220 10 13079 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2704/2002_reACT-Believe_vol15no3.pdf 7b8731555c3e7e0d62f73c5e9779be37 PDF Text Text Volume 15 Issue 3 Fall 2002 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Fundraising News 2 Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Week - November 24 to December 1, 2002 Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Day and World AIDS Day - December 1, 2002 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 News from Support Services 5 The Extra Mile— News from the Volunteer Dept. 6 Here and There 7 Parting glance 8 Have You Sent In Your Email Address? Our newsletter is now available on-line. Please send us your email address so we can let you know when the next issue comes out. Unless you notify us that you do not have an email address, this HIV/AIDS is still a crisis Stigma and discrimination are greatest barriers to preventing more infections If you think that recent medical advances have made HIV/AIDS a chronic disease – think again. HIV/AIDS remains a crisis in Canada and around the world, according to public health officials. Recent statistics from Health Canada tell the story: • More Canadians are living with the disease. At the close of 1999, an estimated 49,800 Canadians were living with HIV/AIDS, a 24% increase from 1996. • New infections are not declining. An estimated 4,200 Canadians became infected in 1999 – the same number as in 1996. • Most alarming, an estimated 15,000 Canadians don’t even know they have HIV. So what is fueling this continuing health crisis? AIDS activists and public health professionals explain that health and well-being are nearly impossible when other fundamental rights are violated. People’s attitudes – fear of disease, stigmatizing and blaming others for the epidemic, discriminating against those they know or suspect to have HIV – make fertile ground for new cases of HIV. Stigmatization leads to discrimination. In the early days of the epidemic, acts of discrimination were obvious: children living with HIV/AIDS were refused entry to schools, adults living with HIV/AIDS were denied service in restaurants. Today, discrimination is more subtle. Where at one time an individual was fired for an HIV-positive status, now he/she may be laid off or pressured to the point of quitting. or email us your address, send it to: Acts of discrimination are violations of human rights. The people and communities most affected by HIV/AIDS are those with limited access to fundamental social and economic rights. Denying the rights of people with HIV/AIDS limits their ability to care for themselves and their families. Denying the rights of healthy individuals makes them more vulnerable to infection. Stigma and discrimination can stop people from seeking information about HIV or requesting an HIV test. actb@tbaytel.net Continued on page 4... issue will be your last hard copy of our newsletter. Please call �FUN-raising Events November to May AIDS Thunder Bay is “striking” a bowling tournament, the first ever annual event of its kind for us. This thundering event is coming late February at Mario’s Bowl on Memorial Avenue. Details of the Event 5 & 10 pin bowling Date and Time T.B.A. Three easy ways of signing up: Phone the office: 345-1516 Email us: actb@tbaytel.net Visit the office: 217 South Algoma Form a team! Limited lanes available, reserve one now. Contact Lawrence at 345-1516 extension 17. CAUTION: It is possible that moments at this event may make you laugh uncontrollably, especially if members of your team bowl using the “granny shot!” Rocky Horror Show Benefit A Great Success! In February, AIDS Thunder Bay was very fortunate to work with Rob MacLeod, owner of Northern Knights Feast/Capitol Theatre. He was producing the play The Rocky Horror Show and was open to having a benefit performance for the agency. Attendance was high, and so was the mood. The show was remounted in October. Once again AIDS Thunder Bay was fortunate to partner with Rob for a second benefit performance. The Capitol Theatre has been operating for almost two years under Rob MacLeod. We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to see one of the productions, if you have not done so already. Among the next shows are Nunsense II and Shirley Valentine. In the midst of developing his business and productions, Rob has given generously to AIDS Thunder Bay. We are very grateful to have worked with Rob and his cast and would welcome the opportunity for future partnerships. Page 2 FRONT LINE �Page 3 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3 Get linked to ATB What do the receipts actually mean? As mentioned in the previous newsletter, ATB is collecting A&P cash register receipts. We are enrolled in the A&P Receipt Program that runs with the calendar year. For every $450.00 in receipts collected, ATB will receive $1.00. To date well over $30,000.00 in receipts has been collected and will be submitted by December. In the new year, we will enroll in the program again and the process starts all over. Just a reminder, the collection box is in our office lobby. AIDS Walk Thank you to the many individuals, teams, and dogs that spent numerous hours collecting pledges. Your dedication is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to the many community partners that sponsored the Walk and to those who donated prizes: Julie Buckingham The Outpost Staff Get first hand information about special events through AIDS Thunder Bay’s email tree. The newsletter is produced only three times a year and often when special events “pop-up” we would like to share the information as quickly as possible. Emailing is one of the quickest and best ways of keeping in touch with our members and friends. How can you join? Simply send an email to the agency, actb@tbaytel.net listing your name and email address. We would like to keep in touch with as many people as possible, so pass the word along to family and friends. We raised over $16,000.00 Top Walkers Selly Pajamaki Carl Triskle Dennis Eeles Top Pledge Collecting Team First Church United Bill Malcolm Sean Jesseau Janzen's Pharmacy The Royal Bank Grand Portage Lodge & Casino The Chronicle Journal Thunder Bay Post Hot 105 Radio WestJet Airlines Sailing Thunder Bay Hot Tub Express and the numerous local business who donated gift certificates and other prizes The Walk...Caught in Action! �Education Update AIDS Awareness Week continued... So what can be done? Ensuring legal and policy protection for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS is essential if AIDS is to be stopped. But often, before legal and policy reforms can be achieved, efforts must be made to increase public education, and support for the issues behind the law. The Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse is supplying resources to support community-based activities from coast to coast For more information, check out the campaign web site at www.clearinghouse.cpha.ca. Consider what you and your family, friends and co-workers can do to be part of the solution Contact AIDS Thunder Bay for further information, for workshops, or for support. Thunder Bay Events (as of November 4) Ongoing - Transit Shelter and Bathroom Ads - campaign from mid-November Saturday, November 23 - AIDS Thunder Bay Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, November 27 - AIDS Thunder Bay Annual General Meeting - Speaker Laurie Edmiston, Executive Director , Toronto PWA Foundation -plus silent auction Thursday, November 28 - SCOPE Safer Sex Play, The Outpost, Lakehead University Speeding up and slowing down at AIDS Thunder Bay Michael Sobota, Executive Director AIDS Thunder Bay has moved through substantial activity - and change - during past months. Fall always quickens the pace in our work, with our annual AIDS Walk, our annual Counselling Conference and this year, our new partnership in the film festival Visions & Light. As I write this, we are rapidly approaching our 17th Annual General Meeting, AIDS Awareness Week, World AIDS Day, new Board orientation and those holidays that coincide with the end of the calendar year. I am pleased that AIDS Thunder Bay moves through these events and activities with professionalism and high standards largest agency of its kind in the country. Bringing Laurie to our AGM is a rare opportunity to hear her stories from that agency, and look through a window into the challenges facing ASO's in the near future. Another attraction at our AGM is the growing popularity of our "silent auction". The breadth and diversity of items for sale are extraordinary. We have heard some members say our AGM is a great place to start your holiday shopping (or complete it if you are one of those overly organized types). Please come to the AGM. And as we approach the year end, let us be kind to one another. Pause in your usual pace and observe. Rest and restore energy. Be well. I want to urge you to attend this year's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 27. Our guest speaker is Laurie Edmiston, the Executive Director of Toronto PWA Foundation. The Foundation, serving some 4,000 clients, is the Page 4 FRONT LINE �Page 5 VOLUM E 15, ISSUE 3 Support Services Gail Linklater, Support Services Coordinator Changing counsellors is a difficult thing. It can involve loss and grief because a good relationship has come to an end. It can involve anxiety and fear: Who is this new person? Will I like her? Will she like me? It can involve a sense of betrayal and fear of trusting again. It can involve risking and taking chances. Changing counsellors is also an opportunity. It gives the chance to review and rethink personal history, which can provide clarification and insight. There is the opportunity for fresh listening and a new response. When we give ourselves time to feel the feelings and think the thoughts we are honouring ourselves. Believe it or not, it makes the transition simpler; not easier, but simpler. My name is Gail and I’m the new Support Services Coordinator at AIDS Thunder Bay. The first two months have been full of learning and meeting people. I will be working with the individuals and families that had been working with Sheila (big shoes to fill.) Some people have been in to meet me. For those of you who used to work with Sheila and haven’t heard from me yet I will be trying to contact you over the next couple weeks. Feel free to call me. I’m glad to be here. I look forward to being with you. SECRET SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN Christmas is fast approaching and we are once again in search of “Secret Santa.” Providing something special for Christmas has become an ongoing tradition. We invite you to participate. So, here’s how it works. When you don the role of a Secret Santa you will provide either a large stocking for an individual, or a basket for a family. We will provide as much specific information about the recipient as possible, e.g., gender, age, and interests, to make each basket/stocking meaningful. Should your schedule not permit actual shopping, we will gladly accept a donation and complete your “Santa” commitment. As well, smaller donations may be made to buy the many extras, e.g., turkeys, hams, fruit. If you are making a monetary donation for this project, please specify that the donation is designated for “Secret Santa.” Baskets and stockings are needed by December 17th for Christmas delivery. For more information about becoming a “Secret Santa,” please contact Marge at 622–0462 or Gail at 345-1516. Thank you for your generous participation. Yours truly, Santa’s elves �The Extra Mile - News from the Volunteer Department Selly Pajamaki, Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer Activities for all the hours you have given us this past year-we truly appreciate your gift Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Volunteer Orientation Nov. 23 *Annual General Meeting Nov. 27 *AIDS Awareness Week—Nov 24-30 *World AIDS Day Dec 1 *Bowling Tournament in late February Fall has been very busy with the annual AIDS Walk, the Visions and Light Film Festival, the Opening Doors Counselling Conference, and Tag Day. Volunteers contributed to the success of all of these events. Now we have a brief break in the ‘busy-ness’, a time to catch our breath and rebuild our energies for the winter and spring activities. We will wind up the fall with AIDS Awareness Week, our Annual General Meeting and World AIDS Day. Start your Christmas shopping at our AGM, the variety of items available is amazing! And, keep in mind the bowling tournament coming up in February. Form a team now and start practicing! The holiday season is nearly here and at this time we would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all the volunteers who have been involved with AIDS Thunder Bay over the past year. You are a vital part of our agency, we could not do what we do without your help. Have a safe and joyful holiday season! WE WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY, RESTFUL HOLIDAY Page 6 FRONT LINE �Page 7 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3 Here and There... Guest Speaker for AIDS Thunder Bay 2002 Annual General Meeting AIDS THUNDER BAY’S 17th Annual General Meeting Laurie Edmiston is the Executive Director of The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. The TPWA Foundation has been helping men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS since 1987. As a community-based, non-profit, charitable organization in the central core of Toronto, it serves over 4,000 clients, making it Canada’s largest direct support service organization of its kind. Wednesday, November 27, 2002 Port Arthur Ukrainian Prosvita Cultural Centre A fully accessible public facility 540 South High Street (off Memorial Ave at Third Ave.) Ms. Edmiston will speak on the challenges of leading such a large organization dedicated to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. During Ms. Edmiston’s tenure as Executive Director, she participated in the Foundation’s pioneering work on the issue of the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, it’s launch of the Friends For Life Bike Rally—the only one of its kind in Canada—and the Foundation’s successful ability to increase its Financial Assistance Program by 120% over three years. Ms. Edmiston welcomes questions following her talk. HEPATITIS C — IT’S SERIOUS. YOU CAN HAVE IT AND NOT KNOW IT. Get the facts. For more information, visit www.healthcanada.ca/hepc The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: actb@tbaytel.net Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 P.M. MEETING STARTS AT 7:00 P.M. To conduct the annual business of the agency and to elect the 2002/2003 Board of Directors Silent Auction—Cash, cheques, credit cards accepted For Information About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Service bilingue 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 catie internet: www.catie.ca Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange �Parting Glance AIDS Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. ATB applied for and received funding for this unique program through the United Way’s Community Response Grants. This is a wonderful community partnership that in turn will directly help people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #3 How do you get HIV? (or not get HIV?) HIV infection is passed only through semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk and blood. The main risks are having unprotected sex and sharing needles or equipment for injecting drugs. You CAN get infected if you: • have vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom (this is very high risk) • have oral sex without protection during which semen or vaginal fluid or menstrual blood enters open cuts or sores in your mouth (lower risk). You CAN also get infected if you share: • needles or any equipment for injecting drugs such as cocaine, heroin or steroids (invisible amounts of blood are transmitted through sharing needles, syringes, water for diluting, cotton filters, and straws or pipes) • unsterilized needles for tattooing, skin piercing or acupuncture • sex toys, razors or toothbrushes. Other ways you can get infected are: • during pregnancy, at birth or through breast feeding—if the mother is HIV positive the virus may be passed to the baby • if you received a blood transfusion or blood product in Canada before 1986 (since then, blood screening has made the risk of infection very low). You CANNOT get infected by: • casual, everyday contact • shaking hands, hugging, kissing • coughs, sneezes • giving blood • swimming pools, toilet seats • sharing eating utensils, water fountains • mosquitoes, other insects, animals You also cannot get infected if you and your partner do not have HIV, and you only have unprotected sex with each other. You both have to get tested to know for sure that you do not have HIV. ———————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network Page 8 AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Fred Ball Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Karen O’Gorman Pat Piaskowski Diana Smith Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Carl Triskle Rev. Don Uhryniw Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Family Physician HIV Program Consultant ARF Infection Control, TB Regional Hospital Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors ATB Board of Directors AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Sherry Britton Pam Delgaty Heather Graham Sarah Perreault Carl Triskle Carri-Anne Whidden Michael Croft Dennis Eeles Rob MacKay, President Ruth Racic Don Uhryniw Don Young AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Daina Maslach Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Counselling Conference Coordinator SCOPE Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director re-ACT-Believe Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ¾ Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau ¾ Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) ¾ Ontario Trillium Foundation And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals FRONT LINE �A Word or Two … from the Health Promoter Community Garden: Fall is here, snow has flown and only a weeny bit in our garden grown. I'm referring to this year's Community Garden Project. Second year running proved more difficult than the first; the location seems to be an obstacle to volunteers. We did manage to distribute a bit of romaine lettuce, some carrots and a few squash. Mother's Cupboard: We are always accepting donations of non-perishable items. Canned and dried goods are placed on the shelves and distributed to clients to help sustain them (and their families) until they are able to buy groceries. The Cupboard is an "emergency food bank" opposed to a stock of items to supplement regular grocery days (i.e. we do not continually supply people with their canned goods while they buy other items). I was hoping to clear up any misconceptions that I have occasionally heard over the past year-and-a-half. Bottom line, male and female, adult, youth and children benefit from being able to access the Mother's Cupboard. This emergency food bank is restricted to our HIV positive clients and their immediate family members living with them. Self-Esteem and Empowerment (SEE) Project: This is our newest health promotion project made possible through a grant from "GlaxoSmithKline--Shire BioChem HIV/AIDS Community Innovation Program". This project is for our female positive clients. Without getting too boring with all the details, basically, two days of workshops will take place in January teaching skills that will help women increase their ability to access treatment information. Computer training, provincial networking and self-care are some of the topics to be covered. We are in the planning stages and hope to have a great turnout with women walking away feeling taller and warmer. Things that make me go hmmm….. • Kids runners with little blinking lights: do they make them in adult sizes with the option of different coloured lights? • Why is it that a cat has the intelligence to recognize the sound of a can opener, but fails to refrain from hovering on top of the fridge only to surprise the humans on the way past? • Frozen puddles: how many adults would love to stomp around breaking the thin layer of ice, but refuse to "just in case someone is looking"? Live a little! It's really great if you put a little rhythm into your stomp and laugh out loud while doing it! Charlene Burford Insert 1 �This information is presented as a point of interest, it does not necessarily reflect the opinions of AIDS Thunder Bay. Thought you might find this interesting, especially if you don't have the Internet at home. I do plan on continuing this list in the upcoming "re-ACT Believe" issues. Nutritional and Herbal Remedies (reproduced from www.all-natural.com/herbnutr.html) Acidophilus Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' organism which helps the body fight disease and restore health. Modern research has discovered that acidophilus kills the harmful bacteria strain of E. coli in the intestinal tract. Acidophilus breaks milk sugar down into lactic acid. Bacteria which produce putrefaction and gas in the intestines cannot live in lactic acid. Acidophilus also has the unique ability to help the body synthesize, or manufacture all of the 'B' vitamins in the system. This makes it especially valuable since there is literally a host of agents which destroy B vitamins. A few are antibiotics, birth control pills, eating sugar and refined foods and drinking coffee. A diet high in red meat will destroy the beneficial bacteria, due to the concentration of antibiotics and steroids given to the animals before they are slaughtered. Alfalfa Alfalfa is a well-known herb to health-conscious consumers. It is high in nutrients, which are drawn into the plant from deep in the soil. The richest land source of trace minerals, the roots of Alfalfa plants have been known to reach as much as thirty feet deep! The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. They are also a source of protein, vitamin E and vitamin K. Alfalfa has been used by the Chinese since the sixth century to treat kidney stones, and to relieve fluid retention and swelling. Alfalfa nourishes the digestive, skeletal, glandular, and urinary systems. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll, which is renowned for its cleansing qualities. Aloe Vera Aloe vera has historically been known for assisting the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and for its properties of soothing, cleansing and helping the body to maintain healthy tissues. This plant has a reputation of facilitating digestion, aiding blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent overacidity - a common cause of digestive complaints. A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown acemannan to boost Tlymphocyte cells that aid natural resistance. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar helps the body get rid of toxins and nourishes the digestive processes. B Complex B-complex vitamins play many roles in the human body, but primarily they nourish the brain and nervous system. A diet high in refined foods or a life full of stress puts a greater demand on the body for these important nutrients. B1 - skin, eyes, hair; B2 - nourishes the tissues of the body; B6 - mild diuretic, PMS; B12 - anxiety and depression; Folic Acid - works synergistically with B12, cell division and replication; Biotin - metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates, cholesterol; B3 (Niacin) - energy production; Pantothenic acid - nourishes the adrenal glands which help the body to withstand stress; PABA - works synergistically with folic acid; Choline bitartrate - helps make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter in the brain; Inositol - metabolism of fat and cholesterol; absorption and utilization of fat. Bee Pollen Bee pollen is a rich source of many nutrients, including amino acids. It bursts with easily assimilated protein and lecithin, which nourish the brain and nervous system. Bee Pollen nutritionally supports the body in many ways, including assisting with vitality and a feeling of well-being. It has been used by athletes, along with Ginseng, to maintain energy and stamina. Insert 2 � 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 15 Issue 3 (FrontLine) - Fall 2002 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 2002 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/17/2705/2003_FrontLine_vol16no1.pdf 1f20413588f723ff9d30b02584bf617e PDF Text Text Volume 16 Issue 1 “Front Line” Goes Electronic!!! Spring 2003 For the past several issues, we have been notifying our readers that the AIDS Thunder Bay newsletter “Front Line” is now available on our website. Each time the newsletter is published, we send an email to those people who have given us their email address to let them know the most recent issue is accessible. (Previous issues are also available on the website.) Posting the newsletter online is being done to reduce production and mailing costs. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read or printed out in hard copy. (There is even a link to a free Adobe download from our website.) If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE SEND US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing Have YOU sent in the newsletter. Send your email address to your email address? actb@tbaytel.net. Our newsletter is now available on-line. Please Because of increasing costs, we cannot send us your email continue to send so many newsletters by snail address so we can let you know when the next mail, therefore, if you want to continue issue comes out. Call receiving “Front Line”, you must send us an email 345-1516 or email us at address. Please do this as soon as possible (the actb@tbaytel.net. next issue will be out in August). Please consult with others in your office/agency/family and let us know by phone, fax, email or snail mail how you want to receive future newsletters (we realize not everyone has a computer and some will still need to receive their copy by mail—but please let us know which category you fit into). We have been sending email notification to many other people/agencies to let them know when the newsletter is available on our website. Please let us know if we can do the same for you. Our phone number is 807-345-1516, fax is 807-345-2505 and our mailing address is PO Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A3. Please take a minute now to phone, fax, email or write to us. Thank you for taking the time to help us reduce costs but still circulate our newsletter widely. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 Support Services Update 5 The Extra Mile—News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There 7 Parting glance 8 Fundraising Assistant Returns We would like to welcome back Jacquelyn Tkachyk as our fundraising assistant for the summer months. She is here as a Summer Career Placement Student through a grant from HRDC. Jackie was a great help last year and we are pleased to have her back again! If you’re in the office, be sure and say hello to her. �Fundraising News May to September Summer Time Events AIDS Thunder Bay is gearing up for its Annual Fundraising Yard Sale and is looking for donations from the community. Your donation of clean reusable, resellable items can help raise funds for direct client programs and services. All types of donations accepted. We appreciate the items that you are able to donate but reserve the right to not accept items we feel will not sell. Donations will be accepted until May 28th. For convenience, call Crystal at 345-1516 extension 15 to schedule a pickup of items. Examples of donations: Dishes Games Movies Books Tools Clothing Craft Supplies Toys Bikes Small Furniture Dishes Ornaments A reminder that the sale will be held on: Saturday, May 31st St. John’s Anglican Church, 226 Pearl St. (beside casino) Mini Putt Event This is a new event that is in the works! Further information will be released in the next few months. Our friends at Central Car Wash will be holding a car wash benefit day. Watch mid-summer for info. A Successful Fundraising Year! Thanks to everyone that helped make this fundraising year a huge success! It takes a lot of work to make events happen and the support we received was incredible. Without strong support, we would never have ventured into trying a new event like the Staying Alive Bowling Party. This was an extraordinary event that generated lots of enthusiasm and energy. We are eager to develop the bowling party as an annual event and look forward to many years of success! The return of our healthy sex cabaret was also met with excitement and hype! Revamped with a new name, Spring Sap, Healthy Sex Cabaret: The Next Generation greeted both followers from previous cabarets and new faces, all who enjoyed themselves immensely! Watch for David’s return at next year’s SPRING SAP! Special thanks to our community foundations that helped to provide the funds for our direct client support services. For the past number of years, we have worked with the United Way, John Andrews Foundation and the Thunder Bay Foundation. This year we welcomed the opportunity to work with the Senator N.M. Patterson Foundation and the Fort William Rotary Club. AIDS Walk As noted in our annual general report, we wanted to recognize the hundreds of people that donated to our AIDS Walk that took place in September 2002. This year the Walk will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2003. We hope all of you that participated last year will join again! If you have never participated in the Walk in previous years, we hope you will consider joining the fun this year! For information call Crystal at 345-1516 extension 15. Page 2 FRONT LINE �AIDS WALK 2002 - Special thanks to everyone that gave generously to our Walk Ron Adshead Joanna Aegard Bob Aelick G. Agnew Susan Ahola Sean Albanese Lana Allen Edna Allison Christa Alsch Sis Angus Arding & Company Robert & Kari Armstead Debbie Armstrong Nicole Armstrong Nancy Armstrong Joan Ashlee Kristin Atkinson Don Axent Arnold Aylward Tammy Bailey Gary Bakich Bob Balek Mary Bandiera Alice Baran Joan Baril Jeanne Barnett Fred Barrow Dave Barrow Richard Barrow Vic Baskin Mary Bava Wendy Baxter Bernie Baxter Lois Beck Martin Beck Bee-Clean Bldg. Maintenance Bobbi Beerthuizen Jean Begin Marika Bellerose David Belrose Karen Bengtsson Don Berberich Andrew Berringer Julieta Bettemcourt Roberta Beyer Jessie Bielski Melanie Biesenthal Pyteke Blaauw Ruby Black Blake Funeral Chapel Dawn Blessing Nancy Bold Larry Bortoldo Bobbie-Jo Bosse Lisa Bouchard Andre Bourget Gerard Bourret Bowater Allan Brink Neil Brockwell Lynn Brown Donna Brown Janet Buckley Larry & Connie Bureyko Brenda Burke Bob Burrows Ruth Caldwell Jack Cameron Jim Campbell Margaret Campbell W. Campbell Canadian Outdoor Tech Lila Cano Brooke Carfagnini Anthony Caria Cheryl Carpiere Pearl Carrigan Susan Carroll Stacia Carruthers Sharon Carter Diane Chase Nicole Chornoboy Anne Ciemny Cindy Cockell Rosemary Collins Margaret Collins Mark Colosimo Betty Cotton Marie Cowley John Craig Richard Cranston Alan Cranton Chris Crocker Talia Cronk Marge Cross Anne Cryderman Denyse Culligan Rae Davidson Kathy Davis Bill Davis Bill Davis Jr. Davlor Insurance Gayle Dawson Terri Dawyd Tom Deacon Shana Demetruk Veronica Devenyl Matthew Diegal Sarah Ditomaso Penny Dockendorff Connie Douglas Jim Drinkwalter William Dyer Marlene Dysieuick Lori Edwards Jeanne Eeles Dennis Eeles Wayne Eeles Rolf Eichmanis Zsu Zsa Elchuk B. Elgie Deborah Emery Ernest Epp Frances Etches Olivia & Michael Ewaniuk Mike Fedell Fred Fedyk Robert Fenton Joyce Fergus-Moore Phyllis Fewster Beth Fiddler Sheelah Field Randy Fisher Elmer Fiskar George Fleming Brenda Fogal David Fontaine Betty Forslund Allan Fraser Donna Frattaroli Maurice Frenette Gerald Friesen Sabine Fuchs Wally Fuchs Scott Gale Wilf Galvin Gap Foundation Beth-Elaine Gardner Gateway Contractors Ruth George Gregg Gheyssen Cheryle Gibb Kent & Sylvie Gibbons Karen Gilbert M.J. Girard Linda Gluck Scott Godfrey David Godin Minnie Goretzki Wendy Goulet Marg Graham Granite Electrical Ltd. Jackie Grant Michael Gravelle Crawford Greer Joyce Grennier Laureen Grieve Pamela Griffin Norma Griffiths-Lyle Roy Hagel Ella Hald Jim Hamilton Maureen Hamilton Amy Hand Sandra Hansen John & Nancy Harju Lorraine Harmer Dave Harris Janet & Glenn Harrison Joan Hatch Josten Haugland Lila Haukeness Lynn Haywood James Heald Terry Henry Bruce Higgins Lorraine Hillier Margaret Hiscock Simon Hoard Cecil & Lorraine Hobin Marie Hoffman Marla Hollingsworth Karen Holroyd Joey Hotte Toni & Dave Hudyma Linda Hughdie Linda & Dave Hutchinson Betty Irving Edna Irwin Jo-Ann Jacomb Angel Jantunen Linda Jantunen Amanda Jantunen Janzen's Pharmacy Donna Jarva Jenkens Funeral Home Jennifer's Antiques Loyd & Willa Jones Kim Jorgensen Thomas Joseph Marion Julien Marianne Kaartinen Alan Kameda Rose Kendall Pat Kennelly Shirley King Cheryl KinneyMatheson Paivi Knight Lawrence Korhonen Ida Korhonen Evelyn Kushnier Melissa Kusznier Susanne & Michael Labelle Rick Labelle Donna Ladelle Ari Lahdekorpi Ray Laird Miriam Laird Lakeside Husky Jodee Lamers Dino Larizza Vera Larizza Nancy Larizza Robert Latimer Don Latimer Beverley Leaman Richard LeBlanc Moira Lecky Louise Legros Derek Legros Jacqueine Legros David Lehto Keith Leonard Amanda Liddicoat Bruce Linder Sandra Livingston Catherine Lockyer Sylvie Lussier Donald Lysak Sandie Lysnes Valerie MacCullough Catherine MacDonald Gail MacIntyre Harlene MacKenzie Cathy MacKintosh Gail MacLaurin Susan MacMaster Sylvie Mahler Ron Maki Dorothy Malinoski W. Malloy Marie Marak Ghislaine Marcotte Leo Marsh Debbie Marsh Lesli Ann Marshall Alyson Martin Marvac Electric Sonja Matijek Gary Maxwell Kim Maxwell Darlene Mayo Paul McAlister Gerald McCallister Jenny McCallum Eleanor & Jack McClean Mary McComb Don & Carol McConKey Marika McDonald Judith McEwan Barbara McEwen Murray McGrath Sharon McKee Enid McKenzie Mark McLennan Bev & John McRae Owen McTavish Gwen Medicine Judy Medwick Bill Mercer Ray Mercier Gail Miller Teresa Miller Catherine Mochrie Gladys Monette Eleanor Montgomery LaRea Moody Munro Motel Rynaldo Napa Jennifer Nicholas Glen Nicholson Rae Niva Northern Homestyles Norway Timber Ltd. Allan & Jean Nykyfarchyn Tom Oldale Tony Olesky Selly Pajamaki Wally Palka Barbara Paquette Myrtle Park Michelle Parker Susan Pascoe Ed Pawlik Marja Pehkonen Ruth Perlin Cory & Diana Petrunak Janice Poletti Crystal Porteous Robert & Wanda Porteous Nancy Post Rhea Post Ed Prinselaar Vera Pudas Pat Pugh Larry Pugliese Geraldine Puiras Jaye Pyykkonen Lynalee Qualie Ruth Racic June Ransom Engles Raynak Joe Rendulic Pat Rentz Rachelle Rickards Ken Rickson Robert Roach Lynda Roberts Rae-Anne Robinson Reg Rose Gail Rosengren Lori Rosengren Janice Ross Richard Rowson Marlene Russell Murray Russell Sandra Russell Donna Russo Peter Rutherford Carl Rydholm Linda Rydholm Robert Rydholm Ida Santin Brenda Saunders Richard Schwindt Kerry Sedor Robert Seeley Maria Sgambelluri Doug Shanks Audrey Shedden Robert Shepherd Bettina Siebenmann Diane Simmons Katherine Sissons Morgan Skinner William Slater Ann Smith Lynn Snowball Anonymous Marion Southern Sylvia Speak Speedy Glass Barb Spencer Diane SpicesYozipovic Chris Spilchuk Abi Sprakes David Sprvieri Linda Stajkowski Andrea & Gary Stanley Peter Stetsko Carole Stevens Fred Stewardson Irby Stewart Les Swan Ed Swayze Tabatha Swerhun Helen Swing Malcom Swing W. Tabor Linda Tamblyn Denise Taylor Susana Te Kathie Terhljan Carol Lee Thompson M. Thompson Thunder Bay Auto Parts Thunder Country Travel Fio Timbres Robert Tindall Hanusia Tkaczyk R.L. Tomlinson Gord Towill Bill Towill Norman Trimble Carl Triskle Fred Triskle John Tronsen Luke Uczciwek Erma Uhryniw William Ulakovic Shirley Urquhart Don Uvanile Robert Van Natto Lorie Vander Ploeg Jim & Susan Vandermeer Karen Vescio Kevin Wakewich Margaret Walsh Judy Walsh Susan Ward Dennis Ward Marilyn Warf Chummy Warr Charlotte Watkins Patricia Watton Kate Watts Alessandra Weller Erle Wheatley Keith Whitelock Darryl Williams Sue & Dave Williams Colleen Wilson Hazel Wohni Peter Workman Mike Wrenshall Florence Yarzab Carol York Tony Yozipovic Zellers Associates Council Please note that this listing is only of those people who donated and required a receipt. There are MANY more people that deserve this recognition. However, tracking is only possible through the receipting program. Your donation does not go unnoticed. It made a significant difference to the many people we help through our direct client services and programs. �EDUCATION UPDATE David Belrose - Education Coordinator SPREADING THE WORD Although, HIV and AIDS have had a relatively low public profile recently, there is still no cure and people continue to become infected with HIV. Prevention continues to be a very important part of our work at AIDS Thunder Bay, carried out through our Injection Drug Use Outreach (IDUO) program and our Smart Choices Outreach Project and Evaluation (SCOPE). IDU outreach involves the use of peers to provide information and access to harm reduction techniques to the injection drug using community. Stuart Boland, who coordinates the program, works closely with Superior Points (needle exchange and harm reduction program) at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Concurrent Disorders Program at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. SCOPE outreach also involves the use of peers to provide information and harm reduction materials to the young adult substance-using population of Thunder Bay. Substance use, including alcohol and other drugs, is a major risk factor for HIV infection. Denise Olson, the project coordinator, also directs a bar/community outreach component, which currently involves the presentation of a short live-action play combined with peer interaction with the audience. Peers also periodically target local bars with safer sex information and materials. In order to complement the peer outreach, both programs use social marketing tools to generate more mindfulness in the larger community. Over the past number of months, transit shelters, bathroom advertising, and billboards have put forth messages designed to raise awareness of AIDS Thunder Bay as well as the need for continued attention to prevention. Samples of current messages are included in this issue of Front Line. For further information, feel free to give us a call at 807-345-1516 or check out our web site at www. aidsthunderbay.com. These are black and white copies of coloured ads and billboards. Please drop in to the office to see the originals (or check out bus shelters, public bathrooms or billboards around town). Billboard Ad (at Central and Tungsten Streets) Bathroom Ad Page 4 Bus Shelter Ad FRONT LINE �Page 5 VOLUM E 16, ISSUE 1 SUPPORT SERVICES UPDATE Gail Linklater—Support Services Coordinator Emergency Financial Assistance Program Over the year requests are made for donations to Direct Client Services. One aspect of direct services is the Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP.) This program reports to the board of directors quarterly and to the membership annually at the AGM. Here is the narrative portion of the quarterly report for the period of January 1 to March 31, 2003. This was a slow quarter for EFAP. There were 22 requests: clients withdrew 3 requests; one was denied; and another source of funding was found for one; leaving 17 approved requests. Two individuals were able to purchase winter jackets with the assistance of EFAP. One person accessed EFAP to pay towards an extremely high heating bill. Another person was able to return to his/her community for a family funeral. The remainder of requests was for grocery certificates and supplies from the drug store. The total amount disbursed for this quarter was $854.20. Your continued support of direct services is greatly appreciated. The money provides necessities when no other source is available. SUPPORT GROUP for PHA’S Every Second Tuesday Starting Tuesday May 20th/03 Time: 1:00-2:30 345-1516 • TOPIC’S Format : Introductions and Icebreakers Presentation • May 20– Nutrition • June 3-Treatment Options Break Discussion • June 17-Stress Management Beverages will be provided. • July 8-Self Esteem Let your Support Worker know if you need a ride. • July 15-Fear and Loneliness • July 29-Evaluation �The Extra Mile News from the Volunteer Department Selly Pajamaki, Volunteer Coordinator Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Yard Sale—May 31 *Tag Day—June *Mini-Putt—July *AIDS Walk—Sept 21 *Opening Doors Conference—Oct *Visions & Lights Film Festival—Nov 7-9 *Tag Day—Nov 17 *AIDS Awareness Week—Nov 23-29 *World AIDS Day—Dec 1 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Our 2003 ‘Salute to Volunteers’ honorees are Don Uhryniw and Shelly Kubas. Thank you both for your very generous gift of many hours to AIDS Thunder Bay. We salute you! Page 6 Volunteer Activities The winter and spring has been filled with training—a Boundaries Workshop, Universal Precautions Workshops, Van Orientation and Reception training. It will continue into the summer with Volunteer Orientation/AIDS 101 and First Aid training. We have also had volunteers involved with various fundraising events. Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event was held on April 30 and certificates and thank you gifts were handed out. Several volunteers received 5 and 10 year certificates and pins. The 2003 Volunteer of the Year is Dennis Eeles. Dennis is a member of the ATB board and fundraising committee. He volunteers at most fundraising events, including bingo, tag day, yard sale, silent auction and the AIDS Walk. He is willing to try out just about any task we ask of him. We are truly thankful for all the time he gives to AIDS Thunder Bay. Thank you Dennis! We have openings for volunteers to staff our reception desk. Our receptionists are the first person seen when a visitor comes through our doors. We want you to be that smiling face. If you can’t take a permanent shift, how about training for this position and filling in where you can? Build your skills while spending time with us. No experience is necessary, we will train you. Regular shifts are 4 hours, morning or afternoon. If you would like to join the reception team, give Selly a call at 345-1516. We also have openings for bingo volunteers, some shifts are only 2 hours. Bingos are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month beginning at 5 p.m. You can sign up for a regular shift or work an occasional bingo. If you’d like to join a fun-loving group, give Selly a call. Several fundraising events will be taking place over the spring and summer months. If you would like to help with the yard sale, tag day, mini-putt tournament or bingo, call Selly at 345-1516. FRONT LINE �Page 7 VOLUM E 16, ISSUE 1 Here and There... Front Line Newsletter We are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out. If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE send us your email address so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing the newsletter. Send it to actb@tbaytel.net Have You Purchased Your ATB Membership? Is your membership up-to-date? If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please fill out the attached form and mail or fax it to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario Name: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________________ Phone #: (Work)____________(Home)___________ When calling, would you prefer us to use discretion? Yes _____ No _____ Would you like to receive information by email? Yes _____ No _____ This information may be used in future to contact you about fundraising/special events. Please note, AIDS Thunder Bay does not exchange mailing lists. All lists are confidential. Basic membership $10.00 Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: actb@tbaytel.net Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the new suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. For Information About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Service bilingue disponible ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) CATIE Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca internet: www.catie.ca Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scent-free’ building. Please do not wear colognes, perfumes, aftershave, or scented makeup or hairspray when visiting our premises. They have been known to cause allergic reactions for staff, clients and volunteers. Some scented fabric softeners have also caused reactions. �Parting Glance AIDS Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This is a wonderful community partnership that in turn will directly help people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #4 Should I get tested for HIV? How? The HIV test is a simple blood test that tells you whether or not you are HIV positive (infected with HIV). HIV testing is voluntary. You cannot be forced to take an HIV test. Consider getting tested of you, or your partner(s) have ever • Had sex without a condom—you can’t tell of someone has HIV unless they’ve been tested • Had sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you might not have used protection • Shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (or other drug equipment: water, cotton filters, cookers, pipes, straws) • Had tattooing, piercing, or acupuncture without sterilized equipment Why get tested? To find out your HIV status • If you are HIV positive you can: - get early treatment to stay healthy - get treatment to reduce the chances of your baby getting HIV if you are pregnant - take precautions not to give HIV to others • If you are HIV negative you can: - experience less stress and anxiety because you will know your status - learn more about how to reduce your risk of becoming infected Why not get tested? If you find out you are HIV positive you may: • Become upset or depressed • Experience discrimination or abuse • Be legally required to inform your sexual partners What happens when I am tested? A small amount of blood will be taken from your arm. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to find out the results. Where do I get tested? Get tested at a health centre, STD clinic or by your doctor. Depending on where you live you may have a choice as to how you are tested: Anonymous testing—is available through special clinics in many areas and allows you to be tested without telling your name. Non-nominal testing—your name is not included on the test forms. Only you and your doctor will know the results. Nominal testing—your name is written on the testing forms. Anyone seeing the forms will know your test results. With both nominal and non-nominal testing, your test result will be recorded in your medical chart and cannot be deleted. ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Pat Piaskowski Diana Smith Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Infection Control, TB Regional Hospital Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Program Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors Superior Points Harm Reduction Program AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Sherry Britton, Vice-Pres Linda Geving Jody Porter Carl Triskle, President Don Uhryniw Don Young, Secretary Dennis Eeles, Treasurer Rob MacKay Ruth Racic Brent Trudell Carri-Anne Whidden AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator SCOPE Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau ♦ Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) ♦ Thunder Bay Foundation ♦ John Andrews Foundation ♦ N.M. Paterson Foundation ♦ Fort William Rotary Club ♦ United Way And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals Page 8 FRONT LINE �A Word or Two … from the Health Promoter -- The season has changed, it's Spring! Yipee! Community Garden: After two years of trying the Community Garden, the project will not be repeated this year. In my opinion, it had great potential and was an excellent idea -- to grow, maintain and distribute fresh produce to HIV+ clients -- however, I could not manage to foster the interest and dedication needed to tend the garden. Perhaps next year we can try this project again. Perhaps a better idea is to begin regular visits to the local "pick-your-own" farms; the agency van could give interested clients (or a volunteer as a designate) a ride to and from the farm, the individual could pick the amount they want to take home. Mother's Cupboard: As an emergency food cupboard, we rely on community donations -- a few churches mainly -- to stock the shelves; the food is then passed on to people living with HIV/AIDS and their immediate family members living with them. AIDS Thunder Bay provides a very minimal budget. This allows us to purchase items not readily donated (i.e. ground beef) and/or those items that don't stay long on the shelves (ie. juice, canned fruit, cereal, pasta). Thank you to: Current River United, St. John's Anglican, First and Lakeview Presbyterian, and Wesley United Churches; Thunder Bay Coalition Against Poverty and Thunder Bay Food Bank; and to Bay Meats. I approached the local high schools to see if they (the students) would be interested in hosting a "Spring Food Drive". In my biased opinion, I thought this was a great way to: • generate non-perishable donations • strengthen links to the education community • and lessen any stigma or hesitancy young people may have regarding AIDS Thunder Bay. I quickly learned that great ideas (there's that bias again) don't necessarily equate to reality. One school collected food. It seems the schools are very busy at this time of year with fundraisers, competitions, and tons of other stuff. Next year I will approach the high schools in September (rather than February) to ensure adequate communication with the faculty advisors and interested student coordinators. I maintain my bias and believe the high schools' "Spring Food Drive" will take-off; perhaps it will become an annual event….. Thank you to: St. Ignatius High School. Self-Esteem and Empowerment (SEE) Project for Women: In January we held a two-day workshop for HIV+ female clients. Due to illness and other unforeseen circumstances, only two women were able to bask in the pampering atmosphere. The focus of the workshop was to increase the ability to access treatment information using various educational skills and self-care techniques. On April 23rd, I received word from the funder (GlaxoSmithKline--Shire BioChem) that we will be able to repeat this health promotion project using the remaining portion of the original grant. This time, the workshops will be open to any HIV+ woman -- there is no client requirement to attend -- and we will be holding the workshops somewhere other than at the agency. Hopefully, many will benefit from the gathering, information and contacts made during the next SEE Project. In the Works: I hope to reinstate the "Healing Touch" component at AIDS Thunder Bay. This project provides clients with free complementary therapy sessions; in the past, various professionals volunteered their time, energy and skill on a weekly basis. Charlene Burford Front Line Insert 1 �This information is presented as a point of interest, it does not necessarily reflect the opinions of AIDS Thunder Bay. You might find this interesting, especially if you don't have the Internet at home. I do plan on continuing this list in the upcoming "Frontline" issues. Nutritional and Herbal Remedies (reproduced from www.all-natural.com/herbnutr.html) Beta-glucans Beta-glucans stimulate the activation of NK cells and therefore are helpful against tumors. Has also been used to stop certain bacterial infections. Bilberry Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) contains nutrients that protect eyes from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes. When British Royal Air Force pilots During World War II ate Bilberry preserves before night missions and discovered that their night vision improved afterwards, this herb was investigated and found to be beneficial for the eyes. Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight. It is believed that this property is related to the high amount of proanthocyanidins, a type of flavonoid that tends to prevent capillary fragility and strengthen the capillaries which nourish the eyes. Other properties appear to assist in thinning the blood and stimulating the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Anthocyanosides support and enhance the health of collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, thus aiding in the development of strong healthy capillaries that can carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves. Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and "night blindness." Clinical tests have indicated that oral administration of bilberry tends to improve visual accuracy in healthy people and can help those with eye disorders such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia. Bioflavonoids Bioflavonoids are nutrients which are related to the Vitamin C family. They cannot be synthesized by the body, and therefore must be obtained from food or supplements. Bioflavonoids are helpful in nourishing the integrity and strength of capillaries and cells. Biotin Biotin assists in the metabolism of fat and protein. It nourishes muscles. Black Cohosh Black Cohosh has traditionally been used to calm the nervous system by nourishing blood vessels, and balancing the hormones in menopausal women. Studies show it contains substances that bind to estrogen receptors. Black Currant Oil Black currant oil is rich in linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This substance supports the body's manufacture of hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins which help regulate functions of the circulatory system. GLA assists the body with its energy processes and is a structural component of the brain, bone marrow, muscles and cell membranes. HEPATITIS C — IT’S SERIOUS. YOU CAN HAVE IT AND NOT KNOW IT. Get the facts. For more information, visit www.healthcanada.ca/hepc Front Line Insert 2 � 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 FrontLine Vol 16 Issue 1 - Spring 2003 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 2003 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/17/2706/2003_FrontLine_vol16no2.pdf e9c728e78ec8eb637c6006984c1afc5d PDF Text Text Volume 16 Issue 2 Walk the Walk! Summer 2003 Inside this issue: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 CATIE 5 The Extra Mile— News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There 7 Parting glance 8 Many thanks go out to all the volunteers who helped at last year’s AIDS Walk. If you’d like to help again, please call Selly at 3451516. And, don’t forget all our other Fundraising events, please come out and support them all, either as a participant or as a volunteer. See YOU at the Walk! On Sunday, September 21st the National AIDS Walk joins AIDS Service Organizations across Canada as a unified voice in the fight against HIV and AIDS. However, did you know that prior to the National Walk we know today, ATB organized an annual fun run around Boulevard Lake that consisted of registered runners and timed lengths? As you can see, the event has come a long way! Over the years not only has it developed into a Walk but rather an event that encourages everyone (not just runners!) to take part. We have been very fortunate to form friendships with churches, high schools and businesses through their participation and contributions to this event. Remember that the Walk is a time to get excited – not just about the event but also about life! Our AIDS Walk is not just another fundraising event for the agency. The Walk is a day to celebrate our accomplishments with friends, family, volunteers and supporters of the agency. It is the largest single fundraising event for ATB but in equal value it is about education to the community about the agency, our work and the fight against HIV and AIDS. Every year our dedicated ‘Walk veterans’ sign up to collect pledges and support the event as their annual commitment to AIDS Thunder Bay. Yet, it is inspiring each year to see the many new faces that have signed up to participate for the very first time. Many of these individuals are the very faces you may see throughout the year (s) volunteering with the agency at other events and in some instances even as the office receptionist - talk about dedication! If you have never participated or have attended in previous years, please consider joining us! We would love to see you at the Walk, helping us raise our profile as well as funds that will assist people and families affected and infected with HIV/ AIDS. But wait! If you’re one that loves to get involved and would like to help even more, why not issue a fun challenge amongst one another or businesses? On the other hand, why not see who ‘has the stuff’ to raise the highest pledge amounts or compare achieved incentive levels! Really, your imagination is the only limit on how fun and exciting the challenges can be. Ultimately we would like to see you participate, whether you are able to raise $25 in pledges or simply make a donation on the day of the event. The more people we have at the event, the bigger the success it is (and more fun too!). It is never too late to register and participate! The St. Ignatius Cheerleaders can attest to that because after registering a mere week before the Walk, they managed to raise an earth shattering $1000 plus! As you can see, nothing is impossible if you set your mind (and heart!) to it. If you would like further information about the day’s events and the actual route, please call Crystal at 345-1516. �September AIDS Walk - Our largest single fundraising & education event of the year! You can make a difference: A pledge is the first step! Wednesday, September 10th Our friends at Central Car Wash, 811 Central Avenue will be holding a car wash benefit day. Wash your wheels and help support our programs and services! October Reminder: October is the last month to purchase or renew you membership in order to vote at the Annual General Meeting. QUEEN: A Night at the Opera Parade of Pops Series Sat., October 25th 8 p.m Thunder Bay Community Auditorium An evening of the music of “Queen”, perhaps the most sophisticated of the ‘70’s British rock bands, with the popular Jeans ‘n Classics group and a special appearance by the TBS Chorus. Peter Brennan and your favourite Jeans ‘n Classics stars return to perform Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the Champions - We will Rock You, Somebody to Love and many more! AIDS Thunder Bay is the Balcony Sponsor for this concert and is encouraging everyone who enjoys entertainment, excitement, variety, and some popular music to join us for this night out. Balcony tickets for this concert are only available through AIDS Thunder Bay. For only $10.00 you can experience the Symphony for the first time or a night on the town at a fantastic concert! Book Early! Only 213 tickets available. November The Silent Auction is one of the highlights at our Annual General Meeting. If you would like to donate something for this fundraiser, please call Crystal Mini Putt Event This is a new event that is in the works! On Wednesday, November 19th watch for our special theme night at the Thunder Bay Golf Dome, 141 Northern Avenue that includes mini-putt, special “mock tail” drinks designed for the night, and a virtual golf contest. Fun for the family or a night out with friends! CHAPTERS Bookstore Save your holiday book shopping for our benefit night on November 24th! Chapters Bookstore is hosting a fundraising event for AIDS Thunder Bay. We are in the process of developing a showcase of talent for the evening. Stay tuned to our website for further details. AIDS Thunder Bay will receive 10% of the purchases made by our guests as a cash donation for the agency. Page 2 �AIDS Walk Thunder Bay Sunday, September 21, 2003 The Outpost, Lakehead University Just by walking you can win great stuff! *Top prizes will be awarded based on highest pledge amounts collected 1st Prize “Trip for two courtesy of WestJet Airlines” • • • • $50 Gift Certificate to Bistro One Gift Certificate from Sooter’s Studio $50 Gift Certificate to the Community Auditorium Gift Certificate from Fresh Air Experience 2nd Prize “Hot Tub Rental from Hot Tub Express” • Gift Certificate to The Trip Outdoors • $25 Gift Certificate to Porto Divino 3rd Prize “Sunday Brunch for 2 at the Valhalla Inn” • $25 Gift Certificate for Caribou Restaurant • Movie Combo from Famous Players Special Thanks to Sponsors: Bowater Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Hot 105 FM Janzen’s Pharmacy Jenken’s Funeral Home RBC Royal Bank Sunset Memorial Gardens The Outpost WestJet Airlines RETURNING FOR THE SECOND YEAR, THUNDER BAY'S PROVOCATIVE... VISIONS & LIGHT FILM FESTIVAL November 7 - 9, 2003, Cumberland Cinema Top Team • • • • Sailing excursion from Sailing Thunder Bay Pizza from Domino’s Pizza Night of bowling from Mario’s Bowl Tickets to a Thunder Wolves game Top Dog • Goodies and treats courtesy of Super Pet • Gift Certificate from Applebee’s Restaurant • Special gift from Snip n’Clip Top School • • • • Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake & Pizza Hut Pizza Tickets to a Thunder Bay Border Cats game Gift package to Ron’s Virtual World Trophy (one year title) & Bragging rights! Register Online: www.aidswalkcanada.ca Film is a powerful medium for raising awareness of important social issues. Sit in the dark and be educated, enlightened and entertained. SCREENING LINE-UP & FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 www.visionsandlight.com A Partnership of AIDS Thunder Bay, Canadian Mental Health Association & Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Page 3 �EDUCATION UPDATE AIDS Awareness Campaign AIDS Awareness Week this year runs from November 24 -30, followed by World AIDS Day on December 1. We will be hosting a benefit night at Chapters on Monday, November 24, and are planning a candlelight vigil for Dec. 1. We will be introducing a new social marketing campaign, as well as highlighting the week with bar outreach. Other plans for the week are in development. Additional details will be made available on our web site as they develop. If you or your agency would like to participate in the week with presentations, workshops, displays or other events, please contact us at 807-345-1516 or by e-mail at info@aidsthunderbay.org. Older Adults Most material on HIV/AIDS focuses on young people. However, over 10% of HIV and AIDS cases in Canada are found in the over-50 population. Although some don't like to think about the fact, many adults continue to be sexually active well into their older years. This can put them at risk of HIV infection, especially as they may not think of themselves as being at risk. Older adults are also parents and grand-parents who are in a position to teach young people about making healthy choices and avoiding HIV/AIDS. Over the coming months we will be running a campaign to target older adults. For more information , or to arrange presentations or workshops call David at 807-345-1516, Ext. 13. Web site If you haven't seen it already, check out the new look of our web site at www.aidsthunderbay.org. You will find information about the agency and upcoming events. A new section is designed especially for clients of the agency. The site also features answers to Frequently Asked Questions about HIV/AIDS, and information about HIV testing in Thunder Bay. You can now send e-mail to info@aidsthunderbay.org, and we will be implementing new individual email for all staff in the near future. Notes from the Executive Director: Sunday, September 21 is one of the most important days in ATB’s year. It is a day we plan for, 9-10 months in advance. It is a day we devote creative thinking, positive energy and thousands of hours in preparation for. It is a day for which we marshal a small army of supporters and volunteers – who themselves have contributed thousands of hours in collecting pledges. It is our annual AIDS Walk. Please join us on that day. It is a day very important to the whole community. Our annual AIDS Walk is one of several important events that we have been planning for through-out the summer months. On October 29-30 we host our 12th Opening Doors HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference. Planning has been underway since May. The event is expected, once again, to have capacity attendance. Call our office (345-1516) if you want to register. In November we will hold our 18th Annual General meeting. If you take out a membership by the end of September, you will be able to vote and select our next Board of Directors. Finally, I want to acknowledge numerous colleagues who have left positions of work with the HIV/AIDS field, and who have assisted our own work through their efforts: Joanne Lush, leaves the Peterborough AIDS Network to join the staff of the AIDS Bureau. Lauri Edmiston – who spoke so eloquently at our AGM last year, is leaving the Toronto PWA Foundation to head up the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange. Subha Sankaran has left the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, as has Brent Oliver from the AIDS Committee of Ottawa. And Duane Williams and Janis Tripp have left their positions at the AIDS Bureau. Janis leaves behind an extraordinary 9 year record of professional and personal service that we have greatly benefited from here in Thunder Bay. Page 4 �ORGANIZATION HELPS IMPROVE LIVES OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS TORONTO, 2003-03-31— If you’re living with HIV/AIDS, good treatment information can make a big difference in the quality of your life. “We can help,” says Anne Swarbrick, former Executive Director, Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), the only fully national bilingual AIDS treatment information service in the country. “Our information is accurate, easy to understand, confidential, up-todate, complete and unbiased. All our publications are free of charge in Canada.” Founded in 1991 and a national partner in Health Canada’s AIDS Strategy, CATIE has produced some 70 Fact Sheets in French and English. They provide information on symptoms, treatments, side effects, and drug interactions. It also publishes a series of practical guides to living with HIV/AIDS. CATIE recently revamped its newsletter, The Positive Side, to turn in into Canada’s only national holistic health information publication for and by people about living with HIV/AIDS. “Having reliable treatment information helps people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers talk with each other and make better decisions. And you don’t have to live in a big city to use our service. You can call us toll-free at 1-800-263-1638. If you don’t reach our staff immediately, leave a message and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours. Or you can go to our website, www.catie.ca, and download most of our publications,” says Swarbrick. In keeping with its mission to improve the health and quality of life of all people living with HIV/ AIDS in Canada, CATIE tailors each of its publications to a specific group of readers, from researchers and health professionals to people with little formal education. Several of its publications are devoted entirely to abstracts of journal articles about the latest advances in medical research from around the world. “CATIE publications help AIDS support organizations and health professionals across Canada reach out more effectively to people in their own communities,” says Swarbrick. Our National Reference Library is home to 1,400 books and 10,000 documents on more than 500 subjects. We also subscribe to more than 75 medical journals and consumer-oriented treatment periodicals. To find out what we have, check our library catalogue on-line at www. catie.ca. You can request single copies of articles and book chapters for research or private study from our library. In addition, our librarian can help you find the HIV/AIDS treatment resources you need. Visit our newly revamped e-library at www.catie.ca or contact us at library@catie.ca. CATIE presents workshops across the country. Contact: Brian Huskins, Outreach & Partnership Coordinator: 1-800-263-1638 ext. 254 Page 5 �The Extra Mile News from the Volunteer Department Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Car Wash—Sept 10 *AIDS Walk—Sept 21 *TBSO—Oct 25 *Opening Doors Conference—Oct 29-30 *Visions & Lights Film Festival—Nov 7-9 *Tag Day—Nov 15 Mini-Putt—Nov 19 *AIDS Awareness Week— Nov 23-29 *Chapters Book Store— Nov 24 *Annual General Meeting *Silent Auction *World AIDS Day—Dec 1 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Page 6 Volunteer Activities Our annual Bingo Volunteers Appreciation Event was held on July 15 and certificates were handed out to several bingo workers and bingo bakers. These dedicated volunteers give us many hours of time on a continuous basis and we really appreciate them. We have openings for volunteers to staff our reception desk. Our receptionists are the first person seen when a visitor comes through our doors. We want you to be that smiling face. If you can’t take a permanent shift, how about training for this position and filling in where you can? Build your skills while spending time with us. No experience is necessary, we will train you. Regular shifts are 4 hours, morning or afternoon. If you would like to join the reception team, give Selly a call at 345-1516. We also have openings for bingo volunteers, some shifts are only 2 hours. Bingos are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month beginning at 5 p.m. You can sign up for a regular shift or work an occasional bingo. If you’d like to join a fun-loving group, give Selly a call. Several fundraising events will be taking place over the fall and winter months. If you would like to help with tag day, the mini-putt tournament, the AIDS Walk or bingo, call Selly at 345-1516. Don’t forget the upcoming AIDS Walk—we will need several volunteers. Or, if you prefer, sign up and collect pledges. You can walk as an individual or gather a group of family, friends or co-workers and form a team. Come on out and ‘walk your shoes off’! �Here and There... Front Line Newsletter Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? We are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out. If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE send us your email address so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing the newsletter. Send it to info@aidsthunderbay. org ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the new suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. Have You Purchased Your ATB Membership? Is your membership up-to-date? If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please fill out this form and mail or fax it to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 For Information - When calling, would you prefer us to use discretion? Yes _____ No _____ About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Would you like to receive information by email? Yes _____ No _____ Service bilingue disponible Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario Name: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________________ Phone #: (Work)____________(Home)___________ ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Email address: ________________________________________ This information may be used in future to contact you about fundraising/special events. Please note, AIDS Thunder Bay does not exchange mailing lists. All lists are confidential. Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Basic membership $10.00 Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ CATIE 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: info@aidsthunderbay.org Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org internet: www.catie.ca Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scent-free’ building. Please do not wear colognes, perfumes, aftershave, or scented makeup or hairspray when visiting our premises. They have been known to cause allergic reactions for staff, clients and volunteers. Some scented fabric softeners have also caused reactions. Page 7 �Parting Glance AIDS Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This is a wonderful community partnership that in turn will directly help people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #5 How do I know if tattooing or piercing will be safe? In tattooing or piercing, HIV can be passed when tiny, invisible particles of blood stay on equipment that has not been well sterilized. These particles can also stay in the tattoo ink. The safest way to get a tattoo or piercing is to go to a professional. Professional piercers • Use jewellery made of surgical steel or niobium • Don’t use stud guns Professional tattooists • Pour ink into new, disposable containers • Use these containers only for your tattoo Professional piercers and tattooists • Use new sterile needles every time • Wear latex gloves • Have information about safety posted in the waiting area • Give instructions afterwards on how to prevent infection • Are experienced and knowledgeable • Sterilize reusable equipment in an autoclave (An autoclave is a machine that uses very hot water to sterilize equipment. Equipment should be sterilized at 121 degrees Celsius (250 F) for 30 minutes). Choosing a safe place to get a tattoo or piercing Shop around and get recommendations from friends. Ask to see: • Special containers for disposing of used needles • Disposable ink cups for tattoo colours • The autoclave (with a temperature gauge), and • Some sterilized packages (should have black lines on packages to indicate that they reached the right temperature) Check out several businesses; ask questions about their experience and safety measures. If you are not satisfied— LEAVE. If you have already had an amateur or professional tattoo and think you may have been infected with HIV, hepatitis B or C, or any other blood-borne illness, you should consider getting tested at a health clinic, anonymous testing site, or by a doctor. ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. Page 8 AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Pat Piaskowski Diana Smith Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Infection Control, TB Regional Hospital Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors Superior Points Harm Reduction AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Sherry Britton, Vice-Pres Linda Geving Jody Porter Carl Triskle, President Don Uhryniw Don Young, Secretary Dennis Eeles, Treasurer Rob MacKay Ruth Racic Brent Trudell Carri-Anne Whidden AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Daina Maslach Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Jackie Tkachyk Secretary Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Counselling Conf. Coordinator SCOPE Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Fundraising Assistant Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau ♦ Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) ♦ Thunder Bay Foundation ♦ John Andrews Foundation ♦ N.M. Paterson Foundation ♦ Elton John Foundation ♦ Fort William Rotary Club ♦ United Way And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals �A Word or Two … from the Health Promoter The following information does not necessarily reflect the opinions of AIDS Thunder Bay, rather it is offered to readers as a point of interest. Colour Therapy uses Colour therapy can be helpful for any problem whether, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual and as a relaxation therapy. And, indeed, Colour can be used for balancing our energies to avoid possible problems. Colour can be the catalyst for our healing process. However, if a problem presents, it should always be remembered that no complementary therapy should be considered as an alternative to professional medical advice. Colour Therapy can be used safely alongside any other therapy or orthodox medical treatment. Colour Therapy for all Colour Therapy is a totally holistic and non-invasive therapy and, really, colour should be a part of our everyday life, not just something we experience for an hour or two with a therapist. Colour is all around us everywhere. This wonderful planet does not contain all the beautiful colours of the rainbow for no reason. Nothing on this earth is here just by chance, everything in nature is here for a purpose. Colour is no exception. All we need to do is to heighten our awareness of the energy of colour and how it can transform our lives. A professional therapist will help you to do this. The capacity for health and well being is within us all. Colour Therapy - Used on a deeper level Colour therapy can be shown to help on a physical level, which is perhaps easier to quantify, however there are deeper issues around the colours on the psychological and spiritual levels. Our well being is not, of course, purely a physical issue. Fortunately, many more practitioners, both orthodox and complementary are now treating patients in an holistic manner. That is to say, we are body, mind and spirit and none of these areas function entirely alone; each has an effect upon the other. This is why Colour Therapy can be so helpful since colour addresses all levels of our being. As babies we first experience colour in the womb where we are enveloped in a nurturing and comforting pink. Then as a child we associate with colour as part of our first learning processes. These first associations contribute to our consciousness. As we get older we attach many different feelings, memories and meanings to certain colours and this can then become a feature in our subconscious. We can build up prejudices to colours which have happy, sad, or frightening connotations for us. All life experiences have an affect upon us. Some experiences will be positive and some negative. It is these negative experiences which can manifest themselves physically over time as dis-ease. As an example:- perhaps we have, over the years, been in a situation where we have felt unable, for one reason or another, to speak our mind, or to express our needs and feelings. This can manifest as a problem in the throat chakra. The throat chakra relates in the spiritual aspect to self expression. Thus, if our self expression has been blocked, the energy in this area will not be free flowing. Working with the appropriate colour/colours can help to dispel negative feelings, free blocks and re-balance the body. Breathing Breathing is very important - that sounds rather obvious, but it is surprising how few of us actually do breath 'properly'. Breathing is something we all take for granted and are inclined to forget about. However, shallow breathing can often be a symptom of stress. Similarly, shallow breathing can result in fatigue and stress due to the intake of insufficient oxygen. Continued on next page Front Line Insert 1 �Shallow breathing can also result in dizzy turns as insufficient oxygen is getting to the brain. Since approximately 90% of our energy is created by oxygen and nearly all the body's actions regulated by it - it is rather important that we get enough of it!! Go somewhere quiet and lie down or sit in a chair with good back support so that your body is straight, allowing you to breath deeply and comfortably. Make sure you are not wearing any tight clothing. Tell yourself to relax. Work on every part of your body from the top of your head to your toes, consciously relaxing each part. Concentrate on your breathing, taking deep in-breaths, through the nose, letting the breath fill your body, relaxing and calming. Then breath out through your mouth , exhaling all negativity and stress and ridding your body of the toxins which build up there. Repeat this a number of times - if you can only manage 10 minutes that would help a lot. Eventually you will be able to practice this anywhere, any time, when you are feeling stressed. Try not to hunch your shoulders as you breath in - try to consciously relax the shoulders and neck and breath from the abdomen - watch your tummy expand as you breath in. There are a number of breathing techniques which are taught by practitioners of different disciplines, either on a one to one basis or in a group, such as a workshop perhaps. If you have a particular medical problem, then a good place to start is with your doctor, who will be able to advise you. Colour Breathing A lovely and very helpful exercise is colour breathing - or breathing in the rainbow. The purpose of this is to firstly, heighten our awareness of colour and secondly, to encourage a balance of all the seven main chakra colours for our well being. Exercise: Stand with feet slightly apart and arms by your side, relaxed with palms turned to the front. Relax the shoulders, and concentrate on your breathing, consciously relaxing all of your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Breathing deeply in through the nose, holding for a few moments and then breathing out through the mouth. As you breath out, imagine expelling all the stress, negativity and toxins from your body. If you can do this exercise outside all the better, and, weather permitting, stand on grass with bare feet. Affirmations, either spoken out loud or as a concentrated thought, can be helpful too to help us focus and avoid our minds from wandering. For example, red is the colour of courage and strength - we could say to ourselves - the energy of red fills my body and I have the strength and courage to move forward along my life's path. It doesn't matter how we word our affirmations - they will be unique to each individual - but remember the positive aspects of the colours and make sure your statements are positive. Firstly breath in red from the earth, imagine it rising up through your whole body giving you strength and courage. Make an affirmation to suit your situation, as you breath in and experience the colour filling your body. Allow the colour to travel up through the body and out of the top of the head and then back down again to the earth. Repeat with orange and an appropriate affirmation, then yellow. These first three colours are absorbed from the earth. Then green. This colour is absorbed horizontally through the solar plexus, let it fill your body, thinking or speaking your affirmation, and let it leave through the back. Then blue which is absorbed from the sky, through the top of the head and out again going back up to the sky, similarly with the indigo and violet. If this exercise is done daily, you will really notice how your colour awareness develops and you will be able to visualize the colours much more strongly as you do this exercise regularly, balancing and enhancing your body's energies. Copyright: permission to reproduce providing "for educational purposes only". http://www.colourtherapyhealing.com HEPATITIS C — IT’S SERIOUS. YOU CAN HAVE IT AND NOT KNOW IT. Get the facts. For more information, visit www.healthcanada.ca/hepc Front Line Insert 2 � 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 FrontLine Vol 16 Issue 2 - Summer 2003 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 2003 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/17/2707/2003_FrontLine_vol16no3.pdf 3c62f7a6a74430c04e2798b71738ac6c PDF Text Text Volume 16 Issue 3 OLDER ADULTS AND HIV HIV and AIDS are most often thought of in terms of young people, and education programs most often directed to youth and young adults. Many people over 50 think that they will not be affected by HIV/AIDS. Reconsider! Fall 2003 Inside this issue: • Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 Health Unit/CATIE 5 News from the Volunteer Department/A word from the Executive Director 6 Here and There 7 8 Parting glance • • • • • • New Staff Member at ATB Hi, my name is Carrie Miller and I am the new Coordinator for the "Enhancing Healthy Options Program" (EHOP). I have been a volunteer receptionist at AIDS Thunder Bay since last February and you may have met me at some of the events such as the AIDS Walk or yard sale. I am very excited to be joining AIDS Thunder Bay and look forward to co-ordinating a variety of interesting social activities and workshops for our clients. My background includes a Diploma in Early Childhood Education as well as two years of Social Work. I have worked with children and their families in a social work setting as well as a summer recreation program. I would love to give you a better idea of what EHOP is all about but it is my first day on the job and I'm still learning about it myself. I promise to give you a full description in the next newsletter. • As of June 30. 2002, 11.6% of reported cases of AIDS in Canada were over the age of 50. In 2001-2002, some 12% of positive HIV tests were among those over the age of 50. The actual number of cases may be higher due to lack of reporting and testing. People over 50 may be more susceptible to HIV infection as their immune systems naturally decline. As the vaginal walls of women begin to thin with age it becomes easier for HIV to enter the blood system. Progression from HIV to AIDS may occur more quickly in older people. HIV/AIDS can be misdiagnosed in the elderly. Symptoms of cancer, pneumonia, and Alzheimers can be similar. Anyone (man or woman, heterosexual, bisexual, or gay) can be at risk. Are You At Risk? • • • • • • Unless you are in a monogamous relationship and know that your partner is HIV negative (whether you are heterosexual, bisexual or gay) condoms offer the only protection from HIV in sexual encounters. If you are in the dating game (possibly after separation, divorce, or death of your spouse or partner), condoms will reduce the risk of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Sexual liaisons during travel to high-risk areas may also increase your risk. If you share needles or syringes while injecting drugs, you put yourself at risk. The risk of HIV infection is increased if you have other medical conditions or infections. Blood transfusions are not usually a risk any more, as all blood donations are tested for HIV and Hepatitis C. Consider Your Family And Friends • • • Even if you think you are not at risk of HIV infection yourself, your son, daughter, grand-child, or friend may be at risk of, or living with HIV/ AIDS. This could put a severe physical, financial and/or emotional burden on you. By knowing how to talk about HIV and AIDS, you can help your children, grandchildren, and friends reduce risks. You can play an important role in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the community as an educator and/or volunteer. You can also help to fight stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS. We can offer workshops and presentations to your group or organization on this and other related issues. Call David Belrose at 345-1516, Ext. 13 for more information. �“ Words to Join us at Chapters on Mon., November 24th 7 pm - 9 pm for an evening of fun, culture, & shopping! With every purchase made by invited guests at Chapters on this special evening, 10% of all sales go to AIDS Thunder Bay. Choose from a wide selection of books, candles, chocolates, holiday decorating ideas & much more! It’s the perfect time to purchase your holiday gifts! When you arrive at the store be sure to sign in at the registration desk as well as fill out a ballot to win Chapters merchandise! Note: All discount programs including iRewards & gift card purchases will not be in effect during the event. Please R.S.V.P. by email to cporteous@aidsthunderbay.org Call the office at 345-1516 or drop by at 217 Algoma St T 'was Four Weeks Before Christmas, Almost To The Day, No Shopping Had Been Done, Life Got In The Way... The Boxes Were Empty, The Stockings Were Bare Mom Said "Things Are So Crazy, I Ain't Got A Prayer! Its Almost Monday November 24th, And All OF My Holiday Shopping Plans Are Off Course!" Dad Said "Hey Honey Just Look At This Fax... Lets Go Shop At Chapters Then We Can Relax... See The Entertainment, And Leisurely Browse Look At Magazines And Things For The House... DON'T YOU THINK ITS TIME YOU TOOK A VACATION? STRAP ON YOUR HIKING BOOTS... PACK YOUR VACATION GEAR... GRAB THOSE GOLF CLUBS... & HEAD ON OVER TO THE GOLF DOME FOR NOVEMBER 19TH 7PM TICKETS $8.00 EACH OR GROUP OF 4 $30.00 COMPETE IN CHALLENGES, SOCIALIZE & HAVE FUN! Page 2 �COMING SOON! Valentine’s Day Belgium Waffles & Crepes Saturday, February 14th Location: TBA Tired of the same old pancakes every Saturday morning? AIDS Thunder Bay is serving up a great Valentine’s dish that is guaranteed to win over the heart of that special someone! Mouth watering Belgium waffles and crepes served with fruit and whipped cream. A dreamy way to start your special day! If you have waffle and/or crepe makers that you would be willing to lend us for the day, please contact Crystal at 345-1516 extension 15. Spring Sap Healthy Sex Cabaret: The Next Generation Let AIDS Thunder Bay woo you with another sexy Cabaret It’s guaranteed to be more sexy, brash, and edgier than last year! Look for new sketches and more entertainers on stage! Watch for the return of David in his new attire! WATCH FOR THIS ”MUST ATTEND” EVENT LATE MARCH 2004 2nd Annual Bowling Party! After the striking success of it’s inaugural year, the bowling party will return in late February 2004! There’s no need for winter blues! You have a date with AIDS Thunder Bay in late February to raise the roof at the bowling lanes! Watch for fun details and possible new themes for this event. Gather your team mates now, ‘cause we intend to fill the lanes this year! Page 3 �EDUCATION UPDATE AIDS Awareness Campaign (Week October 24- December 1) This will be the second year of the global campaign targeting stigma and discrimination. A special insert is being sent out with November telephone bills. A transit shelter ad campaign will begin in late November. Monday, Nov. 24 will feature a Benefit Night at Chapters. Thursday, November 27, the SCOPE Peer Outreach team will conduct a blitz of local bars. Monday, December 1 is World AIDS Day, and will feature a Candlelight Vigil. World AIDS Day - Monday, December 1 Our Candlelight Vigil will take on a broader resonance this year as we hold it to coincide with World AIDS Day. The Vigil will be held in the Lakehead University Agora at 7:30 PM. This will be a time to reflect on the global and local impact of HIV/AIDS. We remember the 22 million people who have died worldwide from AIDS, the 36 million living with HIV and AIDS, the 15,000 people a day becoming infected with HIV. We also remember those who have died in our region, and those who live with HIV or AIDS. Come out for this time of sharing, light a candle in remembrance of someone who has died, and offer your hope for those living. Remember: Monday, December 1, Lakehead University Agora, 7:30 PM It’s Secret Santa time again Providing something special for Christmas has become an ongoing tradition at AIDS Thunder Bay. Last year people generously provided presents for close to 100 people. Again this year we are looking for people to provide either a large ‘stocking’ for an individual or a ‘basket’ for a family. We will give you as much specific information about the recipient as possible, e.g., gender, age, size and interests to make your job easier. If your schedule is too busy, we will gladly accept your donation and complete your Santa commitment. As well, smaller donations may be made to buy the many extras, such as, turkeys, hams and fruit. If you are making a monetary donation for this project please specify that the donation is designated for ‘Secret Santa.’ Baskets and stockings are needed by December 16th for Christmas delivery. For more information please call Gail at 345-1516 ext. 24 Page 4 �STD Urine Testing for Men—New and Improved The sexual health program at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is wanting to let men know that there is a simple urine test to screen for two common sexually transmitted infections; Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The Facts: Over 50% of men can be infected with an STD and have no symptoms. However, for those males who develop symptoms, they may experience discharge from the penis, itchy feeling inside the penis, burning sensation when urinating or pain and swelling of the testicles. Thunder Bay has one of the highest rates of Chlamydia in the province. There has also been a recent increase in the number of gonorrhea cases in the Thunder Bay area. Who is at Risk? Sexually active individuals are at high risk of having an STD if they have not used condoms consistently and correctly with their sexual partners, have had a new partner within the last six months, and are between the ages of 16-24 years of age. The only sure way to know if one has been infected with an STD is to get tested. Testing: It is easy, simple and effective. One urine sample can now be used to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. This is a huge improvement over the old standard method of talking samples from the penis with a q-tip. It is important that males do not urinate for 1-2 hours before providing a sample. If one tests positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, they are 100% curable and treatment is free. Where to go? For more information feel free to call: • • • Village Clinic Balmoral Clinic Toll-free 624-2000 625-5976 1-888-294-6630 __________________________________________________________________________________________ ATTENTION TO UNIQUE NEEDS URGED AS NUMBER OF HIV POSITIVE WOMEN RISES TORONTO, 2003-03-31 --- Improving the lives of women living with HIV/AIDS starts with recognizing that many of their most critical needs are unique. “HIV/AIDS most affects women’s lives differently than it does men physically,” says Ronnilyn Pustil, Managing Editor, Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), the only national, bilingual AIDS treatment information service in the country. Addressing women’s needs is urgent because HIV infection is on the rise in this population, accounting for more than 24 percent of new infections last year. “In addition to her own personal health, many women with HIV/AIDS often must deal with other issues and tend to put others’ needs ahead of their own. What happens to her children or to an elderly parent whom she’s looking after? These kinds of care and social support issues need to be met head on,” Pustil says. “We, as a country, must move on many fronts to improve the lives of women living with HIV/AIDS,” says Maggie McGinn, HIV+ positive woman and Executive Director of Living Positive: Edmonton Persons Living with HIV Society. “There should be more women in clinical trials for anti-HIV drugs, and more research as a whole, especially about the side-effects of these drugs in women. But immediate steps can be taken. Having trusted, reliable information makes a huge difference—and that’s how CATIE is helping right now,” she says. Founded in 1991 and a national partner in Health Canada’s AIDS Strategy, CATIE has produced some 70 Fact Sheets in French and English. They provide information on symptoms, treatments, side effects, drug interactions and availability of treatment. The Fact Sheets for women include topics such as HIV and cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease and menstrual problems. A Practical Guide for Women Living with HIV/AIDS is in the works. The Fact Sheets can be downloaded from the CATIE website, www.catie.ca or ordered by calling toll-free 1-800-263-1638. Women and HIV/AIDS is one of CATIE’s top priorities. In 2000, the organization co-sponsored a three-day conference on the subject, the largest gathering ever in Canada of HIV positive women, health care workers, policy professionals and others working in the field. “The insights from that conference continue to shape the way we reach out to women,” says Anne Swarbrick, former Executive Director of CATIE. A second national conference is planned for 2003. In keeping with its mission to improve the health and quality of life of all people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada, CATIE tailors each of its publications to a specific group of readers, from health professionals to people with little formal education. All CATIE publications are free of charge in Canada. Our National Reference Library is home to 1,400 books and 10,000 documents on more than 500 subjects. We also subscribe to more than 75 medical journals and consumer-oriented treatment periodicals. To find out what we have, check our library catalogue on-line at www.catie.ca. You can request single copies of articles and book chapters for research or private study from our library. In addition, our librarian can help you find the HIV/AIDS treatment resources your need. Visit our newly revamped e-library at www.catie.ca or contact us at library@catie.ca. CATIE also presents workshops across the country. CONTACT: Brian Huskins, Outreach & Partnership Coordinator 1-800-263-1638 ext 254 Page 5 �News from the Volunteer Department Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Mini-Putt Tournament—Nov 19 *AIDS Awareness Week—Nov 23-29 *Chapters Book Store—Nov 24 *World AIDS Day—Dec 1 *Valentine’s Waffle & Crepe Breakfast—Feb 14 *Bowling Tournament—late February If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Volunteer Activities It’s been a busy fall with the AIDS Walk in September, followed by a yard sale the first weekend in October, then the TBSO “Queen: A Night at the Opera” concert and the Opening Doors Counselling Conference. In November we’ve had the Visions and Light Film Festival, the Annual General Meeting and Tag Day. Many of our reception, driving and bingo volunteers attended a 2-day First Aid course in October. It was a good weekend with a great bunch of participants. We learned a lot and had fun at the same time. Other events coming up include the Mini Putt Tournament at the Golf Dome on November 19 and the Chapters Book Store night on November 24. We don’t require a lot of volunteers for these events, but we invite you to come out and be a participant. The holiday season will soon be upon us and at this time we would like to express our thanks and appreciation to all the volunteers involved with ATB over the past year. Your help is invaluable—we couldn’t do it without you! Happy Holidays What's the important stuff? Michael Sobota, Executive Director Our agency is moving through the busiest period of our year. From September through December, we have more events happening than in any other period. These are mentioned in other parts of this newsletter in greater detail, but they include our annual Walk, Regional Counselling Conference, Visions & Light Film Festival, our Annual General Meeting, AIDS Awareness Week. Each of these require months of planning, usually someone to lead the coordination, staff participation and a small army of volunteers. Simultaneously, in late summer and early fall, our agency experienced a cluster of significant losses with the passing of clients and some volunteers. And during this period we received word that our funding application to Health Canada through their AIDS Community Action Program was successful. This entailed all the work of job posting, screening and interviewing applicants and making a hiring decision. Through-out all of this busy, complicated Fall, it has been a challenge to work carefully, to give attention to the "important stuff" - while finding balance and room for personal care, personal time, personal life. In any given week, it all seemed important. What is "the important stuff"? At our recently completed 12th Opening Doors Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference, I picked up the task of giving closing reflections to the conference participants. Over the two days of the event, I had sat in on all the workshops and plenary sessions, listening to presentations and to audience members, and overhearing conference conversations in the hallways and washrooms, between sessions. I want to share with you some remarks I overheard someone say, outside of a workshop, in one of those hallway conversations. The speaker is anonymous, and wise: "I think my stuff is the most important stuff. Then, in another workshop, I heard other, painful , important stuff. I still think my situation is most important to me. But now I know other stuff too." As we head into the darker colder months of the year, let's remember that surrounding us there are others with painful, important concerns. Hopefully we can balance that insight with what we know is important in our own lives. Page 6 �Here and There... Front Line Newsletter Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? We are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out. If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE send us your email address so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing the newsletter. Send it to info@aidsthunderbay. org ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the new suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. Have You Purchased Your ATB Membership? Is your membership up-to-date? If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please fill out this form and mail or fax it to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 For Information - When calling, would you prefer us to use discretion? Yes _____ No _____ About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Would you like to receive information by email? Yes _____ No _____ Service bilingue disponible Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario Name: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________________ Phone #: (Work)____________(Home)___________ ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Email address: ________________________________________ This information may be used in future to contact you about fundraising/special events. Please note, AIDS Thunder Bay does not exchange mailing lists. All lists are confidential. Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Basic membership $10.00 Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ CATIE 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: info@aidsthunderbay.org Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org internet: www.catie.ca Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scent-free’ building. Please do not wear colognes, perfumes, aftershave, or scented makeup or hairspray when visiting our premises. They have been known to cause allergic reactions for staff, clients and volunteers. Some scented fabric softeners have also caused reactions. Page 7 �Parting Glance AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council AIDS Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This is a wonderful community partnership that in turn will directly help people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Pat Piaskowski Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Tara Champagne Question #6 Does HIV get passed to the baby during pregnancy? If you are pregnant and have HIV, there is a 1 in 4 chance that the baby will get it too. This is true even if you don’t have symptoms. Even so you can reduce the chances of your baby getting HIV during the pregnancy or delivery. Find out if you have HIV If you have had some high risk activity during the last ten years, you may have been infected with HIV. Examples of high risk activities are unprotected sex or sharing needles or other drug equipment. The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. Ask your doctor, nurse or midwife. You can also call a local clinic or public health department. If you find out you have HIV and you are pregnant You can take better care of yourself and get early treatment. You can also choose to • take HIV medication during pregnancy to decrease the risk of the baby getting HIV, or • Continue your pregnancy without medicine for HIV, or • End your pregnancy You need to discuss your options with a doctor. There can be side effects from the HIV drugs for you and possibly for your baby. Remember: It is your choice whether to be treated for HIV or to take the drugs. After the baby is born: Don’t breast feed. The baby could get HIV from your breast milk. If you (or your partner) have HIV and you want to get pregnant: Talk to a doctor about how you can best protect yourself, your partner and your baby. ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. Page 8 Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Infection Control, TB Regional Hospital Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors ATB Board of Directors AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Sherry Britton, Vice-Pres Linda Geving Ken Perkins Ruth Racic Brent Trudell Carri-Anne Whidden Dennis Eeles, Treasurer Rob MacKay Jody Porter Carl Triskle, President Don Uhryniw Don Young, Secretary AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Daina Maslach Carrie Miller Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Counselling Conf. Coordinator EHOP Coordinator SCOPE Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau ♦ Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) ♦ Thunder Bay Foundation ♦ John Andrews Foundation ♦ N.M. Paterson Foundation ♦ Elton John Foundation ♦ Fort William Rotary Club ♦ United Way And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals �A Word or Two…. from the Health Promoter (Charlene Burford) Mother's Cupboard: We are hoping the local high schools accept our request for them to host a "Food Drive". The MC Committee decided to allow each school to determine when and how the "Food Drive" would occur, we're hoping this approach will entice more schools to take part. Schools were approached in September, so far, one school (Hammarskjold) will hold a "Food Drive" in the spring. Enhancing Healthy Options Program (EHOP): AIDS Thunder Bay received approval and funding for a four year plan aimed at offering health enhancing information and workshops to clients and their caregivers. Welcome to Carrie Miller, she started as the EHOP Coordinator November 4. The following article is reproduced from the Canadian AIDS Treatment Exchange website (www.catie.ca) for educational purposes. Overview of Different Forms of Complementary Therapies "Complementary therapies" refers to a broad group of natural and spiritual healing methods and approaches that are different from conventional Western medicine (or pharmaceutical medicine). Many of these healing methods have been used for centuries in many different cultures. Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, a wide variety of complementary therapies has been used by people with HIV for various purposes, including general health promotion, relief of symptoms and cure of certain ailments. Some of the most commonly used complementary therapies are described below. Acupuncture Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles at specific points of the body to help stimulate and balance the flow of energy (called "Qi"). It has often been used to reduce general pain, headaches, neuropathy (burning, numbness and pain in the fingers and toes) and other symptoms related to HIV or side effects of HIV drugs. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to treat illness and promote well-being. Oils are often diluted in hot water or added to massage oils and lotion for use. Aromatherapy has often been used to reduce stress, fatigue and side effects of drugs. Ayurveda Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is one of the oldest known medical systems. It works to cure illnesses and achieve good health by restoring the balance of the harmony between mind, body and spirit. Treatment methods may include combinations of herbal medicine, dietary changes, meditation, internal body cleansing (using diet or medicine to get rid of the body's "toxins"), yoga and prayer. Chiropractic Therapy Chiropractic therapy treats illnesses and relieves symptoms by manipulating the spine and muscles. It is most often used to reduce headaches, and back and muscle pain as well as reducing stress. Continued on next page... Front Line Insert 1 �Herbal therapy Herbal therapies are part of every medical system, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It uses substances that come from different parts of plants as medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. The herbal preparation may be eaten, drunk as tea, smoked, inhaled or applied to the skin. It may involve a single herb or several herbs used in a mixture. Homeopathy Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like cures like"; that is, substances that in large doses would cause symptoms of disease, in small doses, treat those same symptoms. Homeopathy medicines are natural substances in very small, diluted doses that can be used to treat a variety of symptoms. Massage Massage refers to the use of manipulation of muscle and body tissues using a variety of techniques such as rubbing, stroking, kneading or tapping. It is very effective in relieving stress, tension or muscle pains and stimulating circulation. Meditation Meditation uses deep breathing and other techniques to help a person focus his or her thoughts. It is often practiced in association with spiritual beliefs and is part of many healing systems, including Ayurveda. It is often used to reduce stress, anxiety and headaches. Naturopathy Naturopathy is based on the belief that the body has the natural ability to heal itself. It uses a variety of methods including herbs, diet, homeopathic remedies, massage and hydrotherapy to stimulate the healing ability of the person. It is most often used in HIV disease to enhance the health of the immune system. Reflexology Reflexology is based on the principle that certain points on the hands and feet are connected to other parts of the body. Applying pressure to those points can treat symptoms and help stimulate healing of the corresponding body parts. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) TCM originated in China and has been practiced for thousands of years. It believes that good health results from having harmony and balance between the body, the mind and the environment. It uses a variety of methods including acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet and exercises to regulate the flow of a person's life energies (referred to as "Qi") to treat illnesses and promote health. Complementary therapies and Western medicine do not necessarily replace each other; in fact, often they support or "complement" each other. It is important to tell both your Western medical care provider and complementary therapists about all the different kinds of treatments you are using. This will help them get a more complete picture of your treatment plan in order to maximize the benefits of the treatments and to prevent any harmful side effects or interactions between the treatments. HEPATITIS C — IT’S SERIOUS. YOU CAN HAVE IT AND NOT KNOW IT. Get the facts. For more information, visit www.healthcanada.ca/hepc Front Line Insert 2 � 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 FrontLine Vol 16 Issue 3 - Fall 2003 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 2003 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/17/2708/2004_FrontLine_vol17no1.pdf 8bcbd5b0fec83aa321592127acf4e6aa PDF Text Text Volume 17 Issue 1 SUMMER PLANNING Spring 2004 The summer months have always been planning months for AIDS Thunder Bay. We get deeply immersed in preparing for events that take place later in the year: our annual Opening Doors Regional Counselling Conference, our annual AIDS Walk, our annual Visions and Light Film Festival, our Annual General Meeting. Various staff, board members and volunteers are all working on these events. Inside this issue: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 Support Services/ EHOP Update 5 News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There 7 Parting glance 8 Vesey Bulbs For those of you who ordered bulbs from the ATB spring sale, thank you for your order! The bulbs will be in soon. We will be delivering them to you. Don’t forget—we will also be having a fall bulb sale. Watch for an email or fax from us in late summer or early fall. You’ll enjoy seeing the flowers break through the last of the snow in the spring. This summer there is a significant addition to our planning agenda. The AIDS Bureau of the Ontario Ministry of Health is mandating "Local Planning Initiatives" as part of the implementation of Ontario's HIV/AIDS Strategy to 2008. The Local Planning Initiatives (LPI) will take place in at least 12 different geographic regions of the province. The LPI are intended to bring together representatives of agencies that address some part of service or activity relating to HIV/AIDS in that local area. The intention is to bring people together, discuss and analyze how HIV/AIDS is being handled in our area, identify any gaps that may exist and write up a planning report to guide our work into the future years. AIDS Thunder Bay has been chosen to take a lead role in this planning exercise. We will be assisted by support from the AIDS Bureau that will include financial support to hire a health planner/researcher/writer, HIV epidemiological information about our region prepared by Dr. Robert Remus, some initial facilitation from the Ontario Organizational Development Program, and funding to bring people from our broad geographic region to planning meetings. We anticipate that the Northwestern Ontario "Local Planning Initiative" will be launched in summer (June) and may take up to a year to complete. Closer to home, within our own agency, we are involved in immediate planning that will affect changes on our Board of Directors. Simultaneously, after many rich and valuable years of service to ATB, both our President, Carl Triskle and Vice-President, Don Uhryniw, are leaving Thunder Bay to accept employment elsewhere. The Board itself will meet to consider these changes of our Executive Officers. Our Nominating Committee will meet to address the board vacancies. We ask for your help and support during this period of transition, while assuring you that we will continue to deliver our programs and services to the high standards you have become accustomed to. Should you have any questions about these changes - or to offer your help - please don't hesitate to contact us at 3451516 or info@aidsthunderbay.org. Michael Sobota, Executive Director �E-Fundraising! AIDS Thunder Bay takes the plunge into e-commerce & charitable giving. Online donations can be made to AIDS Thunder Bay through CanadaHelps.org. CanadaHelps.org (CHO) is a notfor-profit charity portal that serves as an information resource about charities in Canada and seeks to promote and facilitate philanthropy through online giving at no cost to the charity or the donor. All our donor has to do is click the 'donate' button on our website (www.aidsthunderbay.org) and follow the simple instructions. You will be asked to enter your name and mailing information, email address, some directional details about the donation you are making and your credit card/online banking information. The information entered is strictly confidential, and donor information is only provided to AIDS Thunder Bay. All information is securely protected behind multiple security measures. CanadaHelps.org has worked extensively with a number of major technology companies and online security experts to ensure that the site not only meets security requirements, but far exceeds them. Further information about security features can be reviewed on the site. Donations made through the CanadaHelps.org website are treated by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in the same way as regular donations. Within minutes of making a donation, you will receive an electronic tax receipt mailed to the email address you provided in the donation process. You can save and print this receipt at any time to use for income tax purposes. Because CanadaHelps.org is a charity , you will be receipted for your donation by CanadaHelps.org and not AIDS Thunder Bay. Partnerships at Work—Macs Milk Break Open Ticket Outlet Break Open Tickets (BOT), otherwise known as Nevada Tickets, are just one form of gaming that raises funds for AIDS Thunder Bay. As with all fundraising activity, it is extremely difficult to compete with the numerous charities in need of assistance, and even more difficult for businesses to choose which ones to support. AIDS Thunder Bay is very lucky to be working the Mac’s Milk located on the corner of River and Cumberland Street on the sale of Nevada’s. The funds raised from these sales contribute to the annual fundraising goal to support our programs and services. This year’s overall goal is upwards of $93,000.00 4th Annual June 5th 9am - 1pm St. John’s Anglican Church Shop for bargains galore, but don’t forget to explore the variety of scrumptious goodies at the bake table! All homemade treats that will provide you with lots of energy to continuing your yard selling throughout the morning! Page 2 If you have items that you no longer have use for, we will gladly recycle them for our sale. Your donation of clean reusable, re-sellable items can help raise funds for direct client programs and services. We appreciate the items that you are able to donate, but reserve the right to not accept items we feel will not sell. Among the items we are unable to accept are: clothing, large appliances, old sports equipment, and used baby furniture. Pick ups scheduled three times a week in the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday. Donations will be accepted until June 1st. Call Crystal at 345-1516 ext. 15 �Join the Celebration & “Bring a Friend!” I walk because… Share your story & encourage others to take part! The Walk is AIDS Thunder Bay’s largest fund and awareness raising event. This year we are celebrating the many friendships AIDS Thunder Bay has made through our annual Walk. If everyone that took part in last year’s Walk brought one new friend with them this year, we could easily increase our attendance to over 300 people! The funds that are raised from this event support ATB’s Direct Client Services Program. DCS encompasses our Mother’s Cupboard Food Bank, Emergency Financial Assistance, transportation support, and child care services. You can double the funds raised and have even more fun by inviting a friend to walk and raise money with you! An increase in walkers that join us means more awareness and funds raised for HIV/AIDS in our community! Any amount raised is greatly appreciated. Set your goal for this year (and then over-achieve it)! Watch our website for information about new incentives and prizes! Why will you walk? Online registration will be available by June! If you would like to preregister and have your package mailed to you call Crystal at 345-1516 or send an email with your name and address to cporteous@aidsthunderbay.org www.aidswalkcanada.ca AIDS Thunder Bay has been holding tag day events for a number of years. These one-day events scheduled periodically through the year contribute significantly to our annual fundraising goal. The latest was held with the help of 24 volunteers on Easter Saturday at 4 LCBO locations raising over $2000.00 The success of these events is greatly due to the businesses that let us stand outside their establishments and our volunteers. Our volunteers each give two hours of their time greeting and smiling at many people entering stores. Tag days are usually scheduled around Easter and Mid-November, which means our volunteers endure drizzly, windy spring weather or chilly, possibly snowing weather of November. We can not thank you enough for your dedication (and unwavering smiles) for helping raise funds for our direct client services. Over the past 3 years, ATB has held 8 tag days all together raising just over $11,520.00 Page 3 �EDUCATION UPDATE DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL MARRIAGE A major factor in the continuing HIV/AIDS epidemic has been stigma and discrimination. The recognition of equal marriage will be an important step in reducing discrimination based on sexual orientation. The upcoming federal election will be important as powerful opponents of equality will try to defeat candidates who support equal marriage. Focus On The Family launched a $1.5 million campaign to elect 42 additional anti-gay marriage MPs, and to defeat those supporting equality. Canadians for Equal Marriage responded with a campaign that will help citizens take action to support equality. Canadians can use the ACTION WEBSITE http://www.equal-marriage.ca to directly connect with equality-seeking candidates in their area, as well as identify key election battles, no matter where they live in Canada. Please, ask your friends, family and work-mates to visit www.equal-marriage.ca, and get involved today. It could be the difference between a Parliament that makes Canada a leader in human rights, or a Parliament that starts to take away hard-fought rights. To keep this election from becoming a major setback, the community must become engaged. Contact information: Canadians for Equal Marriage, 291 Church Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 2C2 Phone: 416-928-1238 E-mail: canadians@equal-marriage.ca Web site: www.equal-marriage.ca PREVENTION OUTREACH Our prevention outreach project, SCOPE, is now into its final year. Over the past year, SCOPE peers talked to over 1800 people and distributed some 12,000 condom and information packs. In addition a short play was presented at various locations, and a social marketing campaign “Get It On” used transit shelters and bathroom ads to present a prevention message. This year, peers will use a modified approach, targeting bars with Condom Man and the Condom Crusaders. The initial appearance took place recently at the Apollo Bar during Super Sexy Saturday, an event that featured several local bands and prizes for sexiest costumes. Independently produced, some of the proceeds were donated to AIDS Thunder Bay. After Condom Man introduced the Crusaders, party packs (condom, lube, and info) were distributed and surveys gathered to help us evaluate the project. Over the coming months, Condom Man and the Crusaders will be busy making appearances at local bars and venues that attract a young crowd. Additional social marketing will be done as well. ASSUMPTIONS CAMPAIGN In coming months, AIDS Thunder Bay will be participating in the Assumptions Campaign, a national and provincial initiative aimed at the re-invigoration of HIV prevention for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Over the past few years HIV infection rates among these groups has been rising in certain areas (Toronto and Ottawa, for example). Studies have shown that men may make assumptions about partner’s HIV status based on faulty reasoning. This social marketing campaign will bring the difficult and complex issues of sexual assumptions and silence into the open, and challenge men to look at the assumptions behind their choices about their health and that of their partners. In Thunder Bay, the public campaign will be something new, an approach made necessary by the fragmented and often invisible nature of the target population. Although targeting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, we feel that the messages will apply to heterosexual men and women as well. Page 4 �SUPPORT SERVICES/EHOP UPDATE CLIENT DROP-IN A drop-in for HIV+ people is scheduled for the third Thursday of each month from 1:00-2:30. Refreshments are provided. Rides are available as well. Come by and chat in an informal setting. For information or to book a ride, call 345-1516 and talk to Carrie, Charlene, Gail or Stuart. Next drop in is May 20th. Let’s Talk Food What: a community forum on poverty and food When: September 17 & 18 Where: Lakehead Labour Centre Who: Thunder Bay Economic Justice Committee & Food Action Network How much: free Through workshops and discussions ‘Let’s talk Food’ will focus on increasing peoples’ awareness around food and how it gets to their table, celebrating local food producers and educating the public around food and hunger issues. For more information or to get involved phone Gail at 345-1516 or Kim McGibbon at 525-5991. Food security means that everyone has access to enough safe, healthy, and affordable food. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ EHOP Update…. from Carrie Miller (EHOP Coordinator) The Enhancing Healthy Options Program has been up and running for six months now. With the help of our community partners we have been offering free weekly complementary therapy sessions such as healing touch to our clients since January. There has been a variety of social activity events such as a Movie Day, ThunderWolves Hockey Game and Bowling Night. Currently we are offering an Anger Management Support Group for men. During the upcoming months there will be a computer training workshop and art therapy workshop. Planning will begin this month for the PHA Retreat that will take place this fall. For those of you who might be interested in joining the PHA Retreat Planning Committee feel free to contact me at 345-1516. The following article is reproduced from the Maryland Art Therapy Association website (www.marylandata.org) for educational purposes. This information is presented as a point of interest; it does not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIDS Thunder Bay. Art Therapy Art Therapy is the process of creating visual images for the purpose of communicating complex material on a non-verbal level. The completed art product offers a concrete, durable statement from the client. Art therapy’s usefulness stems from the inherent healing qualities of the creative process. It is during this process of creating a graphic or sculptural form that conflict is visually expressed, integrated and resolved into the client’s personality to assist in favorable changes in living. Diagnostically, art therapy can be used to assess development and emotional stages of growth. Art therapists look at color choices, spatial organization, specific symbols, and techniques as significant indicators of abuse, emotional state, neurological dysfunction, and psychological disorders for the purpose of planning treatment goals. As a therapeutic intervention, art therapy can contribute to: alternative coping skills, behavioral changes, emotional release, insight, interpersonal skills, maintaining self awareness, reality orientation, and strengthening defenses. It allows for the escape of uncensored, unconscious material more easily than verbal expressions, so that the therapeutic process is safely accelerated. Art therapy is used with couples, families, groups and individuals. Populations range from children to geriatrics with a variety of needs. How Art Therapy Is Practiced Art Therapists make accessible a variety of art materials in a safe environment that is conducive to the creative process. Their main function is to help the client find a comfortable means of expression. Their approach remains flexible, and varies according to the client’s needs, the goals of the facility, and the philosophical orientation of the therapists. Their approach can be directive by utilizing specific artistic activities that are aimed at reaching the therapeutic goals. They may also be non-directive, encouraging spontaneous art expression, free association, and obtaining the client’s own interpretation of the symbolic designs. The art therapist can be an adjunctive therapist, consultant, or the primary therapist within a variety of treatment settings. They work in: AIDS treatment centers, bereavement centers, counseling centers, hospices, industry, psychiatric and medical facilities, schools, senior centers, sexual assault centers, shelters, and substance abuse/addiction centers. Page 5 �News from the Volunteer Department Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Yard Sale/Bake Sale—June 5 *Tag Day—August 14 *AIDS Walk—Sept. 26 *Tag Day—Nov. 20 *World AIDS Day—Dec 1 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Volunteer Activities The ATB Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event was held on Thursday, April 22nd. We began with a ‘Getting to Know You’ bingo and then were entertained with 3 skits about volunteering —the actors were staff members and volunteers. It was a thoroughly enjoyable performance. In 2003, there were 157 active volunteers at ATB; they gave 6,635 hours to the agency. Certificates and gifts were given to everyone. Five volunteers each gave over 201 hours, they received ATB sweatshirts. Several long-time volunteers were awarded special certificates and pins. The 2004 ATB Volunteer of the Year is Don Uhryniw. Don has given many hours over the past 10 years. He is a board member and sits on various committees. He is also a regular receptionist and has been involved with our Mother’s Cupboard Food Bank as well as volunteering for AIDS Awareness Week activities. Don has helped out in fundraising by working many tag days. He has been very generous with his time and we really appreciate all he has done. Thank you so much, Don! Thank you to the many volunteers who came out on Easter Weekend and gave us their time at a spring tag day. They raised $2,032! Many thanks to all our VOLUNTEERS Our annual Yard Sale will be on June 5 this year. We are looking for volunteers to help with set-up on the 4th and to work at the sale on the 5th. We are also looking for donations for a Bake Sale table. If you can help with the yard sale or contribute something to the bake sale table, please call Selly at 345-1516, ext. 12. We will be having a ‘mini’ Tag Day on Saturday, August 14th. There will be only 2 locations. If you can volunteer for a 2-hour shift, call Selly. The annual AIDS Walk will be on Sunday, September 26th. Sign up to walk and/or volunteer. You can do both as most volunteering takes place before the walk begins or at the end of the day. Page 6 Thank you to all our volunteers for all you have done for ATB. We really appreciate it! �Here and There... Front Line Newsletter We are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out. If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE send us your email address so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing the newsletter. Send your email address to info@aidsthunderbay.org Have You Purchased Your ATB Membership? Is your membership up-to-date? If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please fill out this form and mail or fax it to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. For Information - When calling, would you prefer us to use discretion? Yes _____ No _____ About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Would you like to receive information by email? Yes _____ No _____ Service bilingue disponible Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario Name: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________________ Phone #: (Work)____________(Home)___________ Email address: ________________________________________ This information may be used in future to contact you about fundraising/special events. Please note, AIDS Thunder Bay does not exchange mailing lists. All lists are confidential. Basic membership $10.00 Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) CATIE Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: info@aidsthunderbay.org Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org internet: www.catie.ca Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scent-free’ building. Please do not wear colognes, perfumes, aftershave, or scented makeup or hairspray when visiting our premises. They have been known to cause allergic reactions for staff, clients and volunteers. Some scented fabric softeners have also caused reactions. Page 7 �Parting Glance AIDS Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This is a wonderful community partnership that in turn will directly help people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #7 What are the risks of getting HIV when you drink or use drugs? Alcohol or drugs won’t infect you with HIV. But taking risks while you’re drunk or high might. When you drink or use drugs, it’s easy to get reckless and not bother to use a condom during sex. Having unprotected sex is one of the most common ways to become infected with HIV. You might take the risk of sharing a needle. In 1996, about half of all new HIV infections occurred among people who inject street drugs. Whenever anyone shoots up, a tiny amount of their blood stays in the needle or syringe. If you use the same needle as someone who is infected with HIV, you shoot their infected blood into your bloodstream. Reduce your risk of HIV infection: • Limit drinking or drug taking before sex. This way you are more likely to take precautions. • If you are going to be drinking or taking drugs, get condoms or clean needles to bring with you before you go out (free condoms and needles can often be obtained through your public health department). • Don’t have unprotected sex. • Don’t share any equipment that could have blood in it (for example, water, cotton filters, cookers, pipes, straws, needles, syringes). • Consider cutting down on the drugs you use or getting treated for addiction. If you must re-use drug-injecting equipment, here’s how to kill HIV with bleach between users: 1. Draw clean water into the needle and syringe. Shake it. Squirt it out. Throw the water away. 2. Draw in full-strength bleach. Leave it for 30 seconds. Squirt it out. Throw the bleach away. Do this twice. 3. Draw more clean water into the needle and syringe. Shake it. Squirt it out. Throw the water away. Do this twice. ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. Page 8 AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Tara Champagne Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors ATB Board of Directors AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Michael Copps Linda Geving Rob MacKay Eunice Ryan Brent Trudell Carri-Anne Whidden Karen Vescio, Recorder Dennis Eeles, Treasurer Denyse Johnston Ruth Racic Carl Triskle, President Don Uhryniw, Vice-President Don Young, Secretary AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Carrie Miller Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator EHOP Coordinator SCOPE Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau ♦ Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) ♦ John Andrews Foundation ♦ N.M. Paterson Foundation ♦ Elton John Foundation ♦ Fort William Rotary Club ♦ United Way And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals �A Word or Two…. from the Health Promoter Charlene Burford You must get a prescription for the right antibiotic from your doctor. Don’t borrow medicine from your friends, and you cannot buy the medicine on the street. Treatment is important Your doctor or nurse may ask you for the name of your partner or ask you to tell your partner so that this STI will not be spread further. Make sure you take your medication until it is finished. Ask your doctor or nurse how soon after treatment you can have sexual intercourse. If you are a CHLAMYDIA female with chlamydia and you don’t get treated, this could Chlamydia (pronounced kla-mid-ee-ah) is a very common happen to you: you might develop a pain in your abdomen or bacterial sexually transmitted infection- and one of the belly that never seems to go away more serious. the infection could spread to all your reproductive I t can spread silently in females and cause a painful, longorgans and cause PID term condition called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) you may have problems later in life getting and infertility (the inability to have children). Pregnant pregnant or during your pregnancy. women can pass this infection on to their babies at birth, The long-term effects of chlamydia on males are not well who can then get infections of their eyes or lungs. known. You can get chlamydia from oral, vaginal or anal sex. The following articles were reproduced with permission from "The Circle of Hope" Newsletter, Special Edition 2004; The First Nations and Inuit of Quebec HIV and AIDS Strategy The symptoms and signs A woman may never know she is infected with chlamydia until she has a test for it or decides to have a baby and has problems trying to become pregnant. For those who develop symptoms, they usually appear one to three weeks after sex with an infected person. Sometimes, the symptoms are so mild that a person may not notice them. Men often have no symptoms and can spread the infection without knowing they have it. It is very important that chlamydia be treated right away. What to look for Females: a new or different discharge from the vagina a burning feeling when urinating pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever and chills pain during sex vaginal bleeding between periods vaginal bleeding after intercourse Males: a watery or milky drip from the penis an itchy feeling inside the penis a burning feeling when urinating pain or swelling in the testicles Source: Health Canada, What you need to know about STI – Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2002 Number of infections due to Chlamydia Genital chlamydiosis is the most common STI for which reporting is mandatory. In 2002, there were 11,131 reported cases in Quebec. Most of the reported cases involved women (72 %). Over 70% of these cases were reported among young people between 15 and 24 years old. After an important decline until the mid-nineties, the number of reported cases increased by 54 %, between 1998 and 2002. The increase was noted for men and women and for all age groups under 60 years old. All regions in Quebec are affected by genital chlamydiosis. In most regions the incidence rate is comparable to general rate in Quebec i.e., 144.3 cases out of 100,000 people in 2002 with the exception of Nunavik and the Cree Territories in the JamesBay Region, where the rate is five to twenty times higher than in the rest of Quebec. The improvement of detection methods for chlamydiosis isn’t the only explanation for the increase of reported cases. It can also be explained by high risk sexual practices; this hypothesis is all the more plausible because of the increase of other STI. Source: Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux du Québec. Portrait des infections transmissibles sexuellement et par le sang (ITSS), de l’hépatite C, de l’infection par le VIH et du sida au Québec– Décembre 2003 A quick and reliable urine test is available for chlamydia in most centres for both men and women. If you are having sex and have taken chances, see a health professional or go to a clinic and ask to be tested. How chlamydia is treated Chlamydia can often be treated with just one dose of antibiotics taken by mouth. But you can get it again right away from your partner if he/she isn’t treated as well. Front Line Insert 1 �Number of infections due to gonorrhoea GONORRHEA You may have heard of this STI by other names such as “the clap” or “a dose.” Gonorrhea is a common STI which, if not treated early, can cause serious health problems, especially for women. Gonorrhea in women left untreated could lead to a painful, long-term condition called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and infertility (the inability to have children). A pregnant woman can pass gonorrhea to her baby during birth, and cause a serious eye infection or blindness. You can get gonorrhea from oral, vaginal and anal sex. The symptoms and signs If you catch gonorrhea from having sex with an infected partner, you might not notice any symptoms. If you do, they will appear three to five days after sex. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can have gonorrhea and you can pass it on to others. What to look for Females: new or different discharge from the vagina a burning feeling when urinating pain in the lower abdomen fever and chills pain during sex vaginal bleeding between periods vaginal bleeding after intercourse possible rectal pain rectal discharge Males: discharge from the penis, may be thick and yellow-green in colour burning feeling when urinating pain or swelling in the testicles possible rectal pain rectal discharge To test for gonorrhea, a swab of the area is usually taken or a new urine test may be used at some centres. How gonorrhea is treated The statistics for gonorrhoea are somewhat different than those for Chlamydia: there are fewer cases (880 cases in 2002); more men affected (76% of the cases 2002); 40% of the cases were reported among people aged between 15 and 24 years old and 42 % of the cases were reported among adults between 25 and 40 years old. The incidence rate (number of cases per 100,000 people) is higher among young men aged between 20 and 24 years old, a percentage rate that is five times higher than for the general population (58.9 compared to 11.4). In fact, the incidence rate for gonococcal disease is systematically higher for men than for women, except for the 15 to 19 year olds, where young girls represent a higher rate. Furthermore, the distribution of cases isn’t proportional in all the regions: 60 % of the cases are declared in the Montreal Region and 15 % in the adjoining regions of Laval and Montérégie. The incidence rate for men aged between 15 and 24 years old is thus twice as high as the one for the entire region. The incidence rate for gonococcal disease decreased every year as of the early eighties but this trend does not apply anymore. The number of reported cases went from 495 in 1998 to 880 in 2002 and during the same period, the incidence rate increased by 72 %, rising from 6.6 in 1998 to 11.4 in 2002. Information has shown that 60 % of the reported cases in 2001 and 2002 involved men having sex with other men (MHSWM). The overstatement for this population group is quite high, compared to what would be expected in terms of its proportion in the general population (probably between 5 and 10 %). The figures for Quebec are however comparable to the figures reported around the world for gonococcal disease among MHSWM. Source : Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux du Québec. Portrait des infections transmissibles sexuellement et par le sang (ITSS), de l’hépatite C, de l’infection par le VIH et du sida au Québec - Décembre 2003 Visit: First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission -- www.cssspnql.com for a look at their complete newsletter. Gonorrhea can often be treated with just one dose of antibiotics taken by mouth and can be cured. But you can get it again right away from your partner if he/she isn’t treated as well. See a doctor or go to a clinic and, if you have gonorrhea, tell your partner. Source: Health Canada, What you need to know about STI _ Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2002 HEPATITIS C — IT’S SERIOUS. YOU CAN HAVE IT AND NOT KNOW IT. Get the facts. For more information, visit Front Line www.healthcanada.ca/hepc Insert 2 � 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 FrontLine Vol 17 Issue 1 - Spring 2004 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 2004 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/17/2709/2004_FrontLine_vol17no2.pdf e142890c5f345e61e4cb9efff452d5d5 PDF Text Text Volume 17 Issue 2 Major Planning Process About To Be Launched Summer 2004 Inside this issue: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 Support Services/ EHOP Update 5 News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There 7 Parting glance 8 AIDS Thunder Bay is taking a lead role in the Northwestern Ontario Community Planning Initiative. The Community Planning Initiative is mandated by the AIDS Bureau of the Ontario Ministry of Health. It is one of the implementation mechanisms of Ontario's HIV/AIDS Strategy to 2008. The intent of the planning process is to look at how the prevention, care and support needs concerning HIV/AIDS are being addressed in our region, how might that be improved, and draw up a plan to carry us into the future. Co-Chairs of the planning process will be Dr. Peter Sarsfield, the Medical Officer of Health for the Northwest Health Centre in Kenora, and Michael Sobota, Executive Director of AIDS Thunder Bay. Janet Adams has been hired as the Planning Coordinator. Janet reports that more than thirty health care partner agencies have expressed an interest in participating in the planning process. They represent agencies from all over Northwestern Ontario. An inaugural meeting is scheduled to take place in Thunder Bay on September 8, 2004. Dr. Robert Remus, of the University of Toronto will be presenting epidemiological information about HIV/AIDS in our region. Representatives from the AIDS Bureau will also be in attendance. For further information, or if you wish to participate in the planning process, please contact Janet Adams through AIDS Thunder Bay: 345-1516 or jan.adams@shaw.ca.. FIRST NOTICE OF AIDS THUNDER BAY'S 2004 AGM AIDS Thunder Bay's 2004 Annual General Meeting will take place in November. The date and location are TBA. AIDS Thunder Bay will be celebrating the conclusion of our 19th year of work in the city and region. Come and receive our Annual Report, hear our guest speaker, participate in a terrific silent auction and elect our Board of Directors. To be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must become (or renew) your membership 30 days prior to the event. We are requesting that all memberships be brought up to date by October 15. �AIDS Thunder Bay has confirmed what can only be described as the largest event in ATB history! We have booked the group R.E.M. to perform at the Fort William Gardens on November 14, 2004. This event has not yet been announced to the general public. For the time being this is still confidential! Tickets will only be available to the general public at the Fort William Gardens box office. For the ticket onsale date please stay tuned for our official public release which will be held on Monday, September 13 2004. We are pleased to announce that the net proceeds generated from this special event will stay in our community to support AIDS Thunder Bay’s programs and services. This concert will not only be a tremendous fundraising event for ATB but it will also be our way of giving back to the community for their years of support in our on-going fight against HIV/AIDS. This event provides a new entertainment opportunity for Thunder Bay and the surrounding area to have fun and experience the raw energy that this group invokes into their millions of fans around the world. Again, this is a confidential issue as the concert and ticket sale dates have not yet been announced. We are providing this information to the member of AIDS Thunder Bay similar to R.E.M. offering pre-release information to their paid fan club prior to the general public sales. If you are interested in learning more about R.E.M and their current tour please visit their website at www.remhq.com or AIDS Thunder Bay at www.AIDSThunderBay.org Page 2 © R.E.M. On Tour logo is copyright 2004 R.E.M with special permission granted to ACTB �Join the Celebration & The 2x4 Club! Incentives! $50—$149 Full colour AIDS Walk for Life t-shirt $150—$299 T-shirt, Seattle Coffee House Gift Certificate $300+ Above incentives, plus an evening at Cambrian Players This year we are celebrating the many friendships AIDS Thunder Bay has made through our annual Walk. If everyone that took part in last year’s Walk brought one new friend with them this year, we could easily increase our attendance to over 300 people! As added incentive this year we have introduced the first annual “2X4 Club” (Two friends walking 4 kilometers.) Register yourself and someone new (a person(s) who has not taken part in the Walk for the past 2 years) and both of you will be entered into an exclusive “2X4” draw in which you can win a Centro Bronze 3000 RT Barbeque donated by Canadian Tire. Any amount raised is greatly appreciated. Set your goal for this year (& over-achieve it)! Watch our website for information about new incentives and prizes! If you would like to register call Crystal at 345-1516 or visit us online at www.AIDSThunderBay.org Thanks to some of our Sponsors: Hubert O’Hearn Consultant with Investors Group, Magic 99.9 & Westjet AIDS Thunder Bay is looking for your old A&P receipts! The fall colours of yellow, orange and gold are beautiful, but nothing can compare to the vibrant and exquisite colours of Vesey’s Fall Bulbs. AIDS Thunder Bay can help dress your garden to be the “belle of the fall” with 16 packages to choose from. Now there are more bulbs per bag at spectacular prices! Shipping can happen by mid to late September! A colour brochure is available online from our website www.AIDSThunderBay.org DEADLINE FOR ORDERING: SEPTEMBER 10, 2004 by 4:30 p.m. This fundraising initiative raises funds. For every $450.00 dollars in receipts, ATB receives $1.00 Start collecting! Every receipts counts! A drop off box is located in the office. Yard Sale! First Church United will be holding a benefit yard sale for AIDS Thunder Bay on Saturday, September 11th from 8 am—12 noon. If you have items that you no longer have use for, we will gladly recycle them for our sale. We appreciate the items that you are able to donate, but reserve the right to not accept items we feel will not sell. To arrange for a pick-up call Crystal at 345-1516 Page 3 �EDUCATION UPDATE SCOPE Update The SCOPE peers and Condom Man have been very busy conducting monthly outreach at our area bars throughout the summer. If you haven’t yet met our big black superhero, give Denise a call for the next scheduled bar crawl. Know someone having a bridal shower or shag ………… how about having Condom man and his crusaders pay the party crowd a special visit. They will definitely give people something to remember. Keep your eyes keen and ready for controversy as SCOPE has teamed with IDU in a joint safer snorting campaign to be out this fall. Visions & Light Film Festival As you plan ahead for the fall months, keep the third annual Visions & Light Film Festival in mind. The first weekend in November will feature an exciting line up of films that will address issues of HIV/AIDS, addictions, and mental health. The festival is a joint venture of AIDS Thunder Bay, Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In addition to a weekend of feature films at the Cumberland Cinema, there will be a special Thursday evening showing aimed at the college and university as well as other possible special events. Friday night will be a special gala showing with a party afterward at the Provincial Government building, including a silent auction. Plan ahead to be part of this fun and enlightening event. Ontario Men’s Survey Results In 2002, over 5,000 gay and bisexual men, including over 100 in Thunder Bay and area, took part in the Ontario Men’s Survey. This was the first major survey since the National Men’s Survey in 1991, and provided valuable information about the cultural and social changes in men’s lives and habits over this period. The survey showed that gay and bisexual men know a lot about safer sex, and that many of us make an effort to be safe and keep our partners safe. Many, but not all. Over the past decade in Ontario, the rate of new HIV infections has almost doubled, and most of these are among men who have sex with men. It must be noted that the majority of these are in the Toronto and Ottawa areas. There are many reasons for the rising rates. The Ontario Men’s Survey provides a wealth of information to help us in community discussions across the province. There are inherent problems with condoms. We need to look at how we interact with each other. We need to explore the assumptions we make when we engage in sexual encounters, assumptions that can put us at risk of getting or passing on HIV. You can find a link to the survey results on our web site (aidsthunderbay.org). You can also go directly to the Men’s Survey web site (www.mens-survey.ca) where you will find the community report and the full report. If you want more information or would like to discuss the results, please call David Belrose at 807-345-1516, ext.13. Page 4 �SUPPORT SERVICES/EHOP UPDATE EHOP Update…. from Carrie Miller (EHOP Coordinator) There was a great turn out at the last Social Activity Event. We enjoyed an evening of playing Mini-Putt and socializing at Kingsway Golf. Planning has begun for the Fall PHA Retreat. It will be held at Shebandowan Wilderness Discovery Camp from September 28th to October 1st. In previous years the Retreat was two nights long. This year it has been extended to three nights. (Yahoo!!!) If you are interested in coming out to a planning meeting feel free to contact me at 345-1516 ex.16. The following article is reproduced from the website (www.all-natural.com) for educational purposes. This information is presented as a point of interest, it does not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIDS Thunder Bay. Healing Touch Hands, Hearts, Intentions What is a healing touch and who is the healer? Hands, Hearts, Intentions, focus on the judicious use of energy, applied with love and science equals healing and wholeness which is facilitated with the healer. There are many traditions from ancient groups such as Maya, Hindu, Native American, Laplander and Chinese to the newly (re)discovered contemporary modalities such as Healing Touch, Terra Mater, Therapeutic Touch and Hands of Light that facilitate the healing of disease. What does a healing session involve? The healer listens with their whole being to the `voice' of the body and trusts that body's wisdom to heal. The healer centers themselves and gathers an energy into themselves and radiates it out to the healer in the form of a steady out flowing stream of radiant energy. This energy is a free circulation of force between the person to be healed, the healer, and facilitates relaxation, alleviates anxieties and promotes stimulation of the whole self to balance. The healer must have the ability to keep the will in the background and send as a conductor the healing radiance out upon a stream of love-energy and not be invested in the outcome. The healer understands that love is energy and that it is a substance as dense as matter. Often the recipient of this energy, while lying comfortably on a table or sitting upright in a chair fully clothed will experience body sensations. The sensations may be of temperature changes, joy, sadness, itching, unsolicited memories, see colors and shapes, deep rest or sleep. These body experiences are responses to the varieties of touch delivered by the individual healer’s modality and skill. The touch can be on or near the body and be very soft or deep. The session can be from 15 minutes to an hour. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________ QUESTION: What’s warm and fuzzy and feels good all over? ANSWER: Playing Secret Santa for AIDS Thunder Bay. Providing something special for people with HIV/AIDS and their families is a win/win situation. The Secret Santa’s get the fun of planning, shopping, wrapping and giving and the recipients get to feel part of a larger community of caring people and to receive some pretty neat stuff. Here’s how it works. As a Secret Santa you can be involved in different ways. One way is to ‘adopt’ a family or an individual. You will be given general information about the person’s age, size, gender and interests to guide your shopping. Or, you can donate items that could be bundled into gift packages. Suggestions include chocolates, Christmas baking, bars of soap or other hygiene products. You can make a monetary donation to AIDS Thunder Bay designated to the Secret Santa Program. This money would be used to purchase presents, turkeys, hams, fruit and candy. Donations are needed by December 16 for Christmas delivery. So if you are interested in playing Santa and making a difference at Christmas call Gail 345-1516 ext. 24 for more information. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ LET’S TALK FOOD The Thunder Bay Economic Justice Committee (TBEJC) and the Food Action Network invite you to participate in the “Let’s Talk Food” – Community Forum and Food Matters Fair September 17 & 18 at the Lakehead Labour Centre on Fort William Road across from the Intercity Mall. The forum is a one and a half day workshop focusing on education and action around food issues. All are welcome to attend this free event. We invite those living on low income to come out and help work towards solutions to food issues. There will be workshops and information tables about various aspects of food from the seed to the table. Workshop topics will include: Page 5 �News from the Volunteer Department Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Yard Sale—Sept. 11 *AIDS Walk—Sept. 26 *Opening Doors Counselling Conference— Oct. 14 & 15 *Tag Day—Nov. 20 *World AIDS Day—Dec 1 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Volunteer Activities Summer was busy for our drivers with many trips and activities all over town. Receptionists were also busy with staff away on vacation. Other volunteers were active with a Tag Day, a Yard Sale and working at the Moonlight Melodrama production of ’Moon Over Silver Islet’. We are now gearing up for a busy fall with the annual AIDS Walk taking place on Sunday, September 26th. Sign up to walk and/or volunteer. You can do both as most volunteering takes place before the walk begins or at the end of the day. There will be a Yard Sale at First Church United on Brock St. on Saturday, September 11 from 8 a.m. to noon. We will need a few volunteers to help there. The annual Opening Doors Counselling Conference will take place on October 14 and 15. We will require volunteers to help with registration over the two days. We also have another Tag Day coming up on Saturday, November 20. If you can give two hours of your time, call Selly and book a shift. We have a couple of openings for reception shifts. If you would like to become a regular receptionist (working one 4-hours shift per week), call Selly to set up a training date. Thank you to all our volunteers for all you have done for ATB. We really appreciate it! Page 6 �Here and There... Front Line Newsletter We are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out. If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE send us your email address so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing the newsletter. Send your email address to info@aidsthunderbay.org Have You Purchased Your ATB Membership? Is your membership up-to-date? If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please fill out this form and mail or fax it to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. For Information - When calling, would you prefer us to use discretion? Yes _____ No _____ About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Would you like to receive information by email? Yes _____ No _____ Service bilingue disponible Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario Name: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________________ Phone #: (Work)____________(Home)___________ Email address: ________________________________________ This information may be used in future to contact you about fundraising/special events. Please note, AIDS Thunder Bay does not exchange mailing lists. All lists are confidential. Basic membership $10.00 Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) CATIE Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: info@aidsthunderbay.org Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org internet: www.catie.ca Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scent-free’ building. Please do not wear colognes, perfumes, aftershave, or scented makeup or hairspray when visiting our premises. They have been known to cause allergic reactions for staff, clients and volunteers. Some scented fabric softeners have also caused reactions. Page 7 �Parting Glance AIDS Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This is a wonderful community partnership that in turn will directly help people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #8 How can I have sex more safely? You can have fun—and erotic sex—with no risk of getting HIV. Just choose sex that prevents any semen, vaginal fluids or blood from entering your bloodstream. Some examples of safe sex include: • • • • • Kissing—including French kissing Hugging Massaging Fondling, touching, rubbing Masturbating (alone or with your partner) No risk Touching the penis, vagina or anus is not risky, unless you have open cuts or sores that could allow HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluids or blood to enter your bloodstream. Low risk Oral sex has some risk but it is considered “low” risk because salvia doesn’t transmit HIV. However, if you have any open cuts or sores in your mouth, infected semen or vaginal fluid could enter your bloodstream when you lick or suck a man’s penis or a woman’s vagina. AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Tara Champagne Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Don Young AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Michael Copps Dennis Eeles, Treasurer Denyse Johnston Carri-Anne Poole Eunice Ryan Brent Trudell Karen Vescio, Recorder To have sex more safely: • • • • Talk to your partner about safer sex before having sex Use a latex condom for - vaginal or anal intercourse - oral sex on a man - oral sex on a woman (place a condom cut open lengthwise or a dental dam over her vagina as a barrier) - sharing sex toys Use lots of water-based lubricant (don’t use Vaseline or oilbased products that weaken condoms) Try a female condom (now available at some drug stores) Never re-use condoms ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network Page 8 Sandra Cruzo Linda Geving Rob MacKay Ruth Racic Carl Triskle, President Don Young, Secretary AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Carrie Miller Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Myles Rusack Daina Maslach Michael Sobota High risk The lining of the vagina and the anus is delicate and thin. It breaks easily and invisibly. That’s why the riskiest types of sex are: • Having vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom; • Sharing sex toys without using a condom, or without cleaning them Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors Secretary Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator EHOP Coordinator SCOPE Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Fundraising Assistant Counselling Conf. Coordinator Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau ♦ Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) ♦ John Andrews Foundation ♦ N.M. Paterson Foundation ♦ Elton John Foundation ♦ Fort William Rotary Club ♦ United Way And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. �Renewal of Membership Annual General Meeting Date: TBA - November 2004 Note: Membership must be paid 30 days prior to the Annual General Meeting in order to be able to vote at the meeting. Please pay your membership before October 15, 2004. Please make your cheque payable to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 Phone: 345-1516 Fax: 345-2505 Website: www.aidsthunderbay.org E-mail: info@aidsthunderbay.org Effective from October 2004 - September 2005 Cost Membership Fee: Basic Membership $10.00 Supporting Membership $25.00 I would also like to donate: $ Total Enclosed: On-line renewals - Memberships & donations can now be made on-line through AIDS Thunder Bay’s website www.aidsthunderbay.org Note: if you choose to renew your membership via the web, please ensure to include in the memo section/special instructions that this is a membership renewal. Name: Phone (Home): Address: Phone: (Work): City: P/C: E-mail: When calling, do you prefer we use discretion? Would you like to receive information by e-mail? Yes Yes No No Personal Information & Confidentiality Your contact info will be used to send you copies of the newsletter & information about fundraising & special events. Please note, ATB does not exchange or sell our mailing lists. All lists are confidential. If at any point you chose not to receive information by mail or e-mail, please notify the office and you will be removed from mailing lists. � 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 FrontLine Vol 17 Issue 2 - Summer 2004 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 2004 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/17/2710/2004_FrontLine_vol17no3.pdf 4a1c4a20140b8cbf919d511b3b3f9621 PDF Text Text Volume 17 Issue 3 19Th Annual General Meeting Held Presents Challenge to Membership Fall 2004 Inside this issue: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Living with HIV 4 Support Services/ EHOP Update 5 News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There 7 Parting glance 8 AIDS Thunder Bay held its 19 Annual General Meeting on November 10th. An Annual Report including financial statements were presented to the membership. Approximately forty people were in attendance. A very popular silent auction was held, with members doing some pre-holiday shopping. The silent auction raised $700 for the agency. Principle speaker Rob MacKay gave a visual and narrative presentation on the 15th International AIDS Conference, which he attended last summer in Bangkok, Thailand. Rob's presentation included an update on HIV/AIDS statistics from a global, national and regional perspective, as well as showing photos that he took in Thailand which gave colour and character to the that area of the world. In his remarks to the membership, Executive Director Michael Sobota cited various challenges taken on and accomplishments achieved by the staff of AIDS Thunder Bay. He reminded the membership that at the close of the meeting, AIDS Thunder Bay would be entering their 20th anniversary year. He put a challenge out to the membership about how this extraordinary event should be honoured. Suggestions from the membership are welcomed and encouraged. A friendly election was held with nominees to the Board of Directors making brief remarks before the membership cast ballots for six directors positions. Returning to the Board to complete their terms are: Michael Copps, Linda Geving, Eunice Ryan, Brent Trudell, Carri-Anne Pool and Don Young. Elected to new, 2-year terms are: Sandra Cruzo, Dennis Eeles, Deborah Emery, Rob MacKay, Ruth Racic, and Sandra Russell. The "new" board of directors will have an orientation session on December 2 and hold their first regular Board meeting on December 15. �Join us Saturday March 5, 2004 with your team of 2-6 people and take part in this fun filled evening at Mario’s Bowl (710 Memorial Avenue). Collect a minimum of $50 per person in combined team pledges. Bowl and party with your friends under Mario’s cosmic lights. Music, snacks & refreshments, attendance prizes and more! Reserve early for your 5 or 10 pin lane Limited lanes available Call 345-1516 to reserve a lane now! Proceeds raised will support AIDS Thunder Bay programs and direct client services. AIDS Thunder Bay and Mario’s Bowl may assign additional bowlers to lanes reserved for less than six people. Bowling shoe rentals additional and mandatory Page 2 �A&P Receipts Don’t throw them away, Give them to AIDS Thunder Bay! AIDS Thunder Bay is still looking for your A&P receipts. Please make your receipt donation by dropping them off at ATB 217 S. Algoma St. (At the corner of Cornwall and Algoma) or call us at (807)345-1516 1st Place - Carl Triskle $3110.00 2nd Place - Selly Pajamaki $2510.00 3rd Place - Dennis Eeles $1046.00 Thank You! Top Dogs: Shania, Snoopy, & Shadow $1410.00 AIDS Thunder Bay would like to thank all of the hard working individuals who have helped to make our fundraising efforts a huge success. Top School: Pride Central $353.25 Congratulations to First Church United for being Top Team 4 years in a row! $7610.00 This years AIDS Walk For Life raised in excess of $16, 500! This event couldn’t have happened without those who gave their time and energy and truly made this a walk to remember. Page 3 �The reality of living with HIV Imagine for a moment that you’ve just been diagnosed HIV positive. Wait – keep on reading, because you’ll soon discover that it really could be you….. Picture yourself sitting there, feeling frightened and vulnerable, in your doctor’s office. After she confirms that the HIV test result is positive, she hands you a brochure explaining the virus, it’s effects and the treatments. As you struggle to cope with the onslaught of information, the doctor drops a final bombshell; she warns you to be prepared to face a lot of discrimination. Think that can’t happen in Canada? Think again. It’s a daily reality faced by the 56,000 Canadians currently living with HIV. On the way out of the doctor’s office, still holding that brochure, you catch the eye of another patient in the waiting room. His eyes flick briefly to the title of the pamphlet in your hand, back to your face….and he gathers his small children close to him, turning away from you. We like to think of our country as free from prejudice, treating all Canadians equally. The truth is that discrimination still exists in Canada. It's illegal, but it goes on all the time. Today's society has, at least on the surface, taken strides toward reducing discrimination. People don't hurl vicious insults and force a person living with HIV to leave town. But subtle discrimination remains, and it holds the same destructive results as in the past. It used to be that an HIVpositive individual might have been fired outright. Now that person might be laid off or pressured to the point of quitting. At work the next day, you ask your supervisor for medical leave. You need to go through a series of tests and assessments, and get your prescription antiretroviral medication adjusted. You confide your diagnosis to her, hoping that she’ll understand why you need the time away. She nods, smiles, shakes your hand and wishes you well. As you leave her office, you see her frantically rummaging through her desk for the bottle of hand sanitizer…. Facing this discrimination on a daily basis can cause the person with HIV to lose or leave his or her job. Relationships may fail, with partners leaving because of discrimination. It can even be challenging to find adequate housing, because some landlords refuse to rent to HIV-positive people. A lot of HIV-related discrimination is caused by irrational fear of the virus, and misconceptions about who can become infected. The truth is that anyone can become infected. How on earth did you end up with HIV? Thinking back over the last couple of years, you can pick up on some risky behaviour….the time you had that one night stand with the clean-cut young cutie you met in the park….getting your ear pierced by a friend…and the one-and-only time you drank until you passed out. What really happened while you were under the influence of alcohol? Women get HIV. Straight people get HIV. Youth get HIV. The virus does not care who you are, or how you live your life. People contract HIV because of their actions, because of WHAT THEY DO. There is no vaccine, and there is no natural immunity. No one asks to become infected with the virus. Once we can accept that a person is not infected with HIV by choice, we can begin to break down the Page 4 �cycle of judging and blaming, which leads to stigma and discrimination. Trembling and nervous, you pick up the phone to call your best friend. Of all people, surely he will understand and be supportive? HIV does not discriminate. Will he? This document is part of a series of Canadian HIV/AIDS Social Marketing Campaign 2004 (SMC 2004) resource materials produced by the Canadian HIV/ AIDS Information Centre of the Canadian Public Health Association. © Canadian HIV/AIDS Information Centre, Canadian Public Health Association, August 2004 SUPPORT SERVICES/EHOP UPDATE It’s not too late to be a Secret Santa. Last year about a hundred people received presents and food from volunteer Santas. One person wrote to the ‘Thumbs Up’ section of the newspaper and glowed about how her family was treated. Think about participating in whatever way you can. Here’s how it works. As a Secret Santa you can be involved in different ways. One way is to ‘adopt’ a family or an individual. You will be given general information about the person’s age, size, gender and interests to guide your shopping. Or, you can donate items that could be bundled into gift packages. Suggestions include chocolates, Christmas baking, bars of soap or other hygiene products. You can make a monetary donation to AIDS Thunder Bay designated to the Secret Santa Program. This money would be used to purchase presents, turkeys, hams, fruit and candy. Donations are needed by December 13 for Christmas delivery. So if you are interested in playing Santa and making a difference at Christmas call Gail 345-1516 ext. 24 for more information. EHOP Update…. From Carrie Miller (EHOP Coordinator) The fall PHA Retreat was a great success. It took place at Shebandowan Wilderness Discovery Camp from September 28th to October 1st. Participants were able to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating and campfire circles. A Creative Arts Workshop took place as well as complementary therapy sessions. Page 5 �News from the Volunteer Department Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Chapters ‘Words to Live by’ fundraiser—Nov 22 *World AIDS Day—Dec 1 *Valentine’s Day Waffle Breakfast—Feb 12/05 Volunteer Activities It’s been a busy fall in the Volunteer Department. Many thanks go out to all the people who helped with the various events. We could not have done it without you! Check the list next to this column for upcoming events. If there’s something you’re interested in, give me a call at 345-1516, extension 12 and I’ll sign you up. *Staying Alive Bowling Party—Mar 5/05 If you’re interested in volunteering at bingo, call me. You’ll have a lot of fun working with a great group of people. Bingos are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month and we have both long and short shifts available. If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. If you’d prefer to work in the ATB office, we are looking for people who are available on short notice when a regular receptionist can’t make it in for their shift. Reception shifts are 4 hours, either 8:30 to 12:30 or 12:30 to 4:30. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their very generous gifts of time and talents over the past year. We really appreciate what you do for us! I would also like to wish you all a very happy holiday season and all the best to you in the new year! Selly Happy holidays! Page 6 �Here and There... Front Line Newsletter We are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out. If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE send us your email address so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing the newsletter. Send your email address to info@aidsthunderbay.org Have You Purchased Your ATB Membership? Is your membership up-to-date? If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please fill out this form and mail or fax it to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. For Information - When calling, would you prefer us to use discretion? Yes _____ No _____ About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Would you like to receive information by email? Yes _____ No _____ Service bilingue disponible Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario Name: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________________ Phone #: (Work)____________(Home)___________ Email address: ________________________________________ This information may be used in future to contact you about fundraising/special events. Please note, AIDS Thunder Bay does not exchange mailing lists. All lists are confidential. Basic membership $10.00 Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) CATIE Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: info@aidsthunderbay.org Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org internet: www.catie.ca Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scent-free’ building. Please do not wear colognes, perfumes, aftershave, or scented makeup or hairspray when visiting our premises. They have been known to cause allergic reactions for staff, clients and volunteers. Some scented fabric softeners have also caused reactions. Page 7 �Parting Glance AIDS Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This is a wonderful community partnership that in turn will directly help people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #9 What should you tell your kids about HIV and AIDS? Talking about HIV and AIDS with your children may not be easy but, whether their immediate risk of infection seems slight or significant, HIV/AIDS affects us all and we all need to be informed. By providing accurate information, you can address their curiosity, reduce their fears, and help them to protect themselves. By talking with your children about HIV/AIDS you are showing them that you care—you are also providing information and support that will help them make healthy choices. What should children know about AIDS and HIV at various ages? Here are some suggestions: Young children (5-8 years) may have questions or fears about AIDS. Explain that it is a sickness caused by a kind of germ carried in some people’s blood. It is not like a cold though. HIV and AIDS are not easy to catch. Pre-teens (9-12 years) are becoming more concerned with their bodies and their looks. Talk to then about sexuality, AIDS and drugs. Give accurate information, using correct words for different parts of the body. Tell them: • How HIV is spread • What is meant by sexual intercourse • Why taking drugs may be dangerous Teenagers (13-19 years) frequently experiment with sex and drugs. Tell them the most sure way to prevent HIV is to avoid unsafe sexual intercourse and injection drug use. They also need detailed information about: • Safer sex • How to use condoms • About birth control • How risky it is to share needles for taking drugs (including steroids), or piercing or tattoos Talk about how using drugs and alcohol affects their judgment. Emphasize that anyone, anywhere who engages in risky behaviours can get HIV/AIDS. At any age, dispel myths your children may have picked up. For example, HIV is not spread through drinking fountains, toilet seats, swimming pools or mosquitoes. Make it clear that you can’t get sick just by being around someone with AIDS. Explain that people with HIV/AIDS, like all of us, need friendship and understanding. ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network Page 8 AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Tara Champagne Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Michael Copps Dennis Eeles Linda Geving Carri-Anne Poole Sandra Russell Brent Trudell Karen Vescio, Recorder Sandra Cruzo Deborah Emery Rob MacKay Ruth Racic Eunice Ryan Don Young AIDS Thunder Bay Staff David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Christa Fortes Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Carrie Miller Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Secretary Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator EHOP Coordinator SCOPE Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau ♦ Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) ♦ John Andrews Foundation ♦ N.M. Paterson Foundation ♦ Elton John Foundation ♦ Mackenzie Financial Charitable Foundation ♦ Fort William Rotary Club ♦ United Way And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. �A Word or Two… Charlene Burford - Health Promoter I've decided to actually write an article rather than provide interesting health tid-bits courtesy of the web. Chances are, my words will reflect the dual role -- Support Worker and Health Promoter -- I have at ATB; I'm guessing y'll be OK with that, but if it really really erks you, feel free to let me know by phone, e-mail or fax… it's likely not a great idea to stand outside my office making faces at me cause I may misinterpret your message and figure you're just trying to brighten my day rather than express a concern. Ah communication. Alrighty then, think I'm done with that wee ramble (try saying that 10x really fast… wee ramble, wee ramble). I'm feeling rejuvenated, enthusiastic and hopeful. This could be a result of recently attending three conferences and a one-day workshop within a three week period. Fall seems to be the time for a whole whack of agencies / organizations to put on their education / networking gatherings; perhaps its based on the intention of renew the workers before the long cold dark months of winter ahead… Regardless, after three and a half years in this position, I was feeling a bit run-down and "what difference do I make", blah blah blah. At this point, I'm really hoping you've been in that head-space or at least can relate somewhat, otherwise Gail and Michael may be receiving a few calls alerting them to my precarious state. Not to worry. No instability here, was just walking through my journey feeling the heaviness of deaths within the agency community. Accumulated loss is what we call it. No matter what fancy smancy term you wanna put on it, no matter what level of education, preparation or Spiritual beliefs, eventually (if you are at all human), it takes a toll. As I've said, I am now on the upswing. I found the most powerful seminars / sessions were the ones that delivered their message in a direct and open fashion. Cutting through the crap, not sugar coating information and honestly speaking about how professionals feel when dealing with terminal illness, eventually palliative care, was more than refreshing. Now don't get me wrong, people within this field are usually comfortable speaking directly. We know the realities of the health care, housing and financial systems; we share the frustrations and at times, a sense of helplessness. The "Palliative Care Institute 2004: Expanding Horizons; Bridging the Gaps" presented by the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health, Lakehead University, rekindled my passion. Attending excellent workshops reminded me "what is my basic role" as a Support Worker, Health Promoter within the HIV/AIDS arena -- to assist individuals to get the services they are eligible for or entitled to, to help people have a peaceful end of life. I know this is oversimplified, but that's the message that brought it -- my purpose -- all together for me. I thank the Palliative Care Institute planning committee for delivering one hell of a workshop! This does not disqualify the other workshops I attended -- ATB's Opening Doors Counseling Conference, the Ontario AIDS Network "Connecting on the Front Line" and Fred Pryor Seminars "Stress Management for Women" -- there was a cumulative effect. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I do not have the space to go into great detail describing the many gifts I received in the form of messages and/or moments of clarity. The formal and informal discussions that happen at a conference reinforce a sense of connectedness; sometimes a difficult point to keep in mind when working within an agency, dealing with professionals one-to-one by phone or using e-mail / the internet. I realize financial constraints make it difficult for some agencies to send workers to professional development opportunities, but how can you afford not to? It's investing in worker preservation. I do appreciate the fact the ATB supports our attendance conferences and other networking opportunities. That'd be it for now… Front Line Insert 1 �The following article is reproduced from the website (www.all-natural.com) for educational purposes. The information is presented as a point of interest, it does not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIDS Thunder Bay Aromatherapy The Therapy That Makes Scents by Corinne Friedman The pure essences distilled from aromatic plants have been prized for their health-giving qualities for thousands of years. Using the beneficial properties of oils, you can treat common ailments, promote good health and emotional well-being, and enhance every aspect of your life. These potent, volatile essences are nature's gift to mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils can evoke smell imagery; sometimes the smell of a certain aroma can instantly bring back memories of a childhood scene. Some scents can make us feel relaxed while others can make us feel energized and alive--this is the power of aroma. For centuries it has been common knowledge that scents produce mental and physical responses. Using plant, flower, and spice essences for beauty treatments (and to help with physical ailments) is common and has been practiced since ancient times. Today, aromatherapy is moving out of the "health alternatives" and into the mainstream, such as in the workplace (to improve productivity, especially in the afternoon, when companies release lemon or peppermint through vent ducts - a great "pick-me-up"!). Airlines and hotels are also looking at aromatherapy as a jet-lag cure. Some believe that essential oils contain the vital force of plants, hormones, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and the consciousness of the plant. They provide a therapeutic effect by elevating or suppressing action within the body. The oils enhance brain wave functions and improve psychic and spiritual awareness, working directly with the sensory motor system, and thus bringing balance to the body. The chemical components of the oils, after analysis, show that they have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic qualities. Many of the oils also support the function of the immune system by acting as an antiseptic and healing agent. Additionally, some oils can affect the hormonal system, while others can stimulate an opening to emotional blocks. I have witnessed the profound effects of essential oils, creating mental, emotional, and physical shifts. People report feeling more joyful, happier, and uplifted. I like applying lemongrass on the pulse points, such as the temples, wrists, and ankles to enhance emotional expression. In addition, rubbing lavender on the feet aids in relaxation and promotes balance. Essential oils have a tremendous affect on our bodies, and will continue to play a major HEPATITIS C — IT’S SERIOUS. YOU CAN HAVE IT AND NOT KNOW IT. Get the facts. For more information, visit Front Line www.healthcanada.ca/hepc Insert 2 � 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 FrontLine Vol 17 Issue 3 - Fall 2004 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 2004 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/17/2711/2005_FrontLine_vol18no2.pdf 2728bc4ff459060604d85253a6d4112c PDF Text Text A Brief History of AIDS Thunder Bay In July and August, 1985, a small group of individuals in Thunder Bay began meeting in one of their homes to talk about AIDS and what it might mean to Thunder Bay. Attendance at these meetings varied, but the following individuals participated in the discussions and moving the group toward a more formal structure: David Belrose, Doug Broman, Tom Cherry, Karen Maki, Patrick Sperry and Michael Sobota. There were others who wish to remain anonymous. Some of these individuals were already doing speaking presentations within Thunder Bay schools on the topic of homosexuality. Occasionally, a question would arise in these classroom presentations about the "new disease", AIDS. Volume 18 Issue 1 Spring 2005 Inside this issue: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Reflections/Testing Campaign 4 Support Services/ EHOP Update 5 News from the Volunteer Department 6 History continued 7 Parting glance 8 That establishes some of the context of that era: AIDS was linked to homosexuality, and was commonly called the "gay disease". Politically, there was no legislated protection for gays and lesbians in Ontario. Discrimination and stigmatization of gays was common (Ontario did not ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in its Human Rights Code until December, 1986). Our local group concerned about AIDS emerged within this environment. Late in 1985, the first publicly known case of AIDS in Thunder Bay was reported by local media. There was some controversy in the local press, with letters to the editor demanding that the individual be identified to protect the community. In reality, the individual was isolated in McKellar hospital, had food trays left outside his door, and was basically treated with fear and a lack of dignity. The person died during the Christmas holiday period. In learning how the person was treated in hospital, the forming group decided never to let this happen again to someone with AIDS in Thunder Bay. In January 1986, the group formed itself as a board of directors, chose the name AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (or ACT-B) and began the process of provincial incorporation, drafting By-Laws (adapted from The AIDS Committee of Toronto who had organized themselves in 1983) and federal registration as a non-profit charitable organization. It was assisted with this work by Sarah Colquhoun of Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic. The first directors on the groups' Letters Patent were David Belrose, Doug Broman and Michael Sobota. At the time of incorporation, the full Board of Directors consisted of Dr. Fred Ball, David Belrose, Dianne Britton, Doug Broman, Andre Chamberlain, Michael Chan, Rev. Barb James, Karen Maki and Michael Sobota. From 1985 through late 1987, ACT-B operated completely as a volunteer organization, listing Michael Sobota's home address as the group's mailing address and sometimes using office space that he rented in the Zeller's Block in downtown "Port Arthur". Continued on page 7 �special events & activities Ahh.. the joys of summer We are still collecting A&P receipts for the agency. ATB receives $1.00 for every $450.00 spent. Look for the new collection box located at the River Street Store; an easy and convenient way to deposit your receipts right at the store. A collection box is also located in the lobby of the office. ATB has been taking part in this donation program for the past three years. Your support has helped us raise over $230.00 This is an easy fundraiser that many people take part in, some have even set up envelopes at their places of work to collect co-workers receipts. ATB is selling red leather bracelets branded with our 20th anniversary slogan, reflect. connect. respect. These bracelets are new to Thunder Bay and will be sold at the agency and a select number of other places in town. The bracelets sell for $5.00 each and are now available at the office. Please call Crystal at 345-1516 Page 2 Driving cross country visiting places and exploring new worlds! Traveling into the depths of the woods to find the best fishing spots. Buying ice cream for the kids as a treat on the way to the baseball game! Driving to camp with the trailer on the back of the vehicle! These are just some of the many splendid things that happen during summer.. When you return home it’s time to get everything freshened up and head back to work. At this point you realize everything that has to be done… Laundry, Take film to be developed, Get gift for house sitter, Reinstate paper delivery, and the list goes on…. While the list continues to grow, your vehicle still shows the mileage of our trip(s)… bugs splattered on the windows, ice cream melted into the seats or upholstery, mud baked on the doors and lights But have no worries, AIDS Thunder Bay and Central Car Wash can help “clean sweep” your vehicle at the Wash Your Wheels for AIDS Thunder Bay July 15th at Central Car Wash If you are unable to attend the benefit day, secure online donations can be made to the agency at www.aidsthunderbay.org AIDS Thunder Bay has planned a number of special events and activities for our 20th anniversary. There is something planned almost every month of the year, so check out the website to keep up to-date. www.aidsthunderbay.org If you would like to receive monthly emails send a quick note to Crystal in fundraising and you will be added to the list: cporteous@aidsthunderbay.org �Sunday, September 25, 2005 Lakehead University Outpost 20th Anniversary of AIDS Thunder Bay. Let’s make this Walk a day of celebration & reunion! In light of our anniversary year, we are trying to plan as many fun and exciting events as possible. Thus, this year’s AIDS Walk will have the theme of family. Remember, a family can be made up of parents, kids, partners and friends! Over the years many people have become a part of AIDS Thunder Bay’s family. We would love to see you at this and other events! Consider it a year long reunion party! We are in the midst of planning a number of activities that will take place at the Outpost, in conjunction with the AIDS Walk. Tune into our website to keep posted on the Walk’s development! For fun… For family… For life… Dr. Mysterion’s Halloween Hoopla! Friday, October 28 at the Lakehead University Outpost Mysterion the Mind Reader is Toronto's foremost mentalist, with a PHD in ESP. Expect the unexpected from this mad Doctor at this Halloween Hoopla! Telepathy with random spectators, thought reading of words, numbers & objects, mind mental bending of forks, keys, nails and spoons! Mysterion Knows what you're thinking! In addition, see his side show of bizarre and strange exhibits – Siamese turtles, albino squirrel, evidence of big foot and more! This “Hoopla” will be one heck of a party! Come dressed for the Occasion – it’s Halloween! Spooktactular Waffle Breakfast! Saturday, October 29 at the Unitarian Fellowship ATB’s ever popular Valentine’s Waffle breakfast has just expanded to Halloween! A feast not to be missed! Waffles with delicious berry toppings themed for the occasion! Page 3 �Reflections on Twenty Years It is hard to believe that twenty years have passed since a small group of us, under the leadership of Michael Sobota, got together to address the issue of AIDS in Thunder Bay. When the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay was first established some of us thought that we would devote a few years to the issue until a cure was found, and then we could go back to our ordinary lives. Now we see that HIV and AIDS have become our ordinary lives and will be for the foreseeable future. Some 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV or AIDS and the number grows daily. Thanks to an enormous number of dedicated volunteers, and hard working staff, I think we have made a significant impact both in limiting the number of HIV infections and in providing support to those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS here in Thunder Bay. From a totally volunteer group, we have evolved into a respected, professional organization. There have been enormous developments around HIV and AIDS over the past twenty years, and yet it seems that we have only just begun. While attitudes have changed significantly over the past twenty years, stigma and discrimination are still faced far too often by people living with HIV or AIDS. With many people living longer and a lack of public awareness campaigns, many people have become complacent. Too many people of all ages fail to practice safer sex consistently. As we move into our third decade of dealing with this disease, we need to continue to work at the whole range of issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. Looking at things from a holistic “determinants of health” point of view, and operating from a non-judgemental harm reduction perspective, we need to revitalize our prevention, support, education and advocacy efforts. On a personal note, I have learned much over the past twenty years, especially from those men and women who have lived, or are living with HIV or AIDS. I also want to express my thanks and appreciation to all those many people who have helped in any way with prevention and education efforts over those twenty years. David Belrose Education Coordinator Testing Campaign You will soon see evidence of our new social marketing campaign around the region. A campaign to promote HIV testing will feature billboards, transit shelter ads, bathroom ads and posters. The campaign features the idea that whether results are “negative” or “positive” “It’s Good To Know”. The campaign will promote anonymous HIV testing, and we hope that it will encourage people to get tested. Page 4 �A Final Word or Two… From the Health Promoter By the time you read this article, I will have been gone from AIDS Thunder Bay for a few weeks. So where to begin???? Four years working with a very special group of people -- people affected by HIV/AIDS -- has given me so many lessons and opportunities for growth; I know I'll do no justice to my journey by trying to articulate it. So who are the "people affected by HIV/AIDS"? The male, female, young, old who are HIV+, worried they are positive, love someone who is positive, know someone who is positive. They are the people who work with any of the above. Affected is affected. Concerned youth, curious elderly, socially conscious, fear driven prejudicial, gay or straight, affected is affected. I thank you all for your wisdom, direction and challenges. I am honoured to have been permitted in to a few hearts, dreams and fears. "Thank you" is not enough for the gifts you have given me. Know that I will remember you. Charlene Burford EHOP Update…. From Carrie Miller (EHOP Coordinator) During the past few months the Enhancing Healthy Options Program has had many new and exciting programs and activities. In December a well-attended Client Christmas Dinner took place. During the late winter months both a Computer Training Course and Life Skills Support Group were offered. Planning for the Annual PHA Retreat will be starting soon. If you would like to be part of the PHA Retreat Planning Committee please call Carrie at 345-1516 ex.16 for more details. The following article is reproduced from the website (www.allenklein.com) for educational purposes. The information is presented as a point of interest; it does not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIDS Thunder Bay. Laughter and Humor: Myths and Realities by Allen Klein Almost twenty-five-years ago, Norman Cousins claimed, in his book Anatomy of an Illness, that laughter cured him of a rare debilitating disease. Ever since people have been attributing all kinds of benefits to laughter and humor. Some of it can be documented, some cannot. For example, you may have heard that children laugh 400 times a day but adults only fifteen. Anyone who hangs around children for a while knows that they laugh a lot. But 400 does seem excessive. So I asked my humor colleagues if they know the source of this information. Guess what? None of them did. The closest any of them could up with was from a study which showed that "glee" (not just laughter) in a nursery school did range from 18.4 to 45 incidents an hour per child. While "glee", described in the dictionary as jubilant delight and joy, might contain periods of laughter, it does not indicate a period of repeated laughter. So, the jury is still out on the notion that kids laugh 400 times a day. Adult laughter, on the other hand, is a little easier to track down. The book, American Averages, clearly states that "The average person laughs 15 times a day". Another popular idea is that endorphins are secreted into the blood system when we laugh. Unfortunately, this has not been proven in the scientific world. What has been proven, by Dr. Lee Berk of Loma Linda University, is that cortisol, an immune suppresser, is less prevalent in the blood when we laugh. In addition, hearty laughter also produces other chemicals which help boast the immune system. What we also know is that laughter oxygenates the blood (so we think better after a laugh), relaxes our muscles (maybe that's why we leak when we laugh) and raises, then lowers, our heart rate and blood pressure (similar to aerobic exercise). While most of us know that we feel better after a good hearty laugh, science, in many cases, is yet to prove why. But that doesn't mean that we should stop laughing. After all, how many centuries did it take to prove that the world was round? Page 5 �News from the Volunteer Department 2005 Volunteer of the Year Volunteer Activities ATB celebrated National Volunteer Week with our annual Volunteer Appreciation on April 21. To celebrate our 20th anniversary we had a quiz about ATB’s history. We all learned a lot of interesting facts about the agency and the people who have been connected with it over the years. Michael Sobota, Executive Director, proposed a toast to 20 years of service to the community and Rob MacKay, President of the Board of Directors, cut and served the anniversary cake. Bob Baskerville Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Yard Sale—June 11 *Tag Day—June 18 *AIDS Walk—Sept 25 *Mysterion the Mind reader—Oct 28 *Halloween Waffle Breakfast—Oct 29 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 3451516. Also watch for many 20th Anniversary events: *July-Memorial bench installed at Marina Park *August—Reunion Picnic for all former and current staff, clients, members and volunteers *November 3-6—Visions & Light Film Festival *November—20th AGM Page 6 Several people received special certificates and pins for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of volunteering. In the past year, 6 volunteers contributed 1,827.75 hours between them. These people are Richard Beck, Joe Czernik, Fran Dutli, Eunice Ryan, Michael Sobota and Jamie Taniwa. Our sincere thanks go out to these people as well as to all the other volunteers who contributed a total of 6,510.25 hours in 2004. The 2005 Volunteer of the Year is Bob Baskerville. Bob has been volunteering with ATB since September of 1994. He has been our main driver for over 10 years. In that time, he has given many hours and driven many, many miles. He is always cheerful and friendly and many clients ask for him when they need a driver. Thank you Bob for all you’ve done for us! Check the list next to this column for upcoming events. If there’s something you’re interested in, give me a call at 3451516, extension 12 and I’ll sign you up. Check our website or call me about upcoming anniversary events—we would like you to be a part of them. If you’re interested in volunteering at bingo, call me. You’ll have a lot of fun working with a great group of people. If you’d prefer to work in the ATB office, we have some regular shifts available. We are also looking for people who are available on short notice when a regular receptionist can’t make it in for their shift. Reception shifts are 4 hours, either 8:30 to 12:30 or 12:30 to 4:30. �A Brief History of AIDS Thunder Bay Continued from page 1 The group continued speaking engagements in local schools and in the late fall of 1986, organized the first public "town hall meeting" about AIDS, held at the Waverly Library. It applied for and received a small grant to do this from Health Canada. Featured at this first public information session about AIDS in Thunder Bay were Dr. Sam Graham, Medical Officer of Health for the Thunder Bay District and the nurse who was in charge of the ward at McKellar Hospital when their first AIDS patient was admitted. Also featured was Joan Anderson, at that time the President of the Board of the AIDS Committee of Toronto. In the summer of 1987, ACT-B successfully answered a call for applications for funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health. With this original core operating grant of approximately $80,000, the board moved quickly to rent a post-office box for a mailing address, rented a small office on Bay Street, and hired its first paid staff: Michael Sobota as Executive Director, Serge Tittley as a 1/2 time Educator and 1/2 time Volunteer Coordinator, and Lawrence Korhonen as 1/2 time Office Manager (for a total of 2.5 positions). In subsequent years, provincial funding allowed staffing to expand the Education and Office Management positions to full time, and add a full time Support Coordinator position. The Volunteer Coordinator position expanded to .8 full time. ACT-B held a public competition for it's first logo and the winning design was done by Brian Holden, featuring the groups' initials in lower case with a butterfly hovering above. The image suggested humility and metamorphosis. During the immediate years following core funding, ACT-B began developing a full roster of services. Presentations and speaking engagements expanded beyond schools to churches and local groups. An outreach tour into the region - organized by the Community AIDS Project at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit - saw ATB staff take the community message into smaller towns east of Thunder Bay. Volunteers and people living with AIDS came to Thunder Bay slowly, as the fears and stigmatization swirling around AIDS continued to play a strong influence. But by the time ATB celebrated it's tenth anniversary in the Fall of 1995, the annual general meeting that year featured a panel of speakers that included past board-members, current clients, volunteers and staff. ACT-B identified early-on the shift of the HIV epidemic into Northwestern Ontario's drug using population (one of our first clients, in 1988, had disclosed his transmission occurred through needle - sharing). The agency began an informal, "under the counter" needle-exchange service pioneered by staff member Daryle Dollan (aka Cano), while publicly working with the District Health Unit toward securing a funded, public needle-exchange program in Thunder Bay. Simultaneously, ACT-B championed the importance of anonymous HIV Testing (once HIV anti-body testing began in the latter half of the 1980's, most people in Thunder Bay sought testing elsewhere for reasons of confidentiality, traveling to Winnipeg, Duluth or Toronto to get tested). Only anonymous testing allowed true confidentiality to the worried individual and, after extensive lobbying, Ontario introduced this option in 1992. Throughout its history, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay - now AIDS Thunder Bay - has been a strong advocate on a broad range of issues relating to people living with HIV/AIDS, including access to treatments, housing, human rights, sexuality and sexual orientation, homophobia, racism and poverty. As we turn the corner of twenty years and enter our third decade of service in Northwestern Ontario, we can look with pride at a range of accomplishments: a strong volunteer base numbering some 170 active volunteers, a dedicated , elected board of community volunteers, a professional staff team and people living with HIV participating and contributing at various levels to the ongoing work of the organization. A great deal has changed since 1985. Some difficult challenges continue and our dedication to addressing them needs to remain vigilant. While medical treatments have improved and people living with HIV are living longer, there remains no cure. We pause at this two-decade turning point, to mark this anniversary. We created a 20th Anniversary Committee and adopted a slogan for the occasion: reflect. connect. respect. We invite you to contemplate our slogan, and to connect with us during the anniversary year. Page 7 �Parting Glance Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #10 Is it safe for others to be at work, school, or day care with someone who has HIV? YES. We need to understand that it’s quite safe to work, study, or play with people who have HIV and AIDS. It’s also safe for children to be in day care or attend school with children who have HIV and AIDS. Everyday contact with adults or children who have HIV/ AIDS is safe. For example: You cannot contract HIV through • Shaking hands, hugging, or kissing • Working or playing side by side • Sharing equipment or toys (even toys that children put in their mouths) • Sharing washrooms • Sharing water fountains, food, dishes, or cutlery • Changing diapers HIV infection is only transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and blood. Other body fluids, like mucus or vomit, do not transmit HIV unless they contain infected blood. The three main ways you can get HIV are • • • Having unprotected sex Sharing needles with someone who has HIV Being born to an HIV-positive mother Even if HIV-infected blood touches your skin, it won’t cause infection. For you to become infected, enough HIV-infected blood has to get into your bloodstream through an entry point like an open sore or cut. In our daily lives, such blood-toblood contact with others is unusual—even in cases of biting, scratching, accidents or fights. If you ever have to clean up blood, wear latex gloves, wipe the blood-soiled surface and disinfect it with bleach. Place blood-stained materials in a sealed plastic bag and discard in a lined, cover garbage container. Wash your hands afterwards. Machine wash any blood-stained clothes separately in hot soapy water. Canadian law recognizes HIV/AIDS as a disability, like any other medical condition. The Canadian Charter of Human Rights prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS. ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network Page 8 AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Tara Champagne Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Sandra Cruzo Deborah Emery Rob MacKay Sandra Russell Brent Trudell Karen Vescio, Recorder Dennis Eeles Linda Geving Ruth Racic Eunice Ryan Don Young AIDS Thunder Bay Staff David Belrose Stuart Boland Charlene Burford Christa Fortes Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Carrie Miller Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Secretary Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator EHOP Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) John Andrews Foundation N.M. Paterson Foundation Elton John Foundation Mackenzie Financial Charitable Foundation Fort William Rotary Club And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. �If it's Laughter You're After by Allen Klein Sometimes it is hard to find something to laugh about. So here are twenty-two simple suggestions to help you in your quest. 1) Do something different. Eat with your opposite hand, etc. 2) Create a humour environment. Have funny signs around like "never wrestle with a pig, you both get dirty and the pig likes it." 3) Diffuse anxieties by preparing alternative humorous responses to stress situations, such as, "beam me up, Scotty." 4) Experiment with jokes. Learn one a week and spread it around. (Remember, however, that jokes are only a small part of humour). 5) Laughter is contagious. When you need a chuckle, call a humour-buddy or hang around with people who make you laugh. 6) Make a conscious effort to collect funny stuff. Write down and file things that amuse you. 7) Focus humour on self. After you’ve used up all the funny things about yourself you can move on to others. 8) Share your troubles. Laughter and tears are both cathartic. 9) Seek the child within. It’s still there wanting to play. 10) Hang around children. They are some of our greatest teachers. 11) Be positive. Find someone doing something right, or almost right, and tell them about it! 12) Keep FUN-raising items handy. Toys, signs, posters, etc. 13) Intimidated? Draw a cartoon of the person who annoys you; make it as outrageous as possible. . . or visualize that person sitting on the toilet. 14) Give fun gifts. Garage sales often have great inexpensive silly items. 15) Can’t laugh? Smile! Can’t smile? Fake it! 16) Remember that you are not becoming a comedian, you are seeking humour for balance and perspective. 17) Dress-up. Halloween, April Fool’s Day, and Mad Hatter’s Dinner Parties are great for this. 18) Schedule playtime. If you don’t, it probably won’t happen. 19) Waste some time. Type-A behaviours don’t know how to do nothing. 20) It's OK to be silly. When things get too serious, sometimes nonsense makes the most sense. 21) Look for opportunities in the negative. They’re always there! 22) Practice. Practice. Practice. Why did I select twenty-two ways to go after laughter? For no particular reason except that twenty-two is my lucky number. (Good thing my lucky number is not 8,437.) Front Line Insert 1 �� 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 FrontLine Vol 18 Issue 1 - Spring 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of AIDS Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2005 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/17/2712/2005_FrontLine_vol18no1.pdf 924f7a097251c388c1df3e63e11f09e1 PDF Text Text C’mon Home! On Saturday, August 20, AIDS Thunder Bay will be holding a reunion picnic at Centennial Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This ‘homecoming’ picnic is for present and former AIDS Thunder Bay associates, members, staff, clients and volunteers. It is one of the many celebrations we have planned for this our 20th year. Yes, that’s right, AIDS Thunder Bay has been here for 20 years now. We would like you to come and help us to commemorate those 20 years and reflect and remember all that has happened and all those we have lost in that time. Volume 18 Issue 2 Summer 2005 Inside this issue: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Equal Marriage 4 Support Services/ EHOP Update 5 News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There... 7 Parting glance 8 AIDS Thunder Bay is proud to acknowledge a partnership created with Pop Cans For Charity that will mean ongoing donations of food to our Mother’s Cupboard food bank. This is an important relationship that will assist in sustainability of Mother’s Cupboard and we thank Pop Cans For Charity for their generosity! In order to have a general idea of how much food to supply, we ask that you call Selly at 345-1516, ext. 12 and let her know if you plan to attend. Bring your partner, your children, a good friend—just let us know how many will be attending with you. Sorry, but for health and safety reasons, we must ask that you leave your dog(s) at home. We will supply the food and drinks—there will be hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, smokies, and veggie trays. There will also be juice, soft drinks and water available. And, we will have a special 20th anniversary cake. Please let us know if you’re coming alone or bringing guests with you. We want to make sure we do not run out of food or drink. Don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket—something to sit on. There will be some entertainment; local singer/guitarist Nancy St. Jarre will be performing and we hope to have a magician entertain us as well. This will be a time to visit and socialize and reminisce. Bring pictures if you’d like to share them and bring your memories and stories of your connection with AIDS Thunder Bay. Think of it as a kind of AIDS Thunder Bay family reunion. The picnic will take place rain or shine as we will be able to use the chalet at the park. Please c’mon home and join us on the 20th for this summer gathering. We hope to see you there! �Monday, September 19, 2005 At The Fort William Gardens AIDS Thunder Bay is in its 20th anniversary year. THE ICE SHOW honours the work of the agency and coincides with the anniversary theme: reflect. connect. respect. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past, make a connection with the community, and respect the mission of AIDS Thunder Bay to help people and families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Tickets will only be sold through the Fort William Gardens Box Office or through the Gardens phone line at 625-2929. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. For further information about the event and AIDS Thunder Bay please call 345-1516. • • Jamie Salé and David Pelletier – Olympic Gold Medalist, 4 time Canadian Champion, 2 time World Champion Alexei Yagudin - Olympic Gold medalist, 4 time World Champion, 3 time European Champion and World Professional Champion • Brian Orser - Canadian National Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist & World Free Skating Champion • Steven Cousins - British Champion • • • Page 2 Yuka Sato - World Champion Jennifer Robinson - Six Time Canadian Champion Jozef Sabovcik - Six Time Czech. Champion & Olympic Bronze Medalist Honouring AIDS Thunder Bay’s 20th Anniversary �Join the Celebration & The 2nd Annual 2x4 Club! Incentives! $20 2004 AIDS Walk For Life T-Shirt (while supplies last) $50—$149 Full Colour 2005 AIDS Walk For Life T-Shirt $150—$299 $15 Famous Players Gift Card $300+ $30 Montana’s/Kelsey’s Gift Card This year we are celebrating the many friendships AIDS Thunder Bay has made through our annual Walk. If everyone that took part in last year’s Walk brought one new friend with them this year, we could easily increase our attendance to over 300 people! After the tremendous success of last year we have decided to once again hold the annual “2X4 Club” (Two friends walking 4 kilometers.) Register yourself and someone new (a person(s) who has not taken part in the Walk for the past 2 years) and both of you will be entered into an exclusive “2X4” draw in which you can win a Barbeque donated by WalMart. Any amount raised is greatly appreciated. Set your goal for this year (& over-achieve it)! Watch our website for information about new incentives and prizes! If you would like to register call Crystal at 345-1516 or visit us online at www.AIDSThunderBay.org Thanks to some of our Sponsors: Westjet, RBC Royal Bank, Janzen’s Pharmacy & ABC Custom Embroidery Saturday, September 10th 8:00 am— Noon 201 E. Brock Street AIDS Thunder Bay would like to thank the First Church United for their ongoing support and commitment to the agency. This will mark the third benefit yard sale in support of ATB! Mysterion the Mind Reader with Marcus the Magician Friday, October 28 at the Lakehead University Outpost Mysterion the Mind Reader is Toronto's foremost mentalist, with a PHD in ESP. Expect the unexpected from this mad Doctor at this Halloween Hoopla! Telepathy with random spectators, thought reading of words, numbers & objects, mind mental bending of forks, keys, nails and spoons! Mysterion Knows what you're thinking! In addition, see his side show of bizarre and strange exhibits – Siamese turtles, albino squirrel, evidence of big foot and more! Opening for Mysterion will be Thunder Bay’s only Fire Manipulator Marcus The Magician. Witness as he performs his one of a kind fire manipulation act. This dangerous performance includes juggling of a burning staff, breathing fireballs eight feet high and swallowing of the most dangerous element known to man. And much more! Page 3 �Equal Marriage - A Time for Healing On July 20, 2005, Bill C-38 received royal assent and same-sex marriage became the law across Canada. The debate leading up to this point was divisive and often rancorous. I believe that we now have a chance to move beyond the rhetoric and look to healing the wounds caused by this divergence of opinion. It is important to remember that the opposition to equal rights for sexual minorities has a long history. Homosexuality was variously described as criminal, as a medical or psychiatric disorder, or in opposition to religious teachings. In Canada homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969, and by 1973 was removed from the list of psychiatric disorders. Since then, each step toward equality and the ending of discrimination has been accompanied by the fears and hatred of some members of the community, largely based on religious opposition. There was fierce opposition to changes to the Ontario Human Rights Code in 1986, fuelled in large part by some religious groups. In Thunder Bay the Chronicle-Journal editorialized “This legislation will force the majority to put up with the presence of homosexual workmates and neighbours with the attendant possibility of unwanted advances. … On the street, men and women with traditional values can simply walk away from unwelcome association with homosexuals (sic). But in the workplace, and in the hall-ways, laundry rooms, parking garages and saunas and swimming pools of apart-ment buildings and condominiums, they will be forced to put up with it. Friction, and probably violence, will surely follow.” Of course, life went on and the community by and large adjusted to the change in law. The same thing will likely happen now that same-sex marriage is legal throughout the country. AIDS Thunder Bay has been an advocate for equality through the long, arduous, divisive process that has led to this point. Our Town Hall meeting in April of this year was an attempt to air the divergent viewpoints in a respectful and non-confrontational manner. Now that the law has passed, hopefully it is a time for the healing process to begin. We are all part of the same community, whether we agree with or oppose same-sex marriage. We need to be able to live and work together. Whether we are Christian or not, the teachings of Jesus can be instructive: “Love your neighbour as yourself”. “Judge not, lest you be judged.” We need to dialogue with one another and try to understand our divergent viewpoints. When we cannot agree on an issue, we need to be able to step back and give each other room. Hopefully we can agree to disagree, while respecting each other as members of this community. At AIDS Thunder Bay, we believe in equality for all members of society. We approach our work in a non-judgmental, sex-positive way. By working together with all of society, we can begin to make advances that will allow us to cope more successfully with HIV and AIDS. Page 4 �SUPPORT SERVICES/EHOP UPDATE Be a Secret Santa This Year Here’s how it works. As a Secret Santa you can be involved in different ways. One way is to ‘adopt’ a family or an individual. You will be given general information about the person’s age, size, gender and interests to guide your shopping. Or, you can donate items that could be bundled into gift packages. Suggestions include chocolates, Christmas baking, bars of soap or other hygiene products. You can make a monetary donation to AIDS Thunder Bay designated to the Secret Santa Program. This money would be used to purchase presents, turkeys, hams, fruit and candy. Providing something special for people with HIV/AIDS and their families is a win/win situation. The Secret Santa’s get the fun of planning, shopping, wrapping and giving and the recipients get to feel part of a larger community of caring people and to receive some pretty neat stuff. Last year about a hundred people received presents and food from volunteer Santas. Think about participating in whatever way you can. Donations are needed by December 12 for Christmas delivery. So, if you are interested in playing Santa and making a difference at Christmas, call Gail at 345-1516, ext. 24 for more information. EHOP Update…. From Carrie Miller (EHOP Coordinator) Planning for the Fall PHA Retreat is underway. It will take place at the beautiful Mink Mountain Resort from Monday September 12th – Wednesday September 14th. The Retreat is open to positive clients and their partner/spouse. If you have children and require childcare we will reimburse you after the Retreat. Some of the activities will include complementary therapy sessions, crafts, campfire circles, nature walks, canoeing and a workshop on Nutrition. You’ll need to call Carrie at 345-1516 ext.16 by Wednesday August 24th to sign up. Page 5 �News from the Volunteer Department Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Moonlight Melodrama—August 10 to August 26 *Information display at Intercity Mall—August 26 to 28 *Yard Sale—September 10 *AIDS Walk—Sept 25 *Opening Doors Counselling Conference—Oct 13 & 14 *Mysterion the Mind reader—Oct 28 *Halloween Waffle Breakfast— Oct 29 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Also watch for many 20th Anniversary events: *August 20—Reunion Picnic for all former and current staff, clients, members and volunteers *September 19—The Ice Show *November 3-6—Visions & Light Film Festival *November—20th AGM *AIDS Awareness Week—late Nov *World AIDS Day—Dec 1 Page 6 Volunteer Activities We are coming into our busiest time of year with an information display at Intercity Mall the last weekend of August, selling ‘showballs’ at the Moonlight Melodrama production at the Community Auditorium, a yard sale at lst Church United on Brock St., the AIDS Walk, the Opening Doors Counselling Conference, Mysterion the Mind Reader, the Halloween Waffle Breakfast, Visions and Light Film Festival, the Annual General Meeting and Silent Auction, and AIDS Awareness Week. If you are interested in volunteering at any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516, ext. 12. Do you have your tickets for The Ice Show yet? It’s sure to be a spectacular event! Call the Fort William Gardens box office now. And don’t forget Mysterion the Mind Reader. It’s going to be an intriguing show. Marcus the Magician, otherwise known as our very own Myles Rusak, will be opening for Mysterion. We look forward to seeing many of you at the Reunion picnic on August 20 at Centennial Park. Don’t forget to call and let Selly you if you will be attending. Bring your partner, your children, a close friend—just let us know how many people you’re bringing with you. We don’t want to run out of food! Also, bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. There are some picnic tables available, but not enough. The picnic will go ahead rain or shine as we have the use of the chalet at the park. So, bring your appetite and your memories and prepare to spend an enjoyable afternoon socializing and reminiscing. �Here and There... Front Line Newsletter We are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out. If you are now receiving our newsletter by snail mail and you have an email address, PLEASE send us your email address so we can add you to the email newsletter list. This will help reduce costs and allow us to keep producing the newsletter. Send your email address to info@aidsthunderbay.org Have You Purchased Your ATB Membership? Is your membership up-to-date? If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please fill out this form and mail or fax it to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario Name: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________________ Phone #: (Work)____________(Home)___________ When calling, would you prefer us to use discretion? Yes _____ No _____ Would you like to receive information by email? Yes _____ No _____ Email address: ________________________________________ This information may be used in future to contact you about fundraising/special events. Please note, AIDS Thunder Bay does not exchange mailing lists. All lists are confidential. Basic membership $10.00 Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. For Information About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Service bilingue disponible CATIE Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: info@aidsthunderbay.org Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org internet: www.catie.ca Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scent-free’ building. Please do not wear colognes, perfumes, aftershave, or scented makeup or hairspray when visiting our premises. They have been known to cause allergic reactions for staff, clients and volunteers. Some scented fabric softeners have also caused reactions. Page 7 �Parting Glance Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #11 How to talk about using condoms It can be very difficult to talk about condoms or safer sex, but it is very important. Send a signal • • Have condoms available and visible, in your bedroom, bathroom, pocket or purse Give a bouquet or a card expressing the wish to make love, and attach a condom Talk about safer sex before you have sex To raise the subject with your partner you can say: • • • “Don’t you think that people these days need to always practice safer sex?” “If our relationship is going to become sexual, we should use condoms.” “This feels really good but I want to talk about how we can have safer sex before we go any further.” If your partner does not want to use condoms say: • • • • “I find putting on condoms very exciting.” “Using condoms lets me relax and enjoy lovemaking rather than worry about the consequences.” “I’ve heard that condoms help a man last longer.” “Using condoms shows that we respect ourselves and each other.” Here are some other examples of how to talk about using condoms Question: Reply: Comment: Reply: Question: Reply: “Don’t you trust me?” “I do trust you but either of us could have a virus and not know it.” “Condoms don’t feel good.” “Let’s try it a few times. It’ll be more fun if we can both relax.” Then try putting a drop of lubricant inside the condom. You could also try using a female condom. “Aren’t you on the pill?’ “Yes, but that doesn’t stop STDs.” If you and your partner can’t agree, consider your options. If you still want to have sex, consider other safer sex activities that do not involve penetration. ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network Page 8 AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Tara Champagne Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Sandra Cruzo Dennis Eeles Linda Geving Rob MacKay Sandra Russell Brent Trudell Fran Dutli Deborah Emery Marla Hollingsworth Ruth Racic Eunice Ryan Don Young AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Janet Adams David Belrose Stuart Boland Steven Gothard Christa Fortes Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Carrie Miller Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Myles Rusak Michael Sobota Opening Doors Counselling Conference Coordinator Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Secretary Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator EHOP Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Fundraising Assistnat Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) John Andrews Foundation N.M. Paterson Foundation Elton John Foundation Mackenzie Financial Charitable Foundation Fort William Rotary Club And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. �A WORD OR TWO…………. From The Health Promoter Steven Gothard So who is this new face around the office? He kind of looks a little like Stuart (with the long hair and all). He seems to like the look and feel of a good pair of cords, seems to be a walking canvass for one of our local tattoo artists, and has what could loosely be called a beard (not sure its purpose during these hot summer months, but to each their own). Well I won't keep you in suspense any longer. My name is Steven Gothard and I am the new Support Services/ Health Promotion Worker here at AIDS Thunder Bay, and I am very pleased to be a part of the AIDS Thunder Bay team. Now I won't let the whole cat out of the bag, but to give you an idea of what to expect when you see me around the agency I'll share a little about myself ( you will have to come see me in person to get more dirt). I have been working in Thunder Bay on and off for the last 12 years in the human services field. I started my career off with New Foundations Clubhouse and through the Clubhouse Program have had the opportunity to work in Minneapolis and Toronto. Recently I have been concentrating on providing services and outreach to our homeless population (most specifically "at risk youth") working with CAS, HRDC, Haven House and LSPC. I have coordinated an anti-racism program through local school boards as well as working in Harm Reduction with Superior Points Harm Reduction Program. The majority of my work has focused on advocating and providing outreach services for homeless people and youth at risk, providing research information for community proposals, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles and assisting IDU with quality of life issues and I have to say that I truly enjoy working with all the people I have had the great honor to meet over the years. Recently I have also been spending time on the beautiful west coast. Specifically, Squamish British Columbia, where I am a member of the Brakendale Players. We perform two Shakespearian shows a year, one in Oregon, USA and one in Squamish at Christmas (the Christmas show is in it's 7th year) and I love being on stage. Living in BC also allowed me the opportunity to volunteer on the east end of Vancouver and learn about how that community is addressing issues, such as HIV/AIDS, Hep C, Intravenous Drug Use, and the fight for dignity and respect of all peoples. But what I really am proud of and excited about is this opportunity to work with the clients, volunteers and staff of AIDS Thunder Bay. I truly believe in the intrinsic value of all humans (to steal a line from Don Young of Superior Points) and I feel that this new job allows me the chance to work directly with people in helping to change the attitudes and environment of Thunder Bay. I may look younger than my years; however, I assure you that I have a good deal of experience and a fire in my belly to do all in my power to support the clients of AIDS Thunder Bay. Beyond that I enjoy music (it is actually what allows me to see the beauty in everything around me), doing spoken word, hanging with my dog Slyde, going backcountry hiking in the beautiful woods around "the big lake they call Gitche Gumee", activist work, and writing for The Independent Media Centre, to name just a few. Well I think that I have gone on quite long enough, however, I would like to invite you to visit with me at the office or have a coffee in the community. I would cherish the opportunity to get to know all of you and look forward to letting you see a little more of who I am as well as building working relationships that help make life a little bit easier and support your needs. So that's about me……..now what about you. Well I was thinking about what I wanted my first submission to the newsletter to look like and after tossing around a couple of ideas, I decided what I wanted to talk about was sex. A topic that often comes up during coffee with friends, but one that I think is very important to talk about when considering a healthy sex life and HIV/AIDS. It's not hard to imagine that one’s first response to sex after testing positive is that of "I'll never be able to have sex again" or "sex will never feel good ever again" or even more specific thoughts of "I never want to have sex again". Well I guess the answers to these questions are quite simple, you can have a healthy, safe, wonderful sex life despite your status. It is important to acknowledge that sex is an important part of many of our lives and assists us in having a healthy, enjoyable life, and to understand that this is not at all hindered by your HIV/AIDS status. What is also important to acknowledge is that in order to ensure that this is true (that one can have a healthy, enjoyable, safe sex life) one must practice SAFER SEX. Now I would encourage all peoples to practice SAFER SEX, but it is especially important when you are positive or your partner is positive. Safer sex is important even if both individuals are positive, as the HIV virus can be different in each person and may mutate to a new strain of the virus if the two come together (as could happen if one is practicing unsafe sex). So you ask yourself what is SAFER SEX, and to put it simply it is the practice of protecting oneself during any sexual activity where there is a risk of transmitting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Safer sex is a loving way to express your intimate feelings to your partner and is for anyone regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. I believe that all people wanting to engage in healthy sexual activity (regardless of what that activity may be) should be encouraged to do so, with zeal and safety. At the office we have a pamphlet called "Safer Sex Menu" and it details risk factors for specific sexual activities. Examples being Dry kissing No Risk to Anal intercourse (without condom) - High Risk. This booklet is an excellent resource for those who are sexually active and gives wonderful examples of fun, exciting No and Low Risk activities. I would suggest this to Front Line Insert 1 �A Word or Two continued… anyone who is sexually active. When considering sex after transmission a few key things should be present: ALWAYS WEAR A CONDOM (if of course you have a penis or one is entering your body) even during oral sex, Use dental dams/ barriers (can be made by cutting a condom down one side) when performing sexual acts to the vagina or anus, such as cunnilingus or rimming (licking the anus), Use plenty of lube, this prevents tearing (tearing means that blood is present and can lead to transmission) and can add to the enjoyment of sex i.e. using flavored lube, Never share sex toys unless they have been disinfected or a new condom is being used and even then you should not share your vibrators or dildos , etc. with anyone else, and always be aware of body fluid (such as blood, seamen and vaginal fluid) that is present when participating in sexual activities. Even small things such as not brushing your teeth before sex (brushing often induces bleeding of the gums) can reduce the threat of transmission as it reduces the chances of blood being present. Theses are just a few of the practices that make sex safer (hence the term SAFER SEX) and enjoyable regardless of your status. But remember that there is a tremendous amount of educational material available, such as the Safer Sex Menu, and that this information is there to help you continue to enjoy and participate in healthy sexual activity. So until the next newsletter, be safe and do some more research on your own and continue to have sensual, erotic, exciting, and SAFER sex with those whom you love as well as those who you only want to fuck. Live and Love Steven Gothard New Service for People with Disabilities!!! The City of Thunder Bay, in partnership with the Leisure Resource-Thunder Bay Committee, recognizes that identification of support persons for people with disabilities has been a barrier in the past. We are proud to introduce the P.A.L. card! (Personal Attendant for Leisure) A P.A.L. card allows a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person (P.A.L.) to participate in designated City of Thunder Bay Recreation and Culture division programs/facilities. The P.A.L. will not be charged admission to these programs/facilities. A P.A.L. can be any person chosen by a person with a disability who is able to provide the support that they need to participate in and perform recreation and leisure activities. A P.A.L. can be a family member, friend, paid support, or a volunteer. P.A.L. card applications are available at all City of Thunder Bay recreation facilities, Victoriaville Civic Centre, or by calling 625-2930. Apply now for your FREE P.A.L card!!! Front Line Insert 2 � 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 FrontLine Vol 18 Issue 2 - Summer 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of AIDS Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2005 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/17/2713/2005_FrontLine_vol18no3.pdf 0652c87bd6d38221c4054f0b61858d74 PDF Text Text Anniversary Reflections Volume 18 Issue 3 Fall 2005 Inside this issue: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Visual AIDS/Visions and Light 4 Support Services/ EHOP Update 5 News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There... 7 Parting glance 8 AIDS Thunder Bay has come through a remarkable anniversary year. Most of you know this is our 20th Anniversary. We launched a year of special activities last November by presenting R.E.M. to Thunder Bay in an amazing concert at the Fort William Gardens. We updated our web-site and posted a brief history of our organization. In Spring of this year, we hosted a HIV Treatment Information dinner for clients and caregivers. We created an "archive" project that saw thousands of our documents, photos, posters and important materials transferred to digital discs - the better to preserve them for future reference. We produced and have for sale a 20th anniversary souvenir wrist band. The band is made of red leather and is inscribed with our anniversary theme: "reflect. connect. respect." The wrist bands have proved so popular, they have gone into their third re-order! Special articles about our anniversary have appeared in various issues of this newsletter this year. Throughout the year, we have been engaged as co-champions of a regional planning initiative designed to capture how to address HIV/ AIDS in Northwestern Ontario. The final planning report should be completed next month. In late summer, we hosted a "c'mon home family reunion picnic". A great crowd of past and present volunteers and supporters gathered at Centennial Park for music, food and a bit of magic. In September, we presented THE Ice Show at the Fort William Gardens. Again, a spectacular show brought thousands of people to standing ovations for some of Canada's and the world's top figure skaters. As you read this, you still have time to catch an extraordinary poster exhibition at the Definitely Superior Gallery. The exhibit, called "Visual AIDS - 20 Years On" features international, Canadian and locally created AIDS education posters. It is an astonishing picture of education and prevention efforts from around the globe, covering the past two decades. We will bring this anniversary year to a close at our 20th Anniversary Annual General Meeting at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery on Thursday, November 24. Everyone who attends will receive special gifts and real roses. Please come and join us to honour this remarkable year, and help us launch the next phase of AIDS Thunder Bay's work. Michael Sobota, Executive Director �special events & activities MYSTERION THE MIND READER & MARCUS THE MAGICIAN Tickets: $13.00 Available at: AIDS Thunder Bay L.U. Outpost L.U. Student Union Painted Turtle New Global Experience Friday, October 28th @ 7 p.m. at the Lakehead University Outpost Mysterion the Mind Reader is Toronto's foremost mentalist, with a PHD in ESP. Expect the unexpected from this mad Doctor at this Halloween Hoopla! Telepathy with random spectators, thought reading of words, numbers & objects, mind mental bending of forks, keys, nails and spoons! Mysterion Knows what you're thinking! In addition, see his side show of bizarre and strange exhibits – Siamese turtles, albino squirrel, evidence of big foot and more! Opening for Mysterion is Thunder Bay’s only Fire Manipulator Marcus The Magician through a virtual fire show! Witness as he performs his one of a kind fire manipulation act. This dangerous performance includes juggling of a burning staff, breathing fireballs eight feet high and swallowing of the most dangerous element known to man. Page 2 �AIDS Thunder Bay would like to 1st Place - Selly Pajamaki - $2,760 thank all of the hard working 2nd Place - Dennis Eeles - $2133.36 individuals and teams who have 3rd Place - Diane Buta—$465.00 helped to make our fundraising efforts a huge success. This Top School: years AIDS Walk For Life raised L.U.’s Criptastick $240.00 $14,000! This event couldn’t have happened without those Congratulations to First Church who gave their time and energy United for being Top Team 5 yrs. and truly made this a walk to in a row! $3,040.36 remember. AGM Silent Auction Donations for this years AMG silent auction are greatly appreciated. Books, crafts, movies, art and seasonal ornaments are a few suggestions. The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 24th at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Donations will be accepted until November 18th. We are still collecting A&P receipts for the agency. ATB receives $1.00 for every $450.00 spent. Look for the new collection box located at the River Street Store; an easy and convenient way to deposit your receipts right at the store. A collection box is also located in the lobby of the office. ATB has been taking part in this donation program for the past three years. Your support has helped us raise over $230.00 This is an easy fundraiser that many people take part in, some have even set up envelopes at their places of work to collect co-workers receipts. Page 3 �Visual AIDS: 20 Years On - International Poster Exhibition AIDS Thunder Bay and Definitely Superior Art Gallery have partnered to present the international poster exhibition Visual AIDS: 20 Years On. As we honour our 20th Anniversary this year with the theme reflect. connect. respect., one of the anniversary events is the exhibition of posters at Definitely Superior Art Gallery. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been notable for the range of social marketing material that has been developed around the world. Designed to promote prevention, to encourage support, to educate, to advocate, to address stigma and discrimination, these materials have been created in a variety of styles, from creative art to simple sloganeering to depictions of sexuality. Some of the images may be controversial to some, as they reflect the need to address the full range of risky behaviours that contribute to the spread of HIV. This exhibition features a selection of posters from around the world and from various stages of the history of the epidemic. Many of these posters have never been shown publicly here in Thunder Bay. The exhibition includes posters produced locally by AIDS Thunder Bay over its twenty year history. Visual AIDS: 20 Years On runs until November 5. Definitely Superior Art Gallery is located at 250 Park Ave., Suite 101 (former Eaton’s building) and is open from noon to 6:00 pm. Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is free and donations are welcome. Visions & Light Film Festival – November 3 - 6 This is the fourth year of the festival co-sponsored by AIDS Thunder Bay, Canadian Mental Health Association and Centre for Addictions and Mental Health. The opening film is FIX: The story of an addicted city, a free screening at Confederation College on Thursday, Nov. 3. There are eleven great films over the weekend, including Bear Cub and Latter Days, and information about all films is available at www.visionsandlight.com. Page 4 �SECRET SANTA Christmas can be a lonely time of year for many people. Being a part of our Secret Santa Project brightens the season and lifts the spirits for everyone involved. As a Santa you provide presents for an individual or a family who might otherwise not have anything to celebrate. Your kindness can help someone feel connected to the community. If you are too busy to shop you can give money which will be used to purchase presents or Christmas foods. Please make cheques payable to AIDS Thunder Bay, but designate the funds to the Secret Santa Project. For more information call Gail at AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 or Ruth at 345-0166. EHOP Update…. From Carrie Miller (EHOP Coordinator) In May a Legal Literacy Workshop was offered to clients. Some of the topics included Human Rights, Court Process and Relationship Abuse. A wide variety of social activities have taken place during the last couple months that have included The Ice Show, Border Cats Baseball game and the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. The Fall PHA Retreat took place in September at the beautiful Mink Mountain Resort. Some of the activities included complementary therapies, arts & crafts, fishing and nature walks. We would like to give a big thanks to the volunteers and complementary therapists that offered their valuable time and services. The following article is reproduced from the website (http://sitochiropractic.com) for educational purposes. The information is presented as a point of interest; it does not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIDS Thunder Bay. Chiropractic Care Increases Quality of Life For HIV/AIDS Patients By Michael Dorausch, D.C. A recent article in Up & Coming Weekly Magazine suggests that chiropractic care can offer greater immune competence to people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious diseases. According to clinical studies reported on in the article, chiropractic was shown to boost immune system function, help with secondary symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, and provided reduction in stress. The article states that, "All of these are empowering HIV/AIDS patients to live a more positive quality of life. This in turn increases life expectancy." The article suggests success from several other clinical studies involving chiropractic and immune system function. A researcher involved in one study stated, "Chiropractic patients (in the study) had 200 percent greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic, and 400 percent greater immune competence than people with cancer or other serious disease." The article goes on to define a vertebral subluxation as being comprised of five components. Spinal kinesiopathology - the inability to comfortably turn neck, hips, or back in every direction. Neuropathophysiology - Impingement of nerves creating numbness, tingling, pain or pins and needles. Myopathology - tight, spastic, weak, sore, and/or overly sensitive muscular responses. Histopathology - swelling, tenderness, painful spots, and other soft tissue changes. Pathophysiology - muscles, joints, ligaments, and organs show wear and tear and premature aging. The article suggests that increasing ones quality of life and symbiotically decreasing stress plays a major part in life expectancy. The final sentence says it all... "If you aren't under chiropractic, then you are not allowing your body to perform at 100 percent." Page 5 �News from the Volunteer Department Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *Mysterion the Mind reader—Oct 28 *Halloween Waffle Breakfast— Oct 29 *Staying Alive Bowling Party— Feb *Valentine’s Waffle Breakfast— Feb If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Also watch for many 20th Anniversary events: *November 3-6—Visions & Light Film Festival *November—20th AGM *AIDS Awareness Week—late Nov Volunteer Activities We continue to be very busy with fall events including Mysterion the Mind Reader, the Halloween Waffle Breakfast, Visions and Light Film Festival, the Annual General Meeting and Silent Auction, and AIDS Awareness Week. If you are interested in volunteering at any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516, ext. 12. Do you have your tickets for Mysterion the Mind Reader? It’s going to be an intriguing show. Marcus the Magician, otherwise known as our very own Myles Rusak, will be opening for Mysterion. Be sure and attend our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 24 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery (on the Confederation College campus). The first 50 people will receive a 20th anniversary year gift pack. There will be a light lunch available at 6 p.m. We will also have our Silent Auction which looks to be another good one this year. Come and start you Christmas shopping with us. I would like to mention a very special volunteer and that is Colette Villeneuve. Colette runs our bingos and does a fantastic job of it. We really appreciate all the time she puts into bingo for ATB. She not only runs the bingos (and very capably), she also finds most of the volunteers for each bingo. That is a big job and we extend sincere thanks to her. Page 6 �Here and There... 2005 Northwestern Ontario Opening Doors HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference AIDS Thunder Bay hosted its’ 14th annual Opening Doors HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference at the Victoria Inn on Oct 13th & 14th, 2005. This year we had 96 registrants for the conference including several Pharmacists and Physicians who were invited to attend the Treatment Information Night. Dr. John Goodhew, an HIV/AIDS specialist from Toronto, was the keynote speaker at the Treatment Information Dinner. He outlined the developments in HIV/AIDS treatments over the past 20 years and highlighted new options that are going to be available in the near future. The conference was opened with a Plenary of individuals from around Northwestern Ontario who shared their experiences of living with HIV/AIDS in our region. This was in response to requests at previous conferences to have more “personal stories” and to give conference attendees a frame of reference for the rest of the conference. Workshop topics included Counselling Northern Youth, Aboriginal Substance Use & Risk Taking Behaviours, Sex with Stu & Lori Too (talking about sex) and OW/ODSP Extras: The Untold Story. The second Plenary highlighted the epidemiology of HIV and STDs in the Northwest, covered the basics of epidemiology, and how sexual health clinics, including Anonymous Testing, function in prevention of and response to local epidemics. The final Plenary, made up of PHAs and service providers, focused on putting Harm Reduction Theory into practice on a daily basis. Review of the evaluations so far shows that conference participants enjoyed the event and found the Plenaries and Workshops useful and informative. AIDS Thunder Bay would like to thank our conference funder, The Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care, AIDS Bureau, and our sponsors, Gilead Sciences Canada Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Virology, GlaxoSmithKline in partnership with Shire BioChem, Boehringer Ingelheim and the MAC AIDS Fund. The conference coordinator, Janet Adams, would like to thank the members of the ODCC Planning Committee, the presenters, especially those of you who shared your personal lives with us, all the volunteers who helped make our event a success, and especially Christa… thanks for all your hard work… without you we could not have made this event a success!! Suggestions? Compliments? Feedback? ATB has a “suggestion box”. We invite your comments or suggestions about any aspect of our agency or services. The box is located near our reception area. You may offer suggestions anonymously—however, if you are asking for a response back to you, we need your name and phone number. We hope the suggestion box will be used with a sense of good will and a spirit of support and encouragement. That’s how we offer it to you. For Information About AIDS or HIV Infection: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Superior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 About Counselling or Referrals Call AIDS Thunder Bay 345-1516 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Service bilingue disponible CATIE Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange 1-800-263-1638 HIV/AIDS Treatment Information email: info@catie.ca internet: www.catie.ca The opinions and medical information offered by “Front Line” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: Front Line P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: info@aidsthunderbay.org Visit us on the internet at: www.aidsthunderbay.org Page 7 �Parting Glance Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS Question #12 Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS? No. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Although some very strong drugs are now being used to slow down the disease, they do not get rid of HIV or cure AIDS. The drug treatments are called Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapies (HAART). They are a mix o drugs such as AZT, 3TC, ddI and a protease inhibitor. Together they help to reduce the level of HIV in the blood. HAART can help to slow down HIV and keep some people healthy longer. Even though HAART are better than anything else so far, they do have some problems: • They don’t work for all people. • Some people have very bad side effects from the drugs themselves or from the way those drugs mix with other drugs they are taking. These people may have to stop treatment. • The drugs can cost thousands of dollars each year, and some people cannot afford them. • People using treatments must take many pills each day, for the rest of their lives. • If people forget to take their pills, the HIV virus in their body may get stronger and may not respond to any drugs at all. • We do not know how safe these treatments are or how well they will work over time. Not all people who need HAART have access to treatment. An Ontario study found that only half of the people living with HIV/AIDS are getting HAART. Other research shows that certain groups, such as women and those who inject drugs, are less likely to get this treatment. AIDS Thunder Bay Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Dr. Gordon Milne Tara Champagne Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Don Young Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Family Physician Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Coordinator Infection Control/ Safety, St. Joseph’s Care Group ATB Board of Directors AIDS Thunder Bay Board of Directors Sandra Cruzo Dennis Eeles Linda Geving Rob MacKay Sandra Russell Brent Trudell Karen Vescio, Recorder Fran Dutli Deborah Emery Marla Hollingsworth Ruth Racic Eunice Ryan Don Young AIDS Thunder Bay Staff Janet Adams David Belrose Stuart Boland Steven Gothard Christa Fortes Lawrence Korhonen Gail Linklater Carrie Miller Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Opening Doors Counselling Conference Coordinator Education Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Support Worker/Health Promoter Secretary Administration Coordinator Support Services Coordinator EHOP Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Front Line Contributors Selly Pajamaki ATB staff & volunteers Editor AIDS Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ♦ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - AIDS Bureau Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Canada (ACAP) John Andrews Foundation N.M. Paterson Foundation Elton John Foundation Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Fort William Rotary Club When some people find out about the new treatments, they may think they are safe. They may start to take risks. These treatments do NOT make it safer to take chances. We still don’t know how HAART affect the spread of HIV. And the risk of spreading HIV is still very real because as many as 15,000 Canadians may have HIV and not know it. ♦ There is still no cure for HIV/AIDS. To reduce the risk of getting HIV/AIDS, people still need to practise safer sex and not share needles to inject drugs. And all of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals ————————————————————————————— This is one of a series of fact sheets developed to answer frequently asked questions from clients of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in 1999. This material was originally produced for the Canadian Health Network Page 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ CLGRO Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario Box 822 Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3 Canada phone 416-405-8253 www.web.ca/clgro clgro@web.ca Contact us. Work with us. Join us. � 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 FrontLine Vol 18 Issue 3 - Fall 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of AIDS Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2005 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English