrhea. S Often overlooked as a source of Crypto, garden soil may be contaminated by neighborhood pets or farm animals in rural areas. Wear gloves while gardening and wash hands when you are finished. S Practice safer sex. Crypto can be found on the skin, in the genital area, including the thighs and buttocks of a person infected with Crypto. Always wash your hands after touching any animal. Farm animals, particularly young ones, should be considered a source of infection. Contact should be followed by careful hand washing. bvj Un Ritchie S Most house pets are safe. Young puppies or kittens should be examined by a veterinarian for infection. An HIV positive person should avoid cleaning cat litter boxes or disposing of pet stools. If help is not available, gloves should be worn and hands washed after the gloves are removed. S Wash and/or cook all food. If safe water is a concern, wash in water that is known to be Crypto free. S Peeling fresh fruits and vegetables that will not be cooked also reduces the risk of Crypto. S Unpasteurized drinks are not safe. S When travelling, especially in cities where previous outbreaks have occurred, it is advisable to drink only bottled water or boiled water. S Drinking water safety can be enhanced by boiling water, filtering or drinking safe bottled water. Boiling water for at least 1 minute will completely kill Crypto. Filtering water with an appropriate water treatment unit can reduce the risk of infection. Not all water treatment units are effective against Crypto; in fact, most are not. The CDC guidelines of September 1995 recommend only 3 categories of filters: 1) Microstraining filters that can remove particles 0.1-1 micron in size (make sure they are labeled “absolute” not “nominal”). 2) Units that work by reverse osmosis 3) Units that meet the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) Standard 53 for “cyst reduction”. Listen for local “boil water” advisories from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. They are required to issue a warning if Crypto is detected in the water supply. If you are camping or drinking lake water, a local Thunder Bay store “Gear Up For Outdoors” has a product called “Sweet Water” that will filter out Crypto. If you need further information about Crypto or any other opportunistic infections, please call Ian at 345-1516. Source: Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS March 1996 �Good Food On A Low Budget i It's hard to make a small income stretch to afford all the food you need. Here are some shopping and cooking ideas which can help you save money. © Plan what you will eat and make a list of what you need to buy. Buy the treats only if you have extra money. © Read the flyers and plan some of your meals based on what foods are on sale. © Corner, Convenience stores are usually much more expensive than larger stores. © In larger stores, look for what is cheap. Often the most expensive items are placed at “eye level” so you will pick them first. No-name and store brands are usually cheaper than name brands. © Shop around the edges of the store first - this is where you will find the basics; milk, meat, fruit, vegetables and bread. © Check the day old table. Use coupons - but only for items already on your shopping list. © Buy bulk items - you can buy the amount you need and bulk is often less expensive. © Avoid “convenience” foods such as packaged pizzas, canned spaghetti and frozen chicken pies. They cost a lot! Many packaged foods can be made easily and cheaply at home. © When buying cereals, plain cereal is the best buy, pre sweetened cereals cost more. Cereals you cook (like oatmeal) are really cheap. © When buying milk products, buy skim, 1% or 2% in bags. It’s much cheaper than the cardboard boxes. © Vegetables and fruits that cost less are apples, oranges, bananas, carrots, potatoes, cabbage and turnip. In winter, frozen vegetables are a good buy. © Meat alternatives like eggs, beans, lentils and peas are the very best buys. Use beans and lentils in soups and stews. Coneider other options to save money on food: Community Kitchens - Four to six people get together once or twice a month to cook large quantities of food. Each person takes home several meals to feed their family. A great way to stretch you food dollar. Food buying Clubs - A group of people meet to shop for large, bulk amounts of food and then divide the food and cost up. This really saves money! Good Food Boxes - A box containing good nutritious food that is paid for at the beginning of the month and delivered at the end of the month when food and money are running low. The cost of the box is usually very cheap for the amount of food you get. Coming to Thunder Bay Soon! reproduced with permission from the Ogden East End Community Health Centre � 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 9 Issue 1 - Spring 1996 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 1996 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/17/2685/1996_reACT-Believe_vol9no3_2.pdf 24b7f790d5726d6f93b284a4890647e0 PDF Text Text rcACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Fall, 1996 Volume 9, Issue 3 NAtion^l AIDS Awareness Week! September 30 - October 6, 1996 TBeme: Substance Vse amS H1V/A1DS The AIDS Committee of Thunder ♦ thinks that steroids are Bay will participate in National different from other drugs and AIDS Awareness week activities uses dirty needles... and events from September 30 - ♦ is unaware of the risks of October 6, 1996. The goal of this substance use and unprotected campaign is to raise awareness sex... ♦ is afraid to seek help for drug about the relationship between substance use - which includes addiction due to the stigma alcohol and other drugs - and attached to it... HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS has generated a whole new set of GETT/NG HtGH? challenges when it comes to the GBT7/NG HOT? issue of substance use. The direct harms associated with drug injection in particular and the indirect harms associated with substance use overall have greatly increased since the appearance of j;":‘ S|pg&S Jr y HIV. 'D AIDS Committee of Thvmber Boaj Membership Renewal Notice! Our Annual General meeting will be held in November. In order to be an eligible voting member, you must have a valid membership 30 days prior to the meeting. Please help to make us strong. Renew your membership today! Memberships only cost Si0.00. Use the handy form on the last page of the Newsletter to renew. fbONT TAKE CHANCER WITH HIV/AIDS. If you are, or know someone A/woys use a fonrfoimi who... Each time. Every ♦ drank too much alcohol or National AIDS smoked too much pot at a Awareness Week party one night and then September 30 to October 6 r mor» intefmahon coll: engaged in unprotected sex... ♦ has not talked to their kids about the risks of substance ♦ has a partner who uses use, unprotected sex and injection drugs and refuses to HIV/AIDS.. use a condom during sex... ♦ does not have access to bleach or new needles... ...then HIV/AIDS could affect ♦ uses dirty needles to inject you. (continued on page 4...) alcohol so that it won't be detected on the breath... Under our Cover... AIDS Awareness Week Schedule of Events “Opening More Doors” Substance Use & HIV The AIDS Walk Potpourri Parting Glance Insert 2 3 4 6 7 8 �AIDS Awareness Week Schedule of Events {as of August 30, 1996) AIDS Walk Lakehead University Outpost Registration: 12:00 Noon Opening Ceremony and 5 km. Walk: 1:00 p.m. Entertainment and food to follow Tree Planting Ceremony Marina Park: 11:30 a.m. Information Display Lakehead University Agora 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Workshop “Substance Use and HIV” Lakehead University Residence, Conference Room A - 7:00 to 3:00 p.m. Open to the General Public Workshop at the Smith Clinic (details T3A) Shaw Cable Television - Channel 7 Live Call-In Show 9:00 p.m. Condom Slitz - Sharkey’s Pub Confederation College - Evening “Opening More Doors” Regional Counselling Conference, Prince Arthur Hotel, begins at noon Candlelight Vigil 7:00 p.m. Prince Arthur Hotel Condom Slitz - Lakehead University Outpost Evening “Opening More Doors” Regional Counselling Conference Community Dance for Lesbians, Gays, Sisexuals and friends, St. John Ambulance 513 Fort William Road - 9:00 p.m. Information Displays will be up at Confederation College and Intercity Shopping Centre during the week. Call the office (345-1516) for details. 2- - �“Opening More Doors” MW Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Connselling Conference During AIDS Awareness Week, The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will host its fifth annual regional counselling conference, “Opening More Doors”. Registrants from across Northwestern Ontario will have the opportunity to network with colleagues and learn more about working with individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The conference will be held on October 3 and 4, 1996 at the Prince Arthur Hotel. Funding has been provided by the Ontario AIDS Bureau, Ministry of Health. In the past four years, the counselling conference has been a popular and successful venture. The participants have been impressed with the quality of the presentations as well as the knowledge of the facilitators. The networking has proven a valuable tool in our regional work. A wide variety of topics will be addressed during this conference. They include: ♦ Barriers facing individuals in Northwestern Ontario:/ Issues relating to smaller centers, rural life, confidentiality, anonymity, etc. ♦ Issues relating to dying, death and the grieving process. ♦ Counselling family members of someone with HIV/AIDS ♦ Issues relating to youth: peer pressure, sexuality and STD's. ♦ Issues regarding wills and funeral arrangements. ♦ Drugs, alcohol and other chemical dependencies as they relate to HIV. ♦ Counselling native populations. If you would like more information about the conference please call Karen Ferland at 345-1516 or 768-0699 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s Mot Too L^te! The Federal Government’s National AIDS Strategy ends in March 1998. This strategy spells out the role and responsibility of the Federal government in responding to HIV and AIDS in Canada, including the delivery of funds to community based AIDS organizations. Please write to your Member of Parliament, calling for a renewal of the National Strategy in support of national research funding and local community activities. Stan Dromisky, M.P. (Thunder Bay-Atikokan) 1500 S. James Street Thunder Bay ON P7E 6N7 Fax: 577-1905 3 Joe Comuzzi, M.P. (Thunder Bay-Nipigon) 180 Park Avenue, Suite 210 Thunder Bay ON P7B 6J4 Fax: 345-4752 �Get To Kvtow More About Drugs, THE LINKS (continuedfrom front cover....) The three main links between substance use and HIV/AIDS involve: ♦ needle sharing, ♦ impaired judgment or heightened sex drive due to drug use; and ♦ cultural expectations people have around sex and drugs, especially alcohol. All communities are affected by substance use - but in different ways. Needle and syringe sharing among people who inject drugs is a major factor in the spread of HIV. According to the World Health Organization, people who use dirty needles to inject drugs are the second largest, and in some places, the fastest growing group of AIDS cases in developed countries. Injection Drw5 Vsc *y\X> H1V/A1DS Although alcohol consumption and non-injection drug use do not directly affect the spread of HIV, there are many indirect impacts associated with their use. Being under the influence of a substance may lower inhibitions or impair perceptions of danger, making unprotected sex seem less risky. Needle and syringe sharing among people who use injection drugs is a major vehicle for the spread of HIV. Sharing needles allows HIV to pass directly from the bloodstream of one person to the bloodstream of someone else. When an individual injects drugs, some blood gets pulled back in the needle and syringe. The blood left in the needle and syringe is shot into the bloodstream of the next person who uses it. If the equipment is not sterilized with bleach before it is shared and one of the individuals is already infected with HIV, the virus is very likely to be passed on. The above risk factors may seem obvious. Not so obvious, however, are the underlying reasons why people turn to drugs and alcohol in the first place. This campaign explores how self-esteem and depression can lead to both excessive substance use and unprotected sex. As well, the campaign tries to break down some of the stigmas that surround both substance use and HIV/AIDS. Failure to respect the rights and dignity of people who use drugs may promote the hidden use of drugs and impair our efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. When the virus is present among drug injectors, and when unsterilized injection equipment is shared, the spread of HIV infection can be very rapid indeed. In Milan, Edinburgh, and New York, the prevalence of HIV infection (the percentage of people with HIV) among drug injectors grew rapidly, with 50 percent or more infected within a few years of the first appearance of the virus in these populations. IN THUNDER BAY CALL The Exchange • • • • • Needles/Syringe Exchange HIV/AIDS Education Counselling & Referral Condoms Bleach Kits Phone: 625-9767 (Source: Addiction Research Foundation and the World Health Organization's Global Programme on AIDS.) Pager: 626-7308 (Janet) 626-7507 (Don) 4- - �ThefdeK a*d *Duidtcct f&DS jla*Uf-dac (Z&MHiUKttty r%w43£ &eHfae ‘Tteua ttecentUf in t&e 'Hecva. . . Many groups and individualsfrom around Northwestern Ontario are invoked in AIDS work Ifyou would like to promoteyvi rorganization or activities, subrrntyour articles to reACT-Believe for inclusion in our next newsletter. The nextpublication is scheduled to be in your mailbox at the begintwigofDecetriber. ONTARIO The “Opening More Doors ” Counselling Conference is a regional initiative. Have you registered yet? *Dupie*i yt'FDS &Muticttee 'Hfi attct fS.cc*uu*ufr! We would like to ex­ tend an invitation to all of our neighbours in North­ by Kevin Crigger western Ontario to join us Chairman, Dryden & in this event. District AIDS Committee If you would like more details regarding the walk, Dryden Ontario is now or about our services, offering support services please leave a message at 1 for persons affected by - 807-221 - AIDS (2437). HIV/AIDS! All messages are confiden­ The Dryden and Dis­ tial. trict AIDS Committee has been operating officially jd&tytac for about a year . The di­ rectors have volunteered countless hours from their own busy schedules to or­ My name is Louise ganize functions which Marcil. I am a volunteer promote AIDS awareness with the AIDS Committee and education in Dryden of Thunder Bay and have and in the surrounding been for four years. communities. Presently, I live in Longlac On September 29, and work at the Longlac 1996, we will be hosting Community Health Centre our second annual AIDS in Health Promotion. Walk: A Walk For Life. My role is to facilitate presentations for any size of group and to access material and resources regarding HIV/AIDS related issues. I also offer short term counselling and ongoing support to individuals and/or family members who are affected by HIV/AIDS. As part of the health care team at the Health Centre, I am able to provide referrals to our primary care physicians for medical support. NOTE: Primary care services are limited to clients within our catchment area: Longlac, Caramat, Long Lake Reserve #58 and Ginoogaming First Nations. All other services are available to anyone who comes in or calls the health centre. I am also available to travel to Geraldton. If you are in the area and require information, support or a liaison to ACT-B, please call me at (807)876-4887 . �^ecenttcf, i*t t&e 'TIcom,. . . Taken from Thunder Bay’s Chronicle Journal, Monday August 24, 1996 AIDS grows among natives Numbers approach epidemic proportions across Canada by Warren Goulding The Canadian Press Canada's aboriginal people are waging a losing battle against AIDS and health professionals say the situation is approaching epidemic proportions. Official statistics show the aboriginal rate of infection far exceeds that of mainstream society. But natives who work with AIDS victims say even those numbers are low. Between five and seven per cent of Alberta's 140,000 aboriginals, including Metis, may be infected, said Jo-Anne Daniels of Edmonton's Feather of Hope Aboriginal AIDS Preventions Society. Some reserves and tribal groups in British Columbia have rates of infection approaching 10 per cent - 100 times the rate in the overall Canadian population, said Rod George of Healing Our Spirit, a B.C. group working with infected natives. Health Canada estimates that one in 1,000 Canadians is infected with IIIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS. "In one study, we found that one of the tribal groups with about 7,000 members had a 10-per­ cent infection rate," George said. "That's 700 people in one tribal group." Eighteen AIDS-related deaths have been reported in the group so far in 1996. George said the infection is most widespread among B.C. natives. The problem is particularly acute in Vancouver's downtown east side where three people are diagnosed with the virus each week. "I think the younger generation seems to feel invincible to it," he said. "They seem to have the idea that only gay people or needle users are going to get it." Denial is a major problem among many aboriginals. George's study revealed half of native women refuse to be tested for HIV or won't reveal test results. An estimated 600 native women in B.C. are HIV positive, said George. "Many of them don't say anything for fear of abuse, violence or being ostracized or shunned - things that native communities do." AIDS activists in other provinces are discovering similar trends and patterns of denial and discrimination. "It's a disease that's killing our children," said Daniels in Edmonton. "It's claiming our future and our past at the same time. We're in a lot of trouble." As of January, Health Canada statistics show 176 reported AIDS cases among aboriginal people, or 1.4 per cent of the total number of cases. Health Canada researchers blame unprotected sex and injection drug use as the leading causes of the high infection rate among natives. AIDS is a global epidemic. We ARE affected in Northwestern Ontario. �Alcohol, Sex A>it> H1V/A1DS People who use injection drugs and share unclean needles are at great risk of being infected with HIV. Some F^cts To Consibcr ♦ As of April 1996, 1047 AIDS cases in Canada could be attributed to injection drug use. Of these, 484 cases (354 men and 130 women) could be directly attributed to injecting drugs, and 563 cases involved men who have sex with men and who also use injection drugs. ♦ Of the total adults in Canada with AIDS, 3.6% have identified their only risk factor as injection drug use. Another 4.2% of those people with AIDS identify two possible risk factors - injection drug use and being a man who has sex with men. Therefore, the proportion of AIDS cases in which injection drug use is a factor is 7.8% - almost double what it was before 1987 when it was 4%. Because the epidemic among injection drug users in Canada is in its early stages, we can expect the proportion of injection drug user cases among all AIDS cases in Canada to increase over the coming years. ♦ ♦ The incidence of HIV among injection drug users in Montreal is estimated to be five new infections per 100 users per year, which is one ofthe highest rates in North America. Alcohol, Other Dru^s *r\Z> H1V/A1DS The role that alcohol use may be playing in the spread of HIV infection has received relatively little attention in Canada. We know that alcohol and sexual risk often coincide - in terms of venues, opportunities for sexual encounters and in terms of individual behaviour. Studies in various populations have found correlations between alcohol use and sexual risk. Interestingly though, many researchers now think that our cultural expectations around alcohol and sex are more important than the physical effects of the substance. Generating dialogue on this issue is extremely important. People need to explore their own thinking about alcohol and sex and to what extent we are all influenced by social attitudes. Some studies say that there is a correlation between substance use and the practice of unsafe sex. Others contend that there are other contributing factors such as poverty, racism, lack of education, misogyny, internalized homophobia, etc. Other 1 mks ♦ ♦ Research has indicated that alcohol, as well as street drugs, damage the immune system, leaving the user open to infection and disease. The cause of AIDS is a type of virus (called a retrovirus) which changes the structure of the cells it attacks. It may require the presence of an already damaged immune system before it can cause disease. Since 1994 in Vancouver, there has been a steady increase from 2% to 6% in the proportion of injection drug users who test positive for HIV (Source: "Alcohol drugs and AIDS: what's the (among those who go for HIV testing). connection?", San Francisco AIDS Foundation.) (Sources: Health Canada’s Laboratory Centre for Disease Control: Second National Workshop on HIV, Alcohol, and Other Drug Use Proceedings, 1994: Horizons 1994: Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Canada, Health Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse) - 5- �Imagine if something you do every day could help fight AIDS. Like \VAlk1vt5 for instance! Sunday, September 29th, starting from the Outpost at Lakehead University, the people of Thunder Bay will walk a 5 kilometer course and return to the Outpost for refreshments and entertainment. As never before we neeS \\our kelp. Though there is some hope in the treatment of AIDS, that will not stop it from spreading. The trend in Thunder Bay parallels national patterns with people becoming infected at a median age of 23. This means that many are becoming infected three to five years before that. We cannot become complacent now. So join us on Sunday September 29th. Before you Walk, collect as many pledges as you can. Think of a friend you would like to walk with and ask if they would also collect pledges. Call the office and let us register you as an official pledge collector for the AIDS Walk. On the same day over 60 communities across Canada will also be walking. Last year over $2,500,000 was raised to help the fight against AIDS in 40 communities. All mouctj r*isct> in Thur\S>cr will stevj here! First prize for most pledges collected is a trip for two to Toronto and accommodations at the Toronto Colony Hotel. Other prizes include massage gift certificates by Jeannie Tuomi and Kathryn Loftus and one nights accommodation at the Nor’Wester Hotel. Locally, the Walk is sponsored by 94 FM, the Argus, Canadian Airlines, Domino's Pizza, The Finnish Bookstore, Janzen's Pharmacy, Lakehead Travel Agency, Kathryn Loftus RMT, MDS Laboratories, McEachern Marketing, Mediacom, Molson, North Algoma Confectionery (442 N. Algoma St.), Nor'Wester Resort Hotel, The Outpost Pub, Rainbow Printers, Toronto Colony Hotel and Jeannie Tuomi RMT. AIDS WALK CANADA A PLEDGE IS THE FIRST STEP Call the AIDS Committee office for more information - 345-1516. 6- - �'PotfauwU uy- &Aeeaecal&e (fAatlenye <t Succeaa! fuat to hold cfou and Aiac you liAe *Tve dane aa "tatty tune* aya. *7o ^eel laved and needed. *) Attacv that aameday tAeae ^eelittya- cvill Ae ntctte attee ayain. fuat to- have aaid yoad-Aye to cfou. AiAe you- cvanted to and *1 needed to da ao Thank you to all the businesses and individuals who entered our first annual Cheesecake Bake-Off. The 31 entries were delicious! Special thanks go to Anne Ciemny and Christa Alsch for their invaluable organizational skills. Thanks also to Stokes, Zellers & Coles’s Book Store for their generous donation of prizes. We gratefully acknowledge our judges - Brenda Jakubowski, Floranne Faulkner and Andy Weiler. Aodly. *) lave- (face veny much and *) altvaya tvcll. 'poneven- you tvcil 6e in my tAouyAta. We gratefully acknowledge a grant from the Norman M. Paterson Charitable Foundation toward the purchase oj a new agency vehicle. ‘Day, eveny tvaAiny moment. “When *} loaA (mound and (AinA yaune *Z/tp (f-ominy Sventa- tAene. *) (veil pictune you amiliny. coitA anrna- open cvede. >HiyAtf 'When *7 tunn in my 6ed and fcttd only emptineaa-. *7 vmII cvicA (fou tAene cvitA me. 7o hold you once ayain and cvAiapen in youn can. 07lty dean- acveet man, *)'H aee cfou on the otAen aide. 9<U On October 26, 1996, the trio 3hoadtwap t&uued/ will be hosting a benefit concert for the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Featured music will include show tunes from “Les Miserables”, “Crazy for You”, “Miss Saigon”, “Showboat” and dozens more. The concert will take place at St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley Street at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $10.00 ACT-B and Definitely Superior present an evening with performance artist David McLean. 'Ttavelofae is a Solo performance which explores issues of gay identity, male intimacy, spiritual searching, desire and loss in the midst of the AIDS era. The performance will be held November 29, 1996, 8:00 p.m. at a location TBA. Tickets are $5 for students, ACT-B & Definitely Superior members. $10 general admission. Tickets for both events will be available at the ACT-B office 217 South A Igoma Street. Information ? 345-1516 �PArtin5 GIaucc 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 > Thunder Bay WINS! > All of the people involved in general fund raising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. The opinions and medical information offered by “reACT-Bclicve” 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 rcACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807)345-1516 a*** a*'*. I want to become a member of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay! _____Enclosed is my $10.00 Membership fee. _____I want to be a Supporting Member. I have enclosed $25.00. _____I would like to make a donation of $_____. Name: Address: City, Province & P.C: Telephone: <9*^ <9^ <9^> <9^ <9^» <9^ ACT-B Abvisotnf Council Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Mary Lee Berry Ogden East End Health Centre Richard DeVuono Co-Chair Gail Linklater Co-Chair Dr. Gordon Milne Family Physician Diana Smith Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Nicky Tittley Safety Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, Port Arthur Rev. Don Uhryniw Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Pius White Community Consultant Fred Ball ACT-B Boarfc of Directors Rick Atkinson Treasurer Joyce Barnes Director James Budd Director Charlene Burford Director Richard DeVuono Director Maryanne Gabriel Director Mahlon Inksetter Secretary Carmen Klassen Director Gail Linklater Vice President Rob MacKay Director Noel Ward Director Darryl Williams President ACT-D StAff Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Fund Raising Coordinator Regional Counselling Conference Coordinator Jo-Ann Jacomb Volunteer Coordinator Lawrence Korhonen Office Manager Ian Ritchie Support Worker/Health Promoter Michael Sobota Executive Director Carri-Anne Whidden AIDS Awareness Week Coordinator Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Karen Ferland rcACT-Believe Contributors Jo-Ann Jacomb Editor ACT-B staff and volunteers Typing by Anne Ciemny and Jason � 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 9 Issue 3 - Fall 1996 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 1996 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/17/2686/1996_reACT-Believe_vol9no4[1]_2.pdf dc1cf15dec8d20393eac8f7ea8a9ef30 PDF Text Text reACT-Belicve The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Winter, 1996 Volume 9, Issue 4 Substance Vse Outreach Project hits Thvmber Bavj streets Over the next seventeen months, a Substance Use Outreach Project (SUOP) will be present on the streets of Thunder Bay. This project is designed to promote HIV prevention in the local substance using community over a limited time period. This population is difficult to reach and is increasingly at risk of HIV infection. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of a three-part innovative approach. 1) A Peer Ambassador Program will recruit and train five members ofthe target population to do peer outreach by sharing information, providing condoms and offering alternatives and/or referrals to health services. 2) A Bar Outreach Program will offer several “Bar Nights ” in local pubs, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. 3) An Advertising Campaign will be created to provide prevention information through creative transit ads, electronic displays, posters, information cards and matches. Program Coordinator, Janet Adams, says “this program incorporates some exciting and innovative approaches to disseminating HIV prevention strategies and education to marginalized populations.” This project is coordinated by the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay and will run until March 31, 1998. Funding for the project comes from the last of the federal government’s National AIDS Strategy. This funding ends in March 1998, although HIV/AIDS continues to spread locally — especially in the substance using community. For more information about the SUOP call Janet at 345-1516. Vr»t>er the cover..... SUOP hits the streets Agency Activities Youth Outreach. Special Friends Healing Our Nations Reflections Parting Glance 1 2 3 4&5 6 7 8 Health Promotion Insert: Hepatitis �A 5 c w c M A c t i V Fvoit>r^i5m5 News Annu&] General Meetm5 by John Books by Jo-Ann Jacomb It has been an extraordinary year — one of many challenges. ACT-B has completed 11 years of work and on November 19 hosted it’s 10th Annual General Meeting. I want to thank everyone who has lent their support to us in the past year. I hope you have enjoyed the events organized by the AIDS Committee. Recently, 355 people attended the annual AIDS Walk at Lakehead University. More than $10,500 was raised to support the work of ACT-B. It was very gratifying to see so many people join in the walk on September 29th. Thank you to The Outpost for their assistance in making the event so successful. Thank you also to everyone who collected pledges. We are planning another Healthy Sex Cabaret in March. Join us for a little fun after the long difficult winter! And Art AIDS, our annual art auction will be held in April. If you are an artist or crafts person, we would appreciate your contribution to this event. The auction is one of the best of its kind in the city and helps to bring in more than $6,000 in revenue for ACT-B. This year we hope to add items donated from various t i c ft s Outstanding volunteers were recognized for their work on behalf of ACT-B. Karen Ferland was credited for her unfailing contribution over the years and for coordinating the past five “Opening More Doors” regional conferences. Gail Linklater was given a plaque of appreciation for her six years of service on the board of directors. Thanks were also expressed to retiring board members Richard DeVuono and Mahlon Inksetter. The membership elected the 1996-97 board of directors. They are listed on the last page of this newsletter. The Guest Speaker at the AGM was Mark Bulbrook, Executive Director of the Ontario AIDS Network. He spoke about the Krever Inquiry, AIDS in the hemophiliac community, and AIDS in the third world. It ft 2 - - �Vouth Outreach — Northern Prifce by David Belrose, Education Coordinator Working with Northern Pride youth group and doing HIV education has shown first hand the challenges posed by homophobia and heterosexism. Growing up lesbian, gay or bisexual in Northwestern Ontario is still a major challenge. Negative attitudes by family members, peers, teachers at school, and religious groups help to foster an atmosphere of great difficulty for many of these teens. Since February 1995 a support and education group — now called Northern Pride — for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth has been running in Thunder Bay. The group was created to assist lesbian, gay and bisexual youth to develop the knowledge and attitudes that will allow them to gain control over and enhance their well-being. It also provides an educational component that includes issues of healthy decision making, self­ esteem, negotiation skills, safer sex, self-image, dealing with stigma, homophobia and community development. As well, it offers a safe and confidential setting for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth to meet, discuss issues of common interest, explore feelings and share concerns. Parents, teachers and counsellors need to recognize the problem and begin to work to make schools safe for everyone including lesbian, gay and bisexual youth. 1 -800-268-YOUTH Studies have found that oppression and homophobia contribute to higher rates of suicide, alcoholism and drug use among lesbian, gay and bisexual youth. The atmosphere of homophobia and heterosexism in high schools, families and elsewhere, combined with a lack of social support, can make it very difficult for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth to develop the sense of self-esteem that will assist in making healthy choices around sexual and substance using behaviours. Participation in the group is open to youth, up to age 25, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or who wish to explore issues of their sexual orientation. The group adheres to the principles of: confidentiality, non-judgmental, respectful of diversity, respectful of the right to self-determination in terms of identity. As co-facilitators of Northern Pride, Barbara Spencer and David Belrose are prepared to work with any individual or group to help create a safer and more supportive environment for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth. Call 807-345-1516 or 807-6226121 for more information. A support and education group for gay, lesbian, bisexual youth. Call 345-1516 for details. 3 - - �Special friends.... Darkle Dollar by Jo-Ann Jacomb Colourful? Effervescent? Unique and unusual? How shall I begin to explain ACT-B’s support worker/health promoter? Standing only 4-feet 10-inches tall, Daryle is indeed a spit fire. Her life history and personal experiences make any Sunday night “Made for TV” movie a dull affair. Daryle has lived life to the limit and is not afraid to talk about it. Adopted by the Cano family at birth, she has since met her biological family. (This story in itself is good enough for the National Enquirer!) Running away from home in her teens, Daryle became a heroin addict and consequently contracted Hepatitis C. 8 1/2 years of her life have been spent incarcerated in the Kingston Penitentiary. She will be on parole for the rest of her life. Sound like a depressing story? Not so. Out of life’s greatest tragedies, Daryle has managed to find positive lessons and strength. background credibility. that gives her Daryle is deeply sensitive to the needs of clients because, in many cases, she “has been there.” She serves on the Board of Directors of the John Howard Society and is frequently asked to speak to groups about her experiences. Daryle recently became a nonsmoker. She quit because “it was making the dog sick.” Her latest addiction is to bingo which she plays (and wins at) regularly. Her dream is to live in a log cabin somewhere in the wilderness of Northwestern Ontario. She gains her strength from the Native Culture and is a Jingle Dress Dancer. Daryle adds life and character to ACT-B. She brings a uniquely different perspective to this work and we all learn from her experience. She has been recovered from the heroin addiction for 18 years. While in prison, Daryle gained a Social Work degree and now uses her experience to help others. DArms hope... A view from tVn's sibe by Rob MacKay I spoke at ACT-B’s regional Opening More Doors Conference in early October. What follows are excerpts from that speech interjected with some of my questions, thoughts and concerns about the changing face of AIDS care. “My new glasses, my grey hairs and Hope. This person with HIV never thought about aging. When I got my new glasses I asked my optometrist with some concern, ‘Why do I need glasses? What is wrong with my eyes?’ He replied quite simply, ‘Nothing. You are getting old.’ You see, I had no hope or expectation of aging. The thought had not entered my mind. I was aging — my eyes are failing..../like that! I now wear my new glasses as a badge of honour — a rite of passage. Whenever I get my hair cut, inevitably, someone will notice my newly revealed grey hairs. My mother will say,‘R - O - B!!! Look at all those grey hairs!’ My wife will say, ‘Are you ever getting old! ’ She speaks the language of the streets, yet has the theoretical continued on page 5.... 4 - - �Health Promotion HEPATITIS C by Daryle Dollan, Support Worker/Health Promoter With the changing face of AIDS in our community, we are seeing more and more men and women becoming infected through sharing needles while using intravenous drugs. In many of these cases, it is common to find HIV in conjunction with Hepatitis B (HBV) and/or Hepatitis C (HCV). Those of you who know me, are aware that I have a personal interest in this area. As a former intravenous drug user myself, I contracted Hepatitis B in the early 1970's, and apparently I also contracted Hepatitis C around the same time period (it was known as non-A, non-B hepatitis back then). So I have a vested interest in the treatment options (or lack of them) for Hepatitis C. First of all, HCV is a virus that infects the liver and causes hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver. This leads to varying degrees of liver damage, including an increased risk of cancer of the liver. It is estimated that 2% of the world's population is infected with Hepatitis C. The infection rate in specific groups is much higher. For example: - Among intravenous drug users, the infection rate is 16% - Within the population ofpeople with hemophilia, the rate of infection is 70% - Among those who have received blood transfusions, the rate is 31 cases per 1000 transfusions prior to 1985, and 12 per 1000 in 1990. The most common method of transmission is through sharing unclean needles. Hepatitis C can be spread through unprotected sex, although this is a less common method of transmission. A simple blood test will be able to detect the presence of antibodies to Hepatitis C in your blood. It is a good idea to be tested twice to confirm diagnosis. A specialist can then monitor your liver function over time, and may recommend a liver biopsy to assess the amount of damage that may have occurred. This is a relatively simple procedure that is done in day surgery. It is not recommended for people with hemophilia because of the risk of internal bleeding. After the initial infection (called "acute" hepatitis, despite the fact that there isn't anything cute about it), one of two things can happen. Either the virus can no longer be detected, or the infection becomes chronic. With chronic hepatitis C, some people (about 20%) will develop cirrhosis. Basically, this is liver damage that is irreversible, and can lead to liver failure and/or cancer of the liver. You may have Hepatitis C without being aware of it because some people don't have any symptoms, while others may have symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches and pains, etc. I was not aware of my Hepatitis C status for seventeen years! The easiest way to be sure is to get a Hepatitis C antibody test. �TREATMENT OPTIONS The most common treatment of Hepatitis C is with alpha interferon. Interferon is a hormone that your body produces naturally to combat viruses. It has been reproduced and can be injected to increase the level of interferon in your system. There are varying degrees of success with alpha interferon treatment. Approximately 50% of those treated with interferon respond to treatment. It is a VERY expensive treatment and is normally not covered by a drug plan, so you will have to check on your medical coverage. Other treatments that are being tested are Ribavirin (in combination with interferon), N-Acetyl Cysteine or NAC, which is believed to enhance the effectiveness of interferon, and Beta-interferon. HEPATITIS C AND HIV CO-INEECTION As mentioned earlier, it is common to find Hepatitis C in people that contracted HIV through sharing unclean needles. HIV and HCV co-infection increases the risk of serious liver disease. Hepatitis C can be more severe and difficult to treat in people with HIV. Many of the drugs used to treat HIV can be toxic to the liver. As well, those that are co- infected with HIV and 11CV have a lower response to treatment with interferon, and interferon can lower the white blood cell count resulting in bacterial infections in HIV positive individuals. TAKING CARE OF YOVRSELF The best thing you can do for yourself if you are HCV positive, or HIV and HCV positive, is to make some lifestyle changes: * Eat a healthy, balanced diet. * DO NOT DRINK OR AT THE VER Y LEAST, DRINK MODERA TEL Y! Alcohol abuse will increase your chances of developing cirrhosis and/or cancer ofthe liver. * Avoiding drugs and smoking is also recommended, but again, moderation is an option ifyou absolutely cannot (or WILL NOT) quit. * Get lots ofrest, reduce your stress level and exercise regularly. If you have any questions about HCV please talk to your doctor. You can also call Daryle at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, or contact the Canadian Liver Foundation at 1-800-563-5483 or the Canadian Hemophilia Society at 1-800-668-2686. I would like to give credit to the Canadian Hemophilia Society for many of the facts and statistics used in this article. They have published an extremely informative and valuable booklet entitled "HEPA 77775 C - AN INFORMA TION BOOKLET FOR PEOPLE INFECTED WITH THE HEPA TITIS C VIRUS, AND THEIR FAMILIES." (April 1995) �DARING TO HOPE... What scares me about “NEW HOPE” is that I may have been able to have all my dreams redefined once, but don’t for a minute assume I can survive it again or even want to try. .... continuedfrom page 4 Of course, they don’t know how much I enjoy hearing this. I like my grey hairs! For me, it’s a sign of aging, of perhaps — hope! The mention of a new drug is scary to me. Scary because I know that tenuous hope can hurt me. Hope may very well not be something that we have control over. Whether or not we choose to commit EMOTIONALLY to that hope is the question. How much should I invest in HOPE? HOPE A huge word, a difficult word. Several months ago, sitting at my computer watching the live broadcasts of the XI International Conference on AIDS from Vancouver (which carried the theme One World, One Hope), I began to get a very unexpected feeling. And it was not a very pleasant feeling. It should have been but it was NOT. My message in all this? Be cautious in what you say or offer people that are either infected or affected. Even offering HOPE may be experienced differently than you expect. If you ask my wife about my new glasses, be prepared that this may remind her that time is going by and will sadden her. If you tell my mother that my grey hair makes me look older, don’t be surprised if she smiles at the prospect of her son aging. For the very first time, I was feeling HOPE around the prospects of eradicating HIV from the body using a new class of pharmaceuticals called Protease Inhibitors in combination with other drugs. This HOPE was hard to digest, integrate or even feel comfortable with. Don’t tell me about a new treatment that offers HOPE, unless you plan to be there with me if it should fail. Just over four years ago, I sat in a doctor’s office and had my hope for a future taken away. This was no small thing. I lost the vision and hope for many things. The expectation of seeing my young daughter’s wedding day; the hope of a long life; seeing the world; loving again; being loved; being held without fear; holding without fear. Yes, I lost a whole lot of things. THE CHALLENGES My thoughts on how new treatments may have an impact on the way we look at AIDS care and support. Of course I replaced those “hopes” with new ones. Shorter ones. A different hope. So when I feel NEW HOPE, it threatens to give all that back to me and once again turn my life upside down. A scary thought. Our model for care has been built, designed and reinforced by “helping people to die.” Even the most sceptical of minds cannot dismiss the possibility of a longer, healthier life for people with HIV infection in these times of Protease Inhibitors and “The Cocktail.” In the face of such substantial change in the management of HIV/AIDS, service providers such as ACT-B must examine these new times in order to respond appropriately. The HIV+ community has been given hope before. We have history in this area and we have learned from that. Failed drugs such as AZT, the tat gene inhibitors and others have, for a brief time, given us hope. This examination will change over time. As our service users live longer and healthier lives we must continue to consult them directly. Only THEY can help us understand their changing needs. Emotionally, I cannot afford the luxury of HOPE for the risk it carries is too great. continued on page 7 ... I lost hope!! 5 - - �Healing Our NMiovts November 9-13 Ha) ifax, Nova ScotiA The 4th Annual Canadian Aboriginal Conference on HIV/AIDS and related issues was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia from November 9-13. The Theme of the gathering was “Healing our Nations. ” Approximately 300 people from across Canada and the United States attended to discuss ways of combatting HIV/A IDS. Two members ofACT-B attended the conference and present their reports... Sandy Johnston, Proud mom & supporter Brenda J. LeSage The reason I wanted to attend this conference was to support my son who is HIV-positive and to support others who may be affected. I find that there is so much support needed in the aboriginal community, not only from our nation, but from our immediate families. I believe that with this unconditional love behind them, our children can stay healthy longer. My son is a perfect example of this. I was lucky to be chosen to attend this wonderful gathering of all peoples across this nation who are concerned about HIV/AIDS. This conference was one of the most exhilarating and emotional events that I have been to. We must open our hearts, minds and eyes. Only then will some of the beliefs be cast aside and we can truly be one nation. I am pretty sure that was the Creator’s plan in the first place. The elders taught us to be proud of ourselves and this illness; to use it to our best advantage. I learned to forgive myself as well as others. I learned that I had to take a good hard look at myself whether I want to or not! I also found out how important it is to teach our children and grandchildren about HIV/AIDS. Kevin Barlow, who put it all together, was a powerful speaker. All the presenters and keynote speakers were terrific! Such courage for these people to share their From the conference I heard the horror stories of stories with us. people being turned away and families shunned because of the virus. All the workshops I attended were excellent and very informative. They included: HIV & TB - Dual We can no longer lie to ourselves or hide for Infection Issues; Healing through Humour; Grief and HIV/AIDS is infecting or affecting our nation greatly. Multiple Loss; “Legend of Pagosi” Micmac Medicines, What I learned from the conference was not only how Traditional Usages and Gathering Methods; and to take away some of my fears but to overcome the Extremist Attitudes: Maintaining Balance in fear of the virus in other people. Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Service Delivery. I was overwhelmed at the close knit group of people. We all stand out in our own special way in contributing to this dilemma. I knew when I left Halifax that I must try to do my part. I have since run for the Board of Directors at ACT-B and was elected! I am anxious to share my experience with others at the ACT-B. Meegwetch 6 - �The Holiday Season is a time for reflection. A time to review the year and take stock of all the good things that have happened. Many people have helped us in our work at the AIDS Committee during 1996 and we would like to take this opportunity to say “thankyou” to: * Vicki Suttie for making the silent auction at our Annual General Meeting such a success; raising over $500 for the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. * Employees of Pizza Hut who donated $80 from their tips to Mother’s Cupboard. * Members of the fundraising committee for their ideas and support and a special thanks to all those dedicated volunteers who assisted with fundraising events. * Ray Laird and Ryan Bureyko for coordinating benefit socials during the year. * Jennifer Peter for her diligent work on the Social Marketing Campaign during her placement with ACT-B. * “Broadway Bound” for hosting a first rate benefit concert in support of the AIDS Committee and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. They donated $700 to each organization. * Our tireless primary care physicians who support our PHA’s to the best of their knowledge, skills and abilities. * Pius White for his public leadership at our AIDS Walk, mail solicitations and support letters for various fundraising proposals. * The AIDS Awareness Week Steering Committee members and a special thank you to Carri Whidden for her work coordinating the week’s events.* * Karen Ferland for coordinating our 5th Annual Regional “Opening More Doors” conference. Canadian Airlines for their sponsorship of the AIDS Walk. And a big thanks to the planning committee! * The Senator Norman Paterson Foundation for contributing to our “Vehicle Fund.” * William Roberts and all the performers in the Healthy Sex Cabaret for bringing humour to this issue. * Mike’s Mart store on Red River Road for their sales of Nevada Tickets. DARING TO HOPE continued from page 5 .. . * Sandy Johnston for cleaning our refrigerator! Huge Job! Big Thanks! * Anne Ciemny for coordinating the “Cheese Cake Challenge” and Mr. Sub for donating the use of their cooler. * The AIDS Walk is one of ACT-B’s largest events. Thanks go to: The Outpost at Lakehead University for hosting the event. Norma Jean Newbold from Lakehead University Residence for her recruitment of students to support the walk. MDS Laboratories, Janzens Pharmacy, Domino’s Pizza, North Algoma Confectionary, Glaxo Wellcome, Lakehead Travel Agency and Although estate planning will remain an important part of the assistance to people infected with HIV, we may now want to offer PHA’s educational goals. This gives them an opportunity to live productive lives in the context of their limitations. Regardless of the improvements in HIV/AIDS care, there will undoubtedly be many that continue to die, get sick and require the support of agencies like ours. How do we respond to the person newly diagnosed with HIV? Surely not the same way we did 2 - 4 years ago. There is no hope of getting back those that we have lost or cure the pain that has been experienced by so many. But I do have HOPE. A different HOPE! MY HOPE!” �V*rtin$ GIaucc J| ACT-B Abvisorvf Council Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Ogden East End Health Centre Mary Lee Barry Douglas Cave Addiction Research Foundation Richard DeVuono Co-Chair Gail Linklater Co-Chair Dr. Gordon Milne Family Physician Murray Nielsen Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre 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 Pius White Community Consultant The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: > > Fred Ball Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada > Thunder Bay WINS! > All of the people involved in general fund raising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. The opinions and medical information offered by “rcACT-Belicvc” 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. ACT-B Bo^rb of Directors Rick Atkinson Joyce Barnes James Budd Deborah Emery Carmen Klassen Steacie LaChance Brenda LeSage Rob MacKay Bruno Valente Noel Ward Darryl Williams, President Pius White Please address any comments or concerns to rcACT-Belicve P.O. Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807)345-1516 ACT-B St^ff Substance Use Outreach Project Coordinator Christa Alsch Secretary Education Coordinator David Belrose Support Services Coordinator Sheila Berry John Books Fund Raising Coordinator Interim Support Worker/Health Daryle Dollan Promoter Jo-Ann Jacomb Volunteer Coordinator Lawrence Korhonen Administration Coordinator Clifford Ray Futures Program Executive Director Michael Sobota Janet Adams Vcsl 1 wAtit to support ACT-B this holfc>A\j season* 1 know thM m\\ contribution will realty covmt! Here is mvj bonMion of $ ....... - . Name: Address: rcACT-Bclicvc Contributors Jo-Ann Jacomb Editor Richard Boon Design and Layout ACT-B staff, volunteers & members 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 9 Issue 4 - Winter 1996 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 1996 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/17/2689/1998_reACT-Believe_vol10no3_2.pdf 157627a460056786d1a71faa0c6ad31f PDF Text Text rcACT-Believc The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Winter, 1998 Volume 10, Issue 3 HolibAV^/Wmter 1 ssuc Cooperation is the Key In 1985, a young man died in a local hospital of complications due to Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Fear was at the forefront. That same hospital was the first in Thunder Bay to develop training and education for staff in readiness for other people living with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS. A dozen years later, we look at how our community is responding to HIV and AIDS. First, there was a handful of volunteers whose vision and efforts provided the impetus for developing a community awareness and support for people living with this new virus, hence, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACTB). Fear and stigmatization of HIV and AIDS has been a constant reminder that as a community we have not yet arrived. However, we continue to make strides towards acceptance of HIV and AIDS as a fact of life. We have many things to celebrate. Hundreds of volunteers over the years giving selflessly, hope with new treatments (for those who can tolerate the drugs and the strict regime required), a new HIV clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital, a hospice unit, annual HIV regional counselling conferences and aboriginal HIV/AIDS conferences, People Living With HIV/AIDS (PHAs) speaking to individuals and groups, peer support, needle exchange, outreach programs targeted to high risk behaviours, support groups for HIV positive people, family, friends and partners, improved access to information about medical alternative care, a regional 1-800 line, addiction programs beginning to incorporate HIV/AIDS education into treatment programs, and much more. I have also noticed a greater effort of agencies partnering with the AIDS Committee to address the growing HIV infection rate in the region. This cooperative effort will enhance programs and allow for more choices for people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as break down attitudinal barriers which still exist. If this year’s AIDS Pledge Walk is any indication of our community’s response to HIV/AIDS, hope reigns triumphant that we will be able to overcome our fears around HIV/AIDS rather than be consumed by it. We are, after all, all affected. Sheila Berry, Coordinator ofSupport Services Under Our Cover ... Volunteers - they’re truly V.I.P.s Fundraising News ACT-B Resource Library Library/”Dear Robbie” “Let’s be Social” Here and There Parting Glance 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Season’s Greetings, and may the joy and peace of the holiday season be yours now and in the new year. "Happy holidays. Happy holidays..." �ooocooooo o o o o a o o c o o o o o o o o « c c fVolvmteers - Thevf’re trwlvj VJJ\s <-> Q bvj Selty PAjamaki - Volunteer CoorfcinMor o o o o o o o o ooooo 0000 It is just over one month since I became the new Volunteer Coordinator at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. In that short time period, I have quickly come to realize just how needed volunteers are - without them I would not be able to do my job! They are involved in everything we do at ACT-B, and are very important people (V.I.P.s). And, they are also friendly, helpful and sociable. I feel that I have greatly expanded my circle of friends (and I hope that many of you are beginning to think of me as a new friend, too). 00000 o o o o VOLUNTEER NEEDED Through the wonderful efforts of the many volunteers (over 150) at ACT-B, we have been able to accomplish a lot in the last few weeks. There have been two bingos since I started here, as well as our first Tag Day (a very satisfying achievement, even though there were a few mistakes and problems), two “popcans for charity” pickup runs, a Halloween Social and the AGM (annual general meeting). Volunteers were very much a big part of all these events and made them all successful. ACT-B has been blessed with the number and quality of volunteers who seek us out. Many of them have been helping out for several years and are seen around the office so much that newcomers mistake them for regular staff. They come from all walks of life - work-at-home mothers, students, business people, university professors, bus drivers, people from many other professions, retired people, and people not working just now. And, they range in age from 8 to over 80. They are all kind, compassionate and concerned people who enjoy doing what they can to help others. I have met many of the volunteers so far - in person or over the phone, and 1 am looking forward to meeting more of you over the next few months. 1 really appreciate the help that you, the volunteers, have given me in settling into my new position here at ACT-B. You have helped me learn “how things are done” and made me feel comfortable and welcome at the same time. Mother’s Cupboard desperately needs an energetic volunteer willing to commit to 15 hours per month. Duties would include shopping for the Cupboard, soliciting donations, ensuring the Cupboard is kept stocked, coordinating quarterly Mother’s Cupboard Committee meetings, and preparing reports for the Board. If you are interested in taking on this challenging position, please call Daryle or Selly at 3451516. Interested in Volunteering? We’re always looking for volunteers here at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. If you are interested in helping out, please give us a call or stop by the office. Some of the areas where you could be of service are: - clerical: typing, phoning, photocopying, filing, faxing, answering phones, computer input, collating materials - fundraising: bingo, baking, yard sales, ticket sales, tag day, crafts, gay socials, casinos, pancake breakfast, coin box collection, safer sex cabaret - education: public speaking, display booth, condom blitzes, telephone survey, pamphlet/poster distribution - support services: peer counselling, nursing care, yard work, reading, transportation, meal preparation, being a buddy, shopping, telephone support, massage, exercise, personal grooming, bill paying - other: committee work, billeting, office errands, van cleaning. Mother’s Cupboard servicebilinguedisponible 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 The staff at ACT-B have also been very welcoming and helpful, answering my many questions, showing me where to find things and explaining procedures. I would like to express my appreciation and thank you all - this is the first position I’ve had where I have felt “at home” so quickly. Network 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca Thank you and happy holidays, Selly 00 catie internet: www.catie.ca Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange Reseau communautaire d'info-traitements sida -2- �Fvmbraism5 Mews bvj JoVih Boolcs - FvmfcrAismg Coordinator c n c M “Very Interesting!” - Artie Johnson A c i t i V ! t i c i ATTENTION CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS *AIDS Walk 97 was a tremendous success. Over 500 people participated in the Walk and the donations gathered totaled $24,000...a huge increase from the previous year. To all who helped in any way, please accept the sincere gratitude of the Board and staff of the AIDS Committee. Those funds will make a difference in the fight against AIDS in our community. Planning for AIDS Walk 98 will begin soon. If you are interested in serving on that committee, please let us know. *A few weeks ago, we organized our first Tag Day, which brought in $1,400. Though it did not go as smoothly as we would have liked, such a campaign has a lot of potential. Next year’s campaign will do better. *You don’t have to bring in the new year watching TV. Call 345-1516 for information about a New Year’s Eve Social. The dinner and dance is a joint project of the AIDS Committee and the Out & About Organization. Tickets are $25.00 regular or $20.00 for members of either group, dance only is $15.00. Ukrainian Hall, DJ, dinner provided by Tid Bit Catering, complementary glass of champagne. *The Fundraising Committee is researching some new events. Once the planning is completed, we will let you know the details, hopefully in a month or two. *What is the theme of the Cabaret? Does anyone know? Stay tuned for words. ‘Werrrrrrrrrrrrry interesting.....but crazy.” -3 If you like to give people calendars as Christmas gifts and would like to help support ACT-B, then check out the Finnish Book Store. The owners, Richard and Marlene, have brought in a 1998 commemorative calendar of the late Princess Diana and are generously donating all of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar to ACT-B. Many will recall the ground-breaking work that Diana did to help advance the AIDS movement. The Finnish Book Store has supported ACT-B in the past, assisting in credit card sales at our major events. Thank you Richard and Marlene. We specialize in Unique European & Canadian Gift Ideas 168 S. Algoma Street Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B 3B9 Tel. (807) 345-7179 Fax (807) 343-9112 1-800-582-6849 RICHARD KOSKINIEMI 1997 ACT-B Annual General Meeting The 1997 Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on November 20 at the Lakehead Unitarian Hall. Reports were given and the 1997-98 Board of Directors was elected. Continuing on the Board for another year are: Rick Atkinson, Deborah Emery, Brenda LeSage, Rob MacKay, Bruno Valente, Pius White and Darryl Williams. Elected to join them for 2 year terms are: James Budd, Shannon Lang Bush, Dawn Kannegiesser, Carmen Klassen and Don Young. New Board members officially begin their term at the first meeting of the board following the AGM, on December 17. A panel of speakers shared their experience of what it is like to live with HIV today and how it is different from when they first discovered HIV in their lives. �ACT-B Resource Library bij David Belrose - Education Coordinator Are you looking for information about HIV/AIDS or related issues? Are you, a family member, or a friend living with HIV? Are you a health care or social service worker in need of information? Are you a teacher looking for up-to-date resources? Are you a student who needs research information for a project? Are you someone interested in learning more about this epidemic? The ACT-B Resource Library may be just what you need. Our collection of print and other material has been building since the late 1980s, and includes current information on a broad range of issues related to HIV/AIDS. We have material that runs the gamut from basic AIDS 101 to leading edge research on treatment options. Some of the subject areas that you will find include: Aboriginal issues Caregiving Chemical dependency Children Clinical Trials Clinical management Counselling Death/dying Discrimination Education Epidemiology Etiology (causation) Family Fiction Grief/bereavement Health promotion Health management Home care Homophobia Human rights Immune system Infection control Injection drug use Legal issues -4- Living with HIV/AIDS Men Mental Health Nutrition Opportunistic infections Palliative care Political issues Prisons Research Safer sex Self help Sex trade Sexual orientation issues STDs Social issues Social work Spiritual issues Testing, HIV and other Therapies, complementary Treatment Women Workplace Youth We encourage everyone to make use of this valuable resource. Our staff will be glad to help direct you to the catalogue, or help you find the materials you need. We have brochures and some posters that are free for the taking. Most of our collection of print and electronic material is available for loan, although some items are for reference use only. Our information files, including treatment information, can be used in the library. Photocopies are available at ten cents a page. The library is available during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 5:00 p.m. �Gi^rbi^ CrvjptosporiMum Daryle Cano ACT-B Support Worker/Health Promoter Residents on the south side of the city are under a boilwater advisory because giardia and Cryptosporidium have been discovered in the water supply. The water originates from Loch Lomond, a lake located on Mount MacKay. GIARDIA (also known as “beaver fever”) This is a microscopic parasite that can infect warm­ blooded animals and humans. This parasite can cause an intestinal illness called giardiasis. Symptoms of giardiasis can be nausea, anorexia, fever and severe diarrhea. CRYPTOSPORIDIUM This is also a microscopic parasite that can infect animals and humans. This parasite can cause an intestinal illness called cryptosporidiosis. Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis can be severe diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, occasional fever, nausea and vomiting. Cryptosporidiosis is a highly infectious disease that can be spread through routine contact and through unsafe sexual practices, mostly involving some kind of contact with the feces (shit) of an infected person or animal. This can include handling dirty laundry, having sexual contact with the rectal area, or people with contaminated hands preparing food or touching the hands of another person. The impact of both giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis is directly dependent on the immune status of the person infected. In the case of people with compromised immune systems (such as people with AIDS), cryptosporidiosis can be fatal. In order to avoid the possibility of becoming infected with giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis, you must avoid ingesting contaminated water. Do not drink, wash your food, or brush your teeth with tap water. The water you use for these purposes must either be boiled, obtained from the north side of the city, or filtered through an “absolute 1-micron filter.” Filtering systems that remove lead and chlorine have absolutely no effect on these parasites. If you have a compromised immune system and are unable to get out to get your own water, you can call the Red Cross. They will ask you a few questions to determine your level of risk, then will deliver water to you. They can be reached at 6233073. Giardiasis can be treated with Flagyl, but many people with liver damage are not able to use this treatment. Cryptosporidiosis can be treated with Paromomycin and Azithromycin, but there are no medications that have been shown to cure cryptosporidial infection. As with other diseases, prevention is your best option. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call Daryle at 345-1516. REMEMBER Do not drink, wash your food or brush your teeth with tap water! DON’T FORGET Boil tap water before using it for anything! �| SIGNIFICANT DONORS %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% The AIDS Committee is grateful to all the many hundreds of people who support it. In particular, we thank the following for: Gifts of $100 to $249 ♦V.B. Cook Employee’s Social & Charitable Donations Committee * Secondary School Teachers Charity Fund * Current River United Church *MDS Laboratories * Broadway Bound (Jo-Ann Jacomb, Marcella Smithers & Glen Pattterson) *EZ Vending ♦Anne Ciemny * Marge Cross ♦Sonya Matijek ♦Gerd Schroeter * Eugene Belisle ♦Edson Setliff *Dr. G. Davis *Rudy & Joyce Mauro ♦Dr. D. Ek *Ed Prinselaar * Sally Colquhoun ♦Mrs. Pat Briden *Yves Fricot * David Lawrence ♦Marjorie Wallington Gifts of $250 to $499 * Civic Employees Charity Committee * Keating Insulation ♦Non-Teaching Charity Fund (Board of Education) Gifts of $500 to $999 ♦Glaxco Wellcome with BioChem Pharma ♦Pop Cans for Charity * The Royal Bank ♦The Patrons of Robin’s Donuts ♦Robert Shepherd Gifts of $1,000 to $4,999 *Avenor Woodlands Northwest *Thunder Bay Foundation ♦The Senator Norman Paterson Foundation ♦The United Appeal (New Initiatives Program) * Bombardier Employees’ 4C’s Fund ♦ECHO Club LUSU ♦Anonymous Gifts of $5,000 and over ♦The Life and Health Insurance Companies in Canada Significant In Kind Donations over $1,000 ♦The Outpost ♦Chronicle Journal ♦Thunder Bay Television As part of your Holiday giving this year, make a note to yourself to remember the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Our Fund Raising Goal is $84,000. We have had a successful fall, thanks to the AIDS Walk in September and the Tag Day in November, but we need more to reach our goal. Any amount that you can share with us will be truly appreciated. Fill out the form below and drop it off at our office. Thank you again for your support. I want to make a Holiday Gift to the AIDS Committee. Here is my donation of $10______ , $20______ , $50_____ any amount $ Name:______ Address: City/Prov/P.C. �Resource Library continued... NEW VIDEO Weighing the risk: A Canadian video about women and HIV/AIDS The Physician Education Project on Women & HIV/AIDS The Battle Within: Current concepts in the pathogenesis of HIV infection Staying Ahead: A guide to the prevention of opportunistic infections Recognizing CMV Retinitis: Early screening and warning signs The following is a sample of some of our recent materials. NEW PRINT MATERIAL The Johns Hopkins Hospital 1997 Guide to Medical Care of Patients with HIV Infection AIDS In The World II At Home On The Stroll HIV/AIDS In Prison: Discussion Paper and Final Report Legal and Ethical Issues Raised By HIV/AIDS Healing Our Nations Aboriginal Communities and HIV/AIDS Women and HIV Projects and Committees Inventory Gay/Lesbian Legal Issues and HIV/AIDS Dual Identities: Counselling chemically dependent gay men and lesbians How To Take Care of You...so you can take care of others Pride and Prejudice: Working with lesbian, gay and bisexual youth Dancing with Mister D: notes on life and death AIDS Medical Glossary (GMHC) COMPUTER SOFTWARE Protect Your Family - Interactive Multimedia CD-ROM 1995 (requires 486, 8MB) Discovery - An interactive investigation of HIV/AIDS CD-ROM 1996 Turning The Tide Against HIV - Recent advances in combination retroviral therapy from the XI International Conference on AIDS July 1996 Interactive CD-ROM Abstracts XI International Conference on AIDS July 1996 CD-ROM or disks Abstracts 4th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections January, 1997 (Disk) Abstracts Sixth Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research May, 1997 (Disk) “dear robbie ” is on holidays at the present time, but please keep sending in your questions and concerns and he will be back for the next newsletter. He will attempt to answer all those hard to ask questions in a fun and informative way. Send your education ideas for “dear robbie ” to reACT-Believe. The address is on page eight. 5- �Let’s be Socia1...anb spent) New Year s Eve Together "Rehearsal Party 200(5" CrtiSYaa Q/eawb 'Q'te (j&meflt 2/)wmew (Sf d^cc/a/ co-presented by the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay and Out & About Wednesday, December 31st 1997 Ukrainian Labour Temple 203 Ogden St., Thunder Bay. Symposium: 6 pm Dinner: 7 pm Social: 9 pm (dinner by Tidbit Catering) dj music, cash bar; champagne at midnight & cold buffet, partyfavours, 50/50 draw and door prize Tickets: $20.00 (per person) for members of ACTB or Out & About $25.00 (per person) for non members $15.00 at the door for social only Tickets are available from the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (345-1516) and from Out & About (623-3141) Poster by Brian Holden Designs Dress casual/smart �Here a«t> There . . . _ ==■ — MAY I HA VE YOUR A TTENTION, PLEASE? Do you have time on your hands? Are you lookingfor something to do? Are you a Bingo fan? There’s a place for you at your local AIDS Committee! We are always lookingfor volunteers to help with our once a month bingos. Give us a call and we ’ll put you down for the fourth Tuesday of the month - any month or every month, whenever you're available. We need your active support. And, ifyou have any friends you d like to bring along, our philosophy is “The more, the merrier! ” So...run right down and sign up now. --------- —I WORRIED? Get An ANONYMOUS TEST. Been worried about getting the test? Concerned about past behaviour, but scared to bring it up with your doctor, your partner, your family, with anybody? Want to know your own status but don’t want everybody else to know? Been using lately and not always sure your works are clean? Don’t want people to know you’re gay - or don’t want people to think you are if you’re not? Maintaining your privacy is the most important thing? And you genuinely believe you’ve risked exposure to HIV and want to get tested... Call 625-5981 That’s all you have to do. You can get the HIV antibody test anonymously. One phone call will get you an appointment through the anonymous testing service. You don’t have to give your name or address or any identifying information. You don’t need an OHIP card. The receptionist will ask for a first name (any first name) to book the appointment. Nothing will be reported, whatever your test results are. Except to you. So, if you’ve been worried and thinking about testing, now is as good a time as ever to take that step. When you call 6255981, they should also tell you where you can get tested. There are a couple of different locations around the city where you can get the anonymous test. Just ask, and pick the location you are most comfortable with. Knowing your health status can relieve concerns, whatever the result is. And whatever the result is, know that we’re here at the AIDS Committee to give you information and support. You are not alone. Substance Use Outreach Project Update by Janet Adams - Substance Use Outreach Project The Substance Use Outreach Project (SUOP) has been operating for a year now. So far the project has been a runaway success. There are three components to the project: the peer ambassador project, the ad campaign and the “Bar Night’' project. Over the year, seven peers have been out in the community, providing one-to-one safer sex/safer using education & support, information, condoms, and referrals to local agencies. All peers report that the response to the project has been good and that people like and feel comfortable with the “peer” approach to prevention. Ads have been running on the city buses. Four ads were produced and each one runs for four months. The ads target the link between substance use and sex. If you are in Thunder Bay, look for our ads the next time you take the bus (at the back above the exit door) and let us know what you think. Eight info cards and three match books were produced. These have been well received by clients and workers from other AIDS committees, needle exchange programs and substance use programs around the province. The “Bar Nights” have also been a success. Bar patrons enjoy the play and, for the most part, are willing to fill out a short survey following the play. Bar patrons and staff really like the “grab bags” we produced as well. We have been asked to present the play as part of several educational workshops over the year. We will be doing a few more “Bar Nights”, so be on the lookout for posters advertising our next event. -7- �Verting GIaucc Thank-You Volunteers & Coordinators AIDS Awareness Week was from September 27th to October 4th this year. We would like to extend our thanks to all who helped coordinate the various events. Special thanks go to the people behind the counselling conference “Opening More Doors.” We would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped to make the AIDS Walk such a success, and particularly the walkers, who brought in approximately $24,000 in pledges. ACT-B held its first Tag Day on Saturday, November 15th. Our thanks go out to those hardy volunteers who willingly stood for two hours out in the cold that day and raised approximately $1,400. Volunteers were also a great help at the Annual General Meeting on November 20th. Thanks go to those who provided tasty goodies for our refreshment break, as well as to those who helped at the door and with the Silent Auction. Thank you again, volunteers you deserve to toot your own horn! ACT-B Advisory Council Fred Ball Mary Lee Barry Douglas Cave Richard Atkinson Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Carmen Blais 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 BoArfc of Directors Rick Atkinson Shannon Lang Bush Dawn Kannegiesser Brenda LeSage Bruno Valente Darryl Williams, Pres. James Budd Deborah Emery Carmen Klassen Rob MacKay Pius White Don Young ACT-B Staff 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. Janet Adams Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Daryle Cano Erik Collings Lawrence Korhonen Selly Pajamaki Michael Sobota rcACT-Believc Contributors Selly Pajamaki Editor ACT-B staff & volunteers The opinions and medical information offered by TeACTBelievc” 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. Substance Use Outreach Project Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Fund Raising Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Placement Student Administration Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Executive Director Yesl / want to become a member of ACT-B! / know that mtj contribution wilJ realty count! Here is my donation of $10.00__, $20.00___ or Sfo.oo__ . I [Name: Please address any comments or concerns to Address: rcACT-Believc 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 Volume 10 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 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 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2693/1999_reACT-Believe_vol12no1_2.pdf 064bf515bb78bbc19e55db59f4a89d4f PDF Text Text reACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Spring 1999 Volume 12, Issue 1 Sprihtt/Summer JsSHe Changes at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Michael Sobota, ACT-B’s long-standing Executive Director will be taking a leave of absence to work on a research project. The project is to document and write the history of the community-based response to HIV/AIDS in Ontario, focusing on the last two decades of this century. Michael will be on leave from ACT-B from June this year through November, 2000. While Michael’s leave signals a change for ACT-B, an orderly plan is in place to provide a smooth transition, without interruption to programs or services. The current ACT-B staff team remains in place. However, some staff will take on new positions and responsibilities. Lawrence Korhonen, currently Administration Coordinator, will become Executive Director. Lawrence is a senior staff person, having been with the agency since January, 1988. Selly Pajamaki will move from being ACT-B’s Volunteer Coordinator to Administration Coordinator. Carri Anne Whidden will be contracted as Volunteer Coordinator. Carri served in this position a couple of summers ago when previous Volunteer Coordinator Jo-Ann Jacomb took a summer’s leave of absence. As with any change, this transition will need some time - and your support - to fully function harmoniously and smoothly. We invite your trust and support. Michael is not leaving the city. He will be working on the history project from his home. He welcomes any thoughts or contributions you might have about documenting the community response to HIV/AIDS. And you will see him around as he says he’ll continue volunteering at ACT-B events. National AIDS Awareness Campaign 1998-1999 Spring Youth Campaign 1999 Following up on The Faces of AIDS campaign, this year sees a secondary campaign focusing on youth and HIV. This complements the World AIDS Campaign theme this year Youth: A Force For Change. The campaign will target youth between the ages of 14 and 24 and will focus on those at higher risk for HIV infection: young women, young gay men and those using substances including injection drugs. While ACT-B has not seen HIV infections among Thunder Bay youth thus far, rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies show that unprotected sex is happening and poses a risk of potential HIV infections. A national social marketing campaign will be launched in May 1999, which will include a one hour broadcast special on MuchMusic/Musique Plus, an HIV youth only web site, and a fall campus poster advertising campaign. We will have available brochures, posters, rave cards and fact sheets for any school, agency or individual wishing to promote the campaign. If you would like further information, please contact David Belrose at 345-1516. Youth and HIV/AIDS (The following is excerpted from a Canadian AIDS Society fact sheet.) In Canada, youth are becoming infected with HIV. While no one is exempt from risk of infections, youth are at risk for HIV infection because of their increased vulnerability to several factors that increase one’s likelihood of contracting the virus. These factors include the following: (continued on page two) Under Our Cover ... Education Update For Your Information Fundraising News Newsletter Survey Insert Health Promotion Insert Poetry, etc. submitted by our readers Letters Here and There Parting Glance 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 �education Update (continued from page one) Economic Factors HIV is a class issue. Individuals living in poverty are at increased vulnerability for health problems. In one study, lower income HIV positive males were found to go on to have a 60 percent higher mortality rate than higher income HIV positive males. (Hogg et al., BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 1994). In Vancouver, BC, among YouthCO AIDS Society's Positive Youth Outreach Program’s HIV positive members, a full 86 percent report annual incomes below $10,000 (2nd Quarterly Statistical Report, 1997). bodies than their male counterparts, increases the risk for HIV infection among young women. Often, females or street involved youth who are in abusive or dysfunctional relationships do not have negotiating power in a relationship to be able to protect themselves. Unwanted sex from social pressure, coercion and violence make young women particularly vulnerable. When looking at the rate of other STDs (also a measure of unprotected sexual contact), girls aged 15-19 years have the highest rate of infection for gonorrhea and chlamydia among women. Untreated STDs greatly increases an individual’s risk of getting or passing on HIV to his or her partner. Youth are more reluctant to seek treatment for fear of being found out and the lack of access to youth-friendly health services contributes to the increase in STDs and HIV infection. Addictions Many youth experiment with drugs and many youth living with HIV are infected through the use of shared needles. Enrollment statistics in the Vancouver Injection Drug Use Study (VIDUS) show that the average age at which participants first use needles is 21 years. (Strathlee et al., BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 1996). Alcohol and other drugs, apart from the HIV risk connected with needle-sharing, can also affect sexual behaviour and increase young people’s vulnerability to HIV. Street Involvement Street involved youth are facing many difficulties which may put them in positions where they are at a higher risk of HIV transmission. They may be dealing with poverty, abuse, poor self-esteem, and they may be trading sex for shelter or food. Often, gay, lesbian and bisexual youth do not feel safe in shelters because of a perceived homophobic atmosphere. Often, street involved youth are also faced with the issue of injection drug use. Young people who use injection drugs are exposed to high HIV risks if they share needles. The lack of support for stopping substance abuse and counselling services for youth magnified their vulnerability to HIV infection. Sexuality Isolation and self-loathing characterize the teenage years and young adulthood of many gay, lesbian and bisexual youth (Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA). Safe Spaces: HIV prevention for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth. Ottawa: 1998.). According to the CPHA, the average gay or lesbian youth maintains total silence about their sexual orientation for a period of at least six years, all the while experiencing severe stress to that orientation. Consequently, as youth come to terms with their sexuality, HIV prevention becomes a secondary concern. Youth coming to terms with their sexuality face a number of environmental factors which contribute to their sense of isolation. Among these factors include: the lack of services which address youth specific needs; homophobia; lack of adult role models in the gay community; alienation from organized religions because of religious values taught about homosexuality; and the hostile environment of school. These factors augment the risk of HIV infection among youth. Psychiatric or Neurological Disorders Youth with impaired impulse control, insight or capacity to perceive risk by psychiatric diagnosis or neurological disorder are at an increased risk for contracting and transmitting HIV in institutional or community settings. The youth may also be poor, marginalized, lack basic sex education. Sexual abuse of children with disabilities occurs at a higher rate than children who do not have a disability. Youth who are dealing with a history of past or ongoing sexual abuse are at an increased risk for HIV transmission. Sexual Behaviour Studies have shown that 5o percent of Canadian 17 yearolds have had sexual intercourse. Of this 57 percent of 17 year-old boys and 45 percent of 17 year-old girls used a condom the last time they had sexual intercourse. Ninetynine percent of Canadian youth define themselves as heterosexual, this labeling leads to a belief that HIV is of no concern to them (College of Family Physicians of Canada, 1995). When looking at patterns of sexual behaviour common in youth two types are prevalent: serial monogamy, and casual sex. Youth who have experienced physical or sexual abuse at an early age tend to follow a pattern of casual sex. In terms of asserting personal boundaries, it is often hard to refuse unprotected sexual (continued on page three) Sexism and Young Women Young women are particularly at risk for HIV infection not only because of their disadvantages in society of being young, but also to their biological and social vulnerability. Compared with males, the female reproductive tract is more susceptible to infection with HIV and other STDs, a susceptibility that is particularly great in young girls. Gender inequalities are reflected in sexual relations between men and women in that men are more likely to initiate, dominate, and control sexual interactions and reproductive decision-making (Mann & Tarantola, 1997). According to UNAIDS, gender expectations which mean that young women have less control over their lives and 2- �For your Information Spring Youth Campaign 1999 (continued from page two) Intercourse when youth may fear rejection or loneliness. What Can We Do? Research into prevention education programs for youth about AIDS show that factors influencing the effective­ ness for peer education strategies include involvement of peer educators in program planning, provision of ade­ quate training, on-going support and community acceptance. (MacKay, 1997). In a recent study of target groups for prevention education, it was found that youth 15 to 19 years old should be the highest priority for HIV/AIDS prevention education followed by 10 to 14 year olds (Sahai & Demcyree, 1996). Therefore, programs that ad­ dress the above mentioned issues need to be developed. Youth need to be involved in the design and implemen­ tation of programs in order to ensure that these programs are successful. We need to ensure that programs de­ signed reflect the realities of the various target groups, including street-involved youth, young gay men, Aboriginal youth, young women, HIV positive youth and youth from ethnocultural communities. According to UNAIDS, youth are a force for change. Youth are resilient and open for change. By ensuring school-based prevention education programs are appropriate, peer oriented, and address issues affecting youth, youth can help create a social envi­ ronment in which they will have more control over their lives, and their risk to HIV/AIDS. For more information, call the AIDS Committee at 345-1516. AIDS Walk 99 will soon be here - mark the date, Sunday, September 26 in your cal­ endar now, you won't want to miss it!! Pledge forms will be available early in June. Get your registration in soon - use the convenient form below. 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: □M □ □ □ □ □ Postal Code: ) Fax: ( Team Name (if any): □ 26-35 □ 36-45 □ 46-55 □ 55+ □F 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 26, but I want to donate. -3 - ) �yard SaCo Jf you are hoCding a yard saCe this spring ir summer, wouCd you consider donating 10% * ( of your proceeds to the AJDS Committee? \four donation wouCd Oe dearCy appreciated. Vue to a Cac({ of storage space, the AJVS Committee is unaOCe to conduct its oven yard \ sado. CaCC us prior to your suCe and, with suffi­ o ft o ft o ft ft ft ft ATTENTION BINGO LOVERS!!! V-/ x y u w u u u U MEMBERSHIP IN ACT-B Why should I become a member of ACT-B? 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 & vote at the Annual General Meeting * Can stand for nomination to the Board of Direc­ tors * Can elect the incoming Board members * Receive the agency newsletter ft When do I need to submit my application for membership? According to the ACT-B by-laws, your membership must be received at least 30 days prior to the Annual General Meeting (in late November) for you to be eligible for voting privileges. Therefore, the deadline for receipt of your membership application is Oc­ tober 20, 1999. 1 Do you have time on your hands, free evenings with nothing to do? Do you like being in a busy (hectic at > times) atmosphere, surrounded by crowds of people? 1 Have we got the place for you! Why not become an , ACT-B Bingo Volunteer? Give us a few hours now and l then, or sign-up to become a regular bingo worker and 1 work one or two bingos a month. Talk to our regular i bingo workers - they have a lot of fun and are a great 1 bunch of people to know. If you're interested in help­ ing us out, call Selly at 345-1516 and arrange to bei come a ‘Bingo Volunteer' today. Bingos are on the 2nd 1 and 4th Tuesdays of the month and run from about | 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call today to sign up!!! How do I apply for membership? The last page of this newsletter has a cut-out mem­ bership form you can fill in and mail to the ACT-B office at Box 24025 RPO Downtown North, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 OOOOOOOCOOOOOOOG 4- - se o V vy se o ft w S e o v-/ j j e ft w < ft w g jc eJ o eJ o J o e J o e J o J c 3^)c J o eJ o J o eJ o fcjo fcjo g jo o V w F$o 3=Jo e J c e J o e J o e J o seJ o j£)o s jo w ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft s£). cient notice, we wiCC try to get volunteers to heCp you. CaCC Mb-lblb. s jo Welcome to spring and the promise of another season of warmth and beauty in Thunder Bay. This is one of the reasons we appreciate living here. I would like to acknowledge everyone who supported local people affected by HIV/AIDS and our efforts to provide supportive programs and to prevent further infections. It is through the generosity and concern of many hundreds of people who give their time or offer donations that these efforts benefit our community. As we look to the upcoming year, our major fund raising project will be the AIDS Walk on Sunday, September 26th, at the Outpost on the campus of Lakehead University. The focus this year will be to recruit teams from the community with particular focus on young people. I AIDS W*LK COMAP* I We are planning to have pledge forms available early in June so interested people can collect pledges through the summer months. AIDS Walk 99 will be fun, exciting and the most successful fundraiser we have ever had! We are facing many challenges in the next fundraising period. Just a few weeks ago, many of you may have enjoyed a performance of the LAST Cabaret. The Cabaret was a signature event for ACT-B and will be missed by many. Some ideas are percolating about a possible replacement for this popular event. We are in need of volunteers to participate on the Walk Committee, the Fundraising Committee and to help with other fundraising events. Please call John if you enjoy a challenge and are willing to make a commitment of your time. �A Public Cervix Announcement Positive Women and Cervical Disease Partial reprint from Treatment Resources, Toronto People With AIDS Foundation, August 1997 The problem that almost all women face, from time to time, is that some of the cells in the cervix grow abnormally (wrong). Now most of the time, these abnormal cells disappear on their own. After awhile, everything is back to normal. But sometimes they don’t. That is when trouble starts. When your cervix has many abnormal cells, it is called dysplasia. When dysplasia is discovered early and treated, it is not called cancer. The doctor treats the dysplasia, and you go back to normal. If the dysplasia is not discovered, it can turn into cervical cancer. This is bad, but still treatable. The real problem is when the cancer is not discovered. It keeps growing, then it begins to spread to other parts of the body. Don’t let it get that far! That is what pap smear tests are all about. All women should be getting pap smear tests at least once a year anyway. The doctor scrapes cells from the inside of your cervix and tests them. If the doctor finds a few abnormal cells, she/he will call you back for another pap test. As we said. Dysplasia cells are common. It’s not time to press the panic button. If there are a lot of abnormal cells, they will call you back for more tests within 6 weeks. Before the doctor does those tests, she/he has to try to clear up any other problems you may have in that area. If you have another vaginal infection, like yeast, thrush, trichomoniasis or herpes, the results of the pap smear test may not be clear. Your doctor should make sure there’s no confusion about this. You don’t want dysplasia to be wrongly called “just a yeast infection”. The doctor uses an instrument called a colposcope (which is a special microscope) to check out the area very carefully. The doctor may also do a biopsy (remove a tiny group of the cells). If the pap smear test and the biopsy agree that it is still dysplasia, the doctor will begin treatment for dysplasia. Cryotherapy (freezing) is the most common treatment. It is easy, and can usually be done in the doctor’s office. The “cryounit” is basically a tank of nitrogen gas connected to a probe (a metal stick). The gas is very cold. The cold probe is held against the abnormal areas until they freeze. The frozen cells die and go away. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the area to heal, so no hanky panky, no tampons, no anything in your vagina while it is healing. Another kind of treatment is electronic therapy, also called “LEEP” or “loop”. The doctor uses a thin wire loop and electricity to scrape out the affected area. With a bit of luck, they will get it all on the first try. Laser therapy uses the light to vaporize cells. When the laser is being used (like the loop) to get rid of some surface cells, only a “local anesthetic” is used (like at the dentist), or no anesthetic is used at all. Laser therapy is a very good treatment healing is usually faster than with freezing, and the chances of anything going wrong are few. The problem is that the therapy has to be done by an expert, not just your usual doctor. You may have noticed that so far we have been talking about ah women. But how about the woman who is HIV+? Is her situation different? Well, the tests and treatment are the same. What is different is that HIV+ women are more likely to develop dysplasia. And. if it is untreated, it will turn into cervical cancer faster than in HIV negative women - perhaps 4 times faster. Even more alarming is that a large percentage of women get cervical cancer as their first AIDS-related disease. This is because the whole process from (a) a few abnormal cells in the cervix, to (b) dysplasia, to (c) cervical cancer, can take 10 years. So a woman may already have dysplasia before she even tests positive for HIV. What does all this mean for you, an HIV+ woman? A) More HIV+ women get dysplasia in the first place because their immune systems are weak, and don't do a good job fighting the abnormal cells. B) Get a pap smear test immediately. C) Most cancer specialists who know about HIV say get a pap smear test every 6 months instead of the usual once a year especially if your CD4 count is below 500. There are no outside symptoms of dysplasia unless it turns into cervical cancer. Then there are symptoms. Symptoms of cervical cancer are: A) Bleeding from your vagina after intercourse. B) Bleeding from your vagina between periods or after menopause. C) Watery or bloody fluid from the vagina that may be thick or smelly. These symptoms can be caused by other problems, but they tell you to get to the doctor as soon as possible. What is the difference between dysplasia and cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is actually dysplasia, but the whole cervical area is affected. Also, the abnormal cells are not just on the surface, and perhaps they have spread to your uterus. After that stage, the abnormal cells can break off and go to other parts of your body. What is the treatment for cervical cancer? It is pretty much the same as for dysplasia - LEEP, freezing, or laser - only more so. If the cancer has really spread, the doctors may have to do a hysterectomy - they remove the entire affected area. Hysterectomies aren’t as common as they used to be. Doctors are better at catching the problem before that becomes necessary. Of course, all this depends on whether or not you are going in for your pap smear tests like you are supposed to. What causes dysplasia and cervical cancer in the first place? The cause if cervical cancer is closely related to HPV, the “human papilloma virus”. HPV is sexually transmitted. HIV might increase the chance of cancer from HPV. HPV is also related to dysplasia and cancer of the anus and rectum, so both men and women are at risk. Being HIV+ increases the danger of the dysplasia turning to cancer. What Should You Do? Pap smears front and back! Pelvic and/ or rectal exams! Reach for the phone now and call the doctor for an appointment, if you haven’t been taking care of business. Prepared by: Eli Graham, Tracy Ribble & Derek Thaczuk �Food for Thought - Canada’s Food Guide By Ingrid Buahene, Nutritionist The Food Guide is based on healthy eating which equals to good nutrition. For this, one needs a combination of the 4 food groups. The amount needed depends on age, body size, activity level, male or female. How many servings from each group does one need? The difference is age - younger children can choose a lower number of servings than older ones. If you follow the Food Guide, you will get between 1800 - 3200 calories per day. 1) Variety of foods. 2) Emphasize cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruit. 3) Choose lower fat dairy products, leaner meats and foods prepared with little or no fat. 4) Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight through regular physical activity. 5) Limit salt, alcohol and caffeine. The 4 Food Groups are: 1) Grain products: 5-12 servings per day, which can be bread, cold or hot cereal, bagel, pita or bun, rice or pasta. 2) Vegetables & Fruit: 5-10 servings per day, which can be a medium-sized fruit or vegetable. This can be fresh, frozen or canned. Juice - 1/2 cup qualifies as a fruit serving. 3) Milk: 2-4 servings, all types of cheese, yogurt. 4) Meat & Alternatives: 2-3 servings per day. such as meat, poultry, fish, canned fish, eggs, canned beans, tofu, peanut butter. Other foods not covered in the 4 groups include: fats & oils (butter, margarine, and lard): sugars such as jam, honey, syrup, candies; high fat snack foods (chips, pretzels); beverages, such as water, tea, coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks; herbs, spices, condiments (such as pickles, mustard, ketchup). These foods can be used in making meals or snacks and are often eaten with foods from the 4 groups. One item not to overlook is water. Choose water often and be sure to drink more in hot weather or when you are active. Where does the salt fit in? Most of it comes from the table salt. Most people get more than they need, so avoid highly salted snack foods. Check labels - choose foods that are unsalted and lower in salt. Use less salt when cooking, taste food before adding salt. Caffeine - use in moderation. It is found in drinks such as coffee, tea, colas and foods that contain cocoa. It is also found in drugs such as cold remedies and headache medicine. Try this recipe for a healthy snack: i3 S3 S3 Zucchini Muffins (makes 1 dozen) 1 cup grated unpeeled zucchini 1/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup oil 1 2/3 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla s3 Method: Beat eggs, add oil, sugar and grated zucchini. Mix together and add the dry ingredients. Put into muffin tins. Bake at 350 F for 18-20 minutes or until brown. S3 l3 ^^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^^^ ^ ^ ^ ^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^^ ^^^^^ Next Newsletter: information about Fiber in our diet, and more recipes �Poetry, etc. submitted Gy our Readers Tears of Hope Seeing an AIDS victim is hard for us As we struggle to retain of them As they were when healthy and hopeful For they, than able to work To love completely and to give generously. Sometimes, being insensitive and forgetful Inconsiderate and selfish. We shun away from their Needs. Their bodies are less and less strong Their energy little and limited Now is the time to show love for them 0 overlook their moods To accept their fate It's love they want Patience, they deserve. To run that last lap With a smile on their face. Lighten up then And show that smile 1 mean, that magic smile The smile of the lips and the eyes Means everything and the whole world In the life and day Of an AIDS patient. Watching someone you love Waste away day after day By an enemy invisible Seems more than can be borne. Rationalizing and wishing is futile The problem0 continue, and each day Despair and frustration take hold The feeling of powerlessness The lack for the cure. Don’t we get bogged down Let’s take care of our own As we shed tears of hope We are the human race. A Acquired immune deficiency syndrome Aids threatening, deadly a catastrophe stands. Acquired via normal, natural, sometimes abused means Appalling and painful the toll it takes Abstain, abjure, take charge are its demands. AIDS has no cure Deep inside, the doubts echo It can’t be me Why me he asks? I awake with a sense of sadness. It is the sadness of loss. I feel life slipping away I’ve lost my best friends: They: I grew up with of the same breast suckled It is my brothers and sisters It is even worse. I’ve lost interst and enthusiasm: for life: Is now an endless nightmare. Tom Tom our of curiosity And concern for his ailing health He takes the AIDS test The results are positive The shock, overwhelming The dreams are broken s Since no cure is sure yet Stand firm for you have the power. Set up a decisive and aggressive battle. Sensational the victory will be See under this combat down will go the killer. I Intravenous needles by drug users Infected blood transfusions or contacts Irresponsible sex, promiscuity or prostitution Inevitable, intended or unfortunate Install a solid and firm path for the killer. We can’t lose this war Station II Tom Tom accepts counselling Tom Tom revisits his Doctor The Doctor reassures Him With proper medication Good dieting and counselling He has another shot to life To have the serenity to: Accept what he cannot change The courage to change what he can The wisdom to know the difference He has learned the “Serenity Prayer”. As I traverse this journey A journey wrecking my emotions Asking questions out of this world. As for prayer am pretty prayed out Am intrigued by a new feeling A voice whispers deep within me. And the echo resounds in my soul And bell clear its vibrations Assuring me to be still. Ah ha “affliction”....God’s shepherd Dog, To draw us in the fold. D We can’t lose this war Station I Tom Tom Tests positive for AIDS Months after months life changes Tom Tom faces the challenges To accept to be like a baby To be assisted on and off the bed. To be fed, washed and dressed This is a life he has to cope with One without prospects A life that’s falling apart The life of one dying from AIDS. Depressed, alone, frightened gets the infected Diseased, weak and weary suffers the patient. Despaired, emaciated, becomes the victim Destiny, face to face with the deceased to be Death, the label it brands the dying. We can’t lost this war Station IV Tom Toms Legacy Tom Tom had fine thoughts He had a legacy for all This is my desire To share the secret of life Life is one big exciting game With no rules, umpires, refs or judges But we are all participants You don’t have to win or lose Coz when it’s all over All you need is to rest in peace. Did you know this Hebrew text from the Talmud A dream unanalysed is nothing but. An unopened letter from a friend. Doing this thing of mine opening these letters. I direct my gaze not in the sky I do love the sky, and all the distant constellation Deeply, I appreciate the horizon, how well The sun descends to the other end of the earth. Disturbing though is this quest of mine I think I have a dream It’s a statement: the direction of life. The sky has no answers But beauty and splendour The answer is in your heart For the size of your heart Is the size of your world The answer is in your heart. The battle is long and tough We need to weave a path The path is made by those who walk it. Though affliction befall us Together as one, we’ll walk this path We shed tears of hope. We can’t lose this war. By Michael Nalumoso Cabulesite 1998 We can’t lost this war. Station III Tom Tom develops full blown AIDS -5 - To my deceased mom Edith Kiwanuka And all the beautiful people Who have taught me how to love �Letters Losing a friend - by Carol Nicholson, Volunteer Losing a friend is a very difficult thing, especially when that friend dies due to complica­ tions of a horrible disease they didn’t need to get in the first place. It’s been over two years now since the world lost Bob. Bob was a man with many pas­ sions and a desire to make sure the world ran properly. Bob arranged dinner parties, taught music, and never forgot the meaning ofjustice. Attending Bob’s funeral was an experience that is best described as humbling. I was slapped in the face with the reality of AIDS, and the reality of why I volunteer for an AIDS Service Organization. I felt as a volunteer I had to be there, I had to represent myself and my fellow volunteers to this grim reality, and to challenge the very reasons why this mission is important to me. Many wonderful, talented people are lost to AIDS, and the world is a poorer place for hav­ ing lost these individuals. Although talented people remain, it’s tragic that those taken from the world are far too young to die, as far as natural life spans go. They shouldn’t have to face a thing like AIDS in the prime of their lives. AIDS, and the complications of it are merciless. Anyone who knew Bob would say that he was a volcano awaiting eruption. He fought passionately against the injustices of the world, and never gave up. It’s funny, I can envision Bob in Heaven, writing letters to God, complaining about the fact he died, and how unfair AIDS is, and why isn 1 something being done to stop this disease? I remember visiting Bob when he was in the hospital}and meeting his mother. She greeted me and my friend with a big smile, and encouraged us to sign the ‘visitor's book' which was a spiral bound notebook. She looked tired and worried, as a mom would be, and I felt very close to her, as I am a mom myself. Her son could be my daughter and I thought it unfair that likely, this mom would outlive her child. It’s not supposed to work that way! She gently wiped Bob’s forehead and whispered in his ear that he had visitors. Bob con­ tinued to sleep and she went on to fuss with the blanket, making sure he was tucked in. It wasn’t long after that day that Bob was sent home, to die with dignity with the members of his careteam around him. Thankfully Bob didn’t have to suffer very long. Peace came quickly. I salute Bob and his 34 years of life. I’m glad I had the honour of knowing him. Bob’s moti­ vation was inspiring and I fuel my efforts as a volunteer based on his never ending energy. I hope that one day those of us involved in the world ofASO’s will eventually announce, WE WON! Volunteering for an organization that helps those who are infected live their lives with dig­ nity is a challenge sometimes. I admit I sometimes like to ’hide’as a volunteer and be anony­ mous and forget about the bad side of AIDS. I used to think I could save the world from infection through information and each book I processed would be the key to prevention for someone. Then I would see a client come into the office, looking pale, sad and frail. I’d remember that the most important thing isnl found only in a book, it’s supporting those who are struggling to find a comfortable path and live as best they can. I volunteer to help people live, be healthy and empowered with information. My biggest fear of volunteering is to witness someone close to me walk into the office needing help be­ cause they’re infected. As a mom I recognize that each client that walks into an AIDS agency is the son/daugh­ ter of a mom and dad. My heart goes out to the families who struggle with the pain an HIV positive diagnosis can mean for everyone close to that person. So Bob, I promise that in your memory, and the memory of all the other wonderful people who have been lost, I won’t give up and the work will continue. I’ll help work towards the ulti­ mate goal, to make AIDS and HIV no longer a threat. 6- - �Mete and Mere ... oooooooooooooooooo V V ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS O 5? Thank you to the many volunteers who helped o ‘w4 to make Tag Day 98 a great success. In particular l *5* o would like to thank Sherry Britton, for calling V o and arranging for the many locations. Thank ■w* o you also to Marge Cross and Liisa Clarke, our *w* o Santa’s helpers who contribute so much to our V o Christmas baskets program. V o On April 7, we held our annual Volunteer V V Appreciation at the Unitarian Hall. Special § mention and thanks went to our regular receptionists, bingo workers, and drivers. Two of o V our volunteers were honoured at the local “Salute V o to Volunteers” at Intercity Centre: Sherry Britton V and Marge Cross. The 1999 ACT-B Volunteer of o the Year is John Kirst. John is a regular o 5? o receptionist and bingo worker, he also helps out “Ufwherever he is needed and is on our Board of o 5? Directors. o V Thank you again to all the volunteers for all o ij4 o you have done for us over the past year! o OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO V <C4<w4<w4<w4‘C4<w4‘54‘w*‘w4<w'<w41?‘w4V4w4<w4V<w> § o V § § V o o V <§4 V V o V «v» § o o V o 5? o V o o o ‘w4 % o ‘w4 o 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 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Service bilingue Jisponihie ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time} Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m (Eastern Timet Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) o V The Network 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca catie internet: www.catie.ca Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange The 2nd Canadian HIV/AIDS Skills Building Symposium The 2nd Canadian HIV/AIDS Skills Building Sym­ posium: Getting Together, Sharing Together, Learning Together is happening on November 12 to 15, 1999 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Health care pro­ fessionals, such as doctors, nurses, mental health workers, will join policy advocates, PLWHIV/AIDS, researchers, and staff and volunteers of AIDS Service Organizations to learn new skills, network, analyze and evaluate best practice methods in HIV/AIDS work and share perspectives on current critical issues in HIV/AIDS work. To request registration materials please contact the Events Team at the Canadian AIDS Society, (613) 230-3580, ext. 500. The New Van is Here (Finally) On February 11, 1999, we had the official dedication and unveiling of the agency's new van. After several years of fundraising, we now have a new vehicle, thanks to our many volun­ teers and funders. Pictured left to right are Rob Shepherd, Fundraising Committee; Deb Emery, Board Chair ACT-B; Boris Cham, Rotary Club - Fort William Branch; and Dr. Jim Colquhoun, Thun­ der Bay Foundation. 7- �RENAMING ACT-B’S HIV/AIDS RESOURCE LIBRARY Many of you will remember Gabe: his infectious sense of humour, his great big smile, his stones and jokes, and his great love for (of all things!) the game of golf. For those of you that didn’t know Gabe, he was the HTV/AIDS educator for the Treaty 3 area, and was working for Ojibway Tribal Family Services at the time of his death in September 1998. Gabe got his start in AIDS education here at ACT-B in 1991-92, and would make sure he dropped in at the office whenever he was in Thunder Bay. On some of his visits, he would bring his wife or children along. We will miss Gabe’s joyful presence. To honour Gabe’s memory and his work as an HIV/AIDS educator, we have renamed ACT-B’s library. It is now known as the Gabe Kakeeway Memorial HIV/ AIDS Resource Library. There is a great picture of Gabe’s smiling face (donated by his sister Cecile), displayed with a plaque and a Teaching Turtle: a tool designed by Gabe for use in HIV/AIDS education. So, if you are in the neighbourhood, come on in and check out the library! The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: > Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau "r Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) 'r 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. Please address any comments or concerns to: reACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 (807) 345-1516 Or, e-mail us at: actb@tbaytel.net Visit us on the internet at: www.tbavtel.net/actb ACT-B Advisory Council! Richard Atkinson Fred Ball Mary Lee Barry Ronald Joseph King Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Karen O'Gorman Diana Smith Sharon-Dale Stone Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Don Young Co-Chair Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Ogden East End CHC Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Crossroads Centre Family Physician HIV Program Consultant ARF Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit ACT-B Board of Directors Safety Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Current River United Church. Council of Clergy Co-Chair ACT’S Board of Directors Rick Atkinson Sandy Johnston Doug Kanto Rob MacKay Sharon-Dale Stone Pius White Deborah Emery, Pres. Dawn Kannegiesser John Kirst Stephen Mitchell Bruno Valente Don Young ACT-B Staff Janet Adams Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Daryle Cano Lawrence Korhonen Selly Pajamaki Michael Sobota IDU Outreach Worker Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Fund Raising Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Executive Director reACT-BetHevo Contributors Selly Pajamaki Editor ACT-B staff & volunteers Yes! / want to become a member of ACT-B! I know that my 1 contribution will really count! Here is my donation $10.00__ . $20.00__ . $50.00___. other__ Name:_______________________________________ . j ; Address:____________________________________________ j City, Province & P.C:_________________________________ | !! Telephone:__________________________________________ j j � 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 12 Issue 1 - Spring 1999 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 1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English