978 10 13078 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2700/2001_reACT-Believe_vol14no2.pdf dea791c01b4b7ac38e9a3d02d55e7198 PDF Text Text T h e Ne w sle tte r o f T he A I DS C o m mi t t ee o f T hun d er B a y re-ACT Believe Volume 14, Issue 2 Summer 2001 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Fundraising News 2 AIDS Walk 2001 Do the Route—the Red Ribbon Walk 3 Education Update 4 The Extra Mile— News from the Volunteer Dept. 5 News from the Support Services Department 6 Here and There 7 Parting Glance 8 2001 Opening More Doors NWO Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference And Hepatitis C Community Forum The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT -B) is celebrating it's 10th Annual Opening More Doors, NWO Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference on October 25 th and 26 th , 2001, at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay. This year, ACT-B is partnering with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit who will present a Hepatitis C Community Forum on Thursday, October 25 th from 9:30 to 12:30. Dr. Kaita, a hepatologist from Winnipeg, will be featured as the key note speaker. At 1:00 p.m., that same day, the HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference begins . This two-day event will offer 8 workshops focussing on counselling issues related to HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Committee welcomes health care workers, counsellors, clergy, people living with HIV/AIDS, and their family and friends to attend. Topics for this year's conference include: ACT-B w ould li ke to extend si ncere thanks to Joanne Books, Counselli ng Conference Coordi nator, for her excellent w ork once agai n i n planni ng and coordi nati ng thi s annual conference. • • • • • • • • Case Studie s: Stories From the Front Line HIV/AIDS in Aboriginal Communities Women, Pregnancy and HIV HIV/AIDS and ST D's: the Basics PHA Panel: Stories from Within Service Providers: Perspectives from the Substance Using Population Harm Reduction Strategies Treatment Information Night Conference Registration Fees: $20.00 for the Hepatitis C Forum $40.00 for HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference $60.00 for both the Hepatitis C Forum and the HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference This conference is a vital professional development experience for those who work in the field of HIV/AIDS. Over the last 10 years it has developed an excellent reputation in our region. Early registration is recommended! For more information, contact Joanne Books, Conference Coordinator, at 807-345-1516. �Fundraising News From Crystal Porteous, Fundraising Coordinator While you are out enjoying a hot cup of coffee at Seattle Coffee House, you will be supporting ACT-B. On World AIDS Day, a portion of the coffee sales will be donated to our agency. This is a wonderful community partnership that we have developed with Seattle Coffee House. Visit at any one of their four locations—Red River Road, Cumberland St, Memorial Ave. at Dunlop St., and Arthur St. A very special thank you goes out to all the volunteers who laboured in setting up the yard sale and to those who gave up the morning or day to make this event a success. We raised over $1000! The community response to our donation request was incredible. We had tons of books and more than enough clothing, but the yard salers got excellent bargains. Special thanks to St. John’s Anglican Church for all their support and assistance. The church loaned us storage space and allowed us the use of the hall for the day of the event. From coffee day to an evening of dinner, ACT-B is cooking up a meal that will melt your taste buds. On December 1, WORLD AIDS DAY we will be holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. The dinner will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, 226 Pearl Street in the parish hall. The evening is split into two time periods, one for take out and the other for a sit down dinner. Bring your appetites and enjoy an evening with ACT-B ! Marge Cross is not only a dedicated volunteer operating our bingos and organizing the Secret Santa project, she is also a talented artist who works with stained glass. AIDS Ribbon She has created an original Design by Marge Cross stain glass design of a red Copyright 2001 ribbon. ACT-B will be selling these exquisite designs as a fundraiser for the agency. The ribbons sell for $45.00, with $20.00 of every sale going to ACT-B. These make excellent gifts for birthdays, holidays or special occasions! If you would like to purchase one please call Crystal at 345-1516, extension 15. - 2- �Sunday, September 23 At The Outpost, Lakehead University Registration: 12:00 noon Walk Starts: 2:00 p.m. Note: Due to construction, please use the Balmoral and Beverly Streets Entrance to L.U. DO THE ROUTE!! This year the route has changed with our return to the Outpost. Focusing on highly visible streets, the Walk starts at the Outpost, leading down Oliver Road to High Street, connecting onto Memorial Avenue and up Beverly Street back to the Outpost for a total of 5.6 km. REMEMBER, YOUR DOG CAN WALK TOO! A project of National Founding Sponsor In partnership with community AIDS organizations across Canada Special thanks to our generous local sponsors Downtown Volkswagen, Westjet Airlines Janzen’s Pharmacy, Bowater, The Royal Bank, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Media Sponsors: The Chronicle Journal, CJSD Incorp. (KIXX, ROCK 94, CKPR) Thunder Bay Post -3- �EDUCATION UPDATE David Belrose, Education Coordinator ACT-B Online www.tbaytel.net/actb Check out our “new look” at our redesigned and revitalized web site at www.tbaytel.net/actb. Thanks to the Youth Services Canada "Youth Providing for Our Community" project, and the efforts of Ryan Halstead, we now have a new design and new features on our web site. Check us out and see the changes. Find our publications and an order form on the site. Get information about HIV testing in Thunder Bay. Link to a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse. Link to the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) which is an excellent source for treatment information. See the stained glass red ribbon advertised elsewhere in this newsletter. We will work to keep the site up to date in the future, so come back often. reACT-Believe Newsletter In order to cut production and mailing costs, as well as adding content to the web site, we are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format, so it can be read on line or printed out in hard copy. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free, to view and print the files. For anyone who does not have the program, we have included a link to the free download site. You will be able to receive the newsletter by e-mail, by accessing it on our web site (notification of new issues will be by e-mail), or by mail if you do not have Internet or e-mail access. Please complete the enclosed survey to let us know whether you want to continue to get the newsletter, and how you would like to get it delivered. Did You Know? Lubricants and HIV Research has shown that some lubricants may kill HIV. Researchers at the University of Texas have show n that three lubricants - Astroglide, Silken Secret, and Vagisil Intimate M oisture have been able to kill HIV in the laboratory. This is a laboratory result only, and research still needs to be done to see the effects in real life use. Lubricant by itself is not an effective safer sex measure, and condoms must be used with a water-based lubricant for protection against HIV. Human tests will show the real value of the lubricants as an anti-HIV agent, and may well not bear out the laboratory results. This study was reported in the July 2001 issue of “AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses.” Oral Transmission of HIV A new study reported in the Globe and M ail August 15, 2001, suggests that the risk of contracting HIV through oral sex is very, very low. The Center for AIDS Prevention studies in San Francisco looked at a group of 198 gay men who practise oral sex exclusively. Some 20% had performed oral sex on a partner who was HIV positive. No one contracted HIV during the study period. According to Prof. Kimberley Page-Shafer “...the probability of acquiring HIV through that specific sexual activity [exclusive receptive oral intercourse with a male partner] is very, very low.” However she emphasized that oral sex is safer sex, not safe sex. - 4- �The Extra Mile News from the Volunteer Department Selly Pajamaki, Volunteer Coordinator Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *AIDS Walk 2001 Sunday, Sept. 23 *Coffee Day on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1 *Opening Doors Counselling Conference October 25 & 26 *Winter Tag Days Sat & Sun, Nov 17 & 18 *AIDS Awareness Week Nov 25-Dec 1 *Spaghetti Dinner Sat, Dec 1st, World AIDS Day Our first Yard Sale in several years was held on Satur day, July 14th, along with a bake sale and hot dog sale at the same location. It was a roaring success!!! Many volunteers were called into service and everyone did a fantastic job—thank you all very much. Thanks also to those volunteers who helped with the organizing of the zillions of items donated. We woul d have been buried under mounds of donations without you. Due to the success of this yard sale, we are looking to hol d anot her one next year. Please keep it in mind and come back and help us again. Our first Summer Tag Day will have taken place by the time you read this newsletter. I would like to extend sincer e thanks to all those people who gave up a summer Saturday to work at this event. Your generous gift of time is really appreciated. We will be having our annual Winter Tag Days on November 17 & 18, so I will we calling you about those as soon as the AIDS Walk is over. AIDS Walk 2001 will be taking place very soon. It is on Sunday, Sept ember 23 at the OutPost at Lakehead University. We need several volunteers for the day—if you haven’t already hear d from me, I will be calling you soon. Take part in the Walk as a volunteer or as a walker, or as both. Coffee Day will take place on December 1, World AIDS Day. Support the AIDS Committee by enjoying a cup of coffee at any of the Seattle Coffee House locations—Red River Road, Cumberland St., Memorial Ave. at Dunlop St., and Arthur St. A portion of their coffee sales that day will be donated to ACT-B.. No volunteers are needed for these days, but we would appreciate you going out and buying a coffee or two. On World AIDS Day, Saturday, December 1, we will be having a spaghetti supper at St. John’s Anglican Church. Volunteers will be required to cook and serve for bot h take-out and a sit-down dinner. Please consider giving us some of your time that day. - 5- �News from Support Services HIV: Women and Pregnancy As we prepare for the transition of late summer into slightly cooler temperatures that lead to the colourful tapestry of fall, the AIDS Committee and community partners have been meeting since M ay to organize the upcoming 11th annual Regional HIV Counselling Conference. Where has the summer gone? How could it have been here and gone so quickly? And so with the theme of transition, we are aware that HIV and AIDS have presented many challenges to people living with HIV and/or AIDS, their families and health care supporters. As helpers, we have seen the changing face of HIV and AIDS over the past almost 20 years. In 1994 we noticed a rapidly growing number of heterosexual men seroconverting ( becoming HIV positive). Slowly since that time, the number of women testing positive for the HIV virus has risen substantially. Quoting from an article in the National Post, “women account for almost one out of four new infections”, at 23.9%. These statistics are born out in both the Ontario M inistry of Health and Health Canada reports. Our local picture in Northwestern Ontario in the past two years reveals the seroconversion rate for women to be approximately 40% of new infections. M any women who are becoming infected, are of childbearing age, therefore we are seeing more pregnancies. Some women may only discover their HIV status through more stringent screening by their physicians. As a health issue, doctors are obligated to do risk assessment and offer HIV testing to pregnant women. The primary reasons for this are twofold; one, to be able to offer optimum treatment to the woman during her pregnancy, and to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to fetus (vertical transmission). Research indicates that without treatment for HIV, the risk of HIV transmission to the fetus is about 2530%. That is, a 70 to 75% chance of the baby remaining negative. With anti-viral treatment, starting in the second trimester (after the first three months of pregnancy), the risk of HIV transmission to the fetus can be reduced to 5-8% or a 92 – 95% chance of remaining HIV negative. Transmission from mother to child, according to current information, occurs this way: slightly less than one third while the baby is in the womb (in utero), two thirds during the delivery or birthing process, and a small percentage may be transmitted through breast milk. At this point in time, there is limited knowledge of the long term affects of antiretrovirals on the newborn. We do know that if the baby is HIV positive, early treatment can prolong life and prevent some of the opportunistic infections such as recurring thrush and yeast infections in the rectum, anus and vagina that are very common, as well as lung infections. As health-care practitioners, there is always so much more that we are required to know and learn about new treatment options, information sharing, legal rights of our clients, and legal rights of the children. As fellow human beings we can be compassionate, caring and non-judgmental in our support for our clients. The most that we can do sometimes is make sure that we remain up-to date on our information or at least where to access the information. We need to be careful about assuming decisions for our clients, as we do not have to face the consequences of those decisions – they do! Web sites, 1-800 phone lines, and networking give us lots of avenues to gather information and support for our clients and ourselves. To explore this topic and many other leading edge subjects related to health and HIV and/or AIDS, check out the upcoming conference. Visit our web site, or simply call us. Walk softly in the forest, see the colours, hear the sounds of fall and the crunch of the leaves under your feet. Sheila Berry/Coordinator of Support Services for people living with HIV and/or AIDS. - 6- �Here and There... Natural and Holistic Approaches to the Treatment of HIV/AIDS November 17-18, 2001 Toronto, Ontario The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine ( CCNM) and Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange ( CATIE) are proud to present Natural and Holistic Approaches to the Treatment of HIV/ AIDS, a tw o-day national conference providing the most practical, cutting edge information about HIV/AIDS and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). People living w ith HIV/AIDS from diverse communities, CAM practitioners, health-care practitioners, and service providers within community-based AIDS organizations and other community health organizations w ill benefit from more than 30 w orkshop sessions and hands-on demonstrations. The conference w ill be preceded by CATIE’s Annual General Meeting on Friday, November 16, 2001. Visit www .catie.ca/events.htm l or call 1 800-263-1638, ext. 291 (english) or ext. 390 (french) for program, registration and scholarship information. Are you or is someone you know interested in sitting on a very dynamic committee? If you are, please consider joining ACTB’s Fundraising Committee. We are currently looking for energetic, enthusiastic people to join our team. Meetings are held once a month. The Committee works with the Fund raising Coordinator and the Executive Director in developing the annual fundraising plan and goals. For more information, please call Crystal at 345- 1516. 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 About Regular HIV Testing Call the STD Clinics 625-5944 or 622-7585 About Counselling or Referrals Call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 345-7233 About HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Call Catie (Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Service bilingue disponible ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eas tern Time) Tuesday to T hursday 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.cati e.ca Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange Once there was darkness all around I couldn’t feel my feet on the ground Never wanted to drink or eat Just wishing that I could sleep No matter what I tried I was afraid to go outside Wouldn’t even answer the phone All I wanted was to be left alone When I remembered why I felt like I wanted to die HIV/AIDS were words that I couldn’t say I just wanted it to go away My friends that seen me when I had to go out They would say you’re getting so skinny what’s this all about I wanted to commit suicide as I saw it as my only solution So, I went to the L.P.H. without any resolution Terror and anger was all I knew So how do you tell anyone what’s wrong with you Through all this I gave my word Didn’t quit counseling because there I could be heard Now I stand before you cheery and bright Out of the darkness into the light By Sandy, a mother who has a s on w ho has HIV/AID S -7- �Parting Glance ACT-B Advisory Council IMPORTANT LIST FOR 2001 This personal. Present. Random: not in priority. What I am thinking about this fall, that emerges as important to pay attention to. • Contribute to the AIDS Walk. Collect pledges. Or walk. At least make a real, direct contribution. Why? Every dollar collected stays here. The event is critical—the most important fundraising event in our calendar. Help make it a success. • Fall is so busy! ACT-B has four major events within 3 months: the Walk, our Counseling Conference, our Annual General Meeting, AIDS Awareness Week. What is important about this short list? To thank anyone who helps make them happen. To give thanks and appreciation. • Pay attention to what’s happening in front of you. Slow down...and pay better attention. • Find some room for the larger view. Both at work [we are connected to so many vital partnerships and supports in the HIV/AIDS field] and within my own life. Don’t be a yo-yo about this, bouncing internally/externally, banging what’s in front of me with what’s outside of me. Do this with balance, and practice better balance. • HIV and AIDS are still expanding. No let down, no respite, no plateau. What does this mean about needs? What does this mean about me? • Remember why I am here. Pause occasionally and remember. Michael Sobota The opinions and medical information offered by “ reA CT-B e lieve ” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. P lease consult your doctor. P lease address any comments or concerns to: reA CT-B e lieve P .O. Box 24025 RP O Downtown North Thunder Bay, ON P 7A 8A9 Richard Atkinson Fred Ball Patti Cole Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Karen O’Gorman Pat Piaskowski Diana Smith Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Carl Triskle Rev. Don Uhryniw ACT-B Board of Directors Sherry Britton Michael Croft Heather Graham Jennifer LaVoi e Rob MacKay, President Patti Cole Pam Delgaty Paul Kerber Linda MacKay Carl Triskle ACT-B Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry Stuart Boland Joanne Books Charlene Burford Heather Cameron Lawrence Korhonen Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Or, e-mail us at: actb@tbaytel.net Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory ACT-B Board of Directors Crossroads Centre Family Physician HIV Program Consultant ARF Infection Control, TB Regional Hospital Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Superior Points Harm Reduction Safety Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital ACT-B Board of Directors Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Counselling Conference Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Targeted Prevention Worker Administration Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Re-ACT-Believe Contributors Y es! I want to become a member ofA CT-B ! I k now that my c ontribution will really c ount! He re is my donation Selly Pajamaki Editor ACT-B staff & volunteers $10.00___, $20.00___, $50.00___, other ___= === Name_________________________________________ The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ! Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau ! Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) ! All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. Address________________________________________ City, Province & P.C._____________________________ Telephone______________________________________ Bring in or mail to: ACT-B Box 24025 RPO Downtown North, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 - 8- �A word or two from the Health Promoter (Charlene Burford) I hav e been in this position for a few months now. The medical and natural healing communities continue to prov ide information related to medicines, alternativ e therapies, lifesty le and future directions of health care. Most of us k now that a balanced diet and regular exercise is considered "healthy ". Many people hav e eliminated the use of drugs -- be it caffeine, nicotine, heroine or speed -- and there are some that av oid pesticides and food additiv es as much as possible in our conv enient-focused world. Health conscious indiv iduals hav e turned to supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies to help improv e the quality of their health. Caution must be exercised. Become an informed consumer -- research the product, educate yourself to recognize natural v s adv ertising hy pe, consult your phy sician and ask questions. How will it interact with existing medication or supplements? When is the best time to tak e the remedy , on a full or empty stomach? What are the side effects? What is the ideal dosage? Is it stored in the body that can lead to toxic lev els? What foods, drink s or supplements interfere with it's purpose? The following two articles may be of interest. 12 June 2001 A warning about milk thistle and drug interactions The seeds of the milk thistle plant are commonly used to protect the liver from damage caused by hepatitis viruses as well as alcohol and other substances. Compounds found in milk thistle - sylibin, sylimarin - act as antioxidants and also stimulate the repair of the liver. But now it appears that these and possibly other compounds in milk thistle can have other effects. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have suspected that milk thistle can slow down or reduce the activity of enzymes in the liver. What does this have to do with HIV? you might ask. Well, enzymes in the liver break down many of the substances that we eat and drink, including medications. If the activity of these enzymes are reduced, then drugs remain in the blood longer than they otherwise might. This could lead to having higher-than-expected levels of drugs in the body, causing side effects or intensifying already-existing side effects. Indeed, in recent experiments using milk thistle and human liver cells, the researchers found that relatively small concentrations of milk thistle did significantly slow down the activity of the liver enzyme CYP3A4 by 50% to 100%. Many medications taken by people with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) - such as protease inhibitors and non-nukes - are processed by this liver enzyme. If milk thistle is taken by someone using protease inhibitors or non-nukes, it has the potential to raise levels of these drugs, causing unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. Below is a short list of some other medications that are processed through the CYP3A4 enzyme. Levels of these medications may increase if taken by people who are also using milk thistle. This list is not exhaustive: - methadone - heart drugs - Tambocor (flecainide), Rythmol (propafenone) - antibiotics - erythromycin, rifampin - anti-seizure drugs - carbamazepine (Tegretol) - antidepressants - St. John’s wort, Zyban/Wellbutrin (bupropion), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxetine) Serzone (nefazodone), Zoloft (sertraline), Effexor (venlafaxine) - antihistamines - Hismanal (astemizole), Seldane (terfenadine) - antifungals - itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral) - gastrointestinal motility agents - Prepulsid (Cisapride) - ergot drugs - Ergonovine, Ergomar (ergotamine) - anti_psychotics - Clozaril (clozapine), Orap (pimozide) �- sedatives/sleeping pills - Ambien (zolpidem), Halcion (triazolam), Versed (midazolam) - lipid-lowering drugs (statins) - Lescol (fluvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin), Baycol (cerivastatin) - transplant drugs - cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), ProGraf (tacrolimus) Milk thistle also has the potential to lower levels of the following drugs: - anti-parasite drugs - Mepron (atovaquone) - sedatives/sleeping pills - Ativan (lorazepam) - hormones - estrogen The research by the scientists in Pittsburgh should emphasize to readers that simply because a product is “natural” it does not mean it is safe when taken with other substances. This research also shows the need to conduct further research on herb-drug interactions on liver cells as well as in people. Such studies may find combinations of herbs and drugs that can be safely used together. The Pittsburgh researchers noted that “patients and health care professionals must be encouraged to discuss the use of herbs and be educated about the potential interactions between herbs and drugs.” This cannot be stressed enough. REFERENCE Venkataramanan R, Ramachandran V, Komoroski BJ, et al. Milk thistle, a herbal supplement, decreases the activity of CYP3A4 and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase in human hepatocyte cultures. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 2000;28(11):1270-1273. This information was provided by the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE). For more information, contact CATIE at 1-800-263-1638. 23 July 2001 Pesticides found in many ginseng supplements in the U.S. The organization ConsumerLab in the U.S. conducts independent testing of supplements sold in that country. The purpose of the testing is to find out if the ingredients listed on the label match those found in the capsules, tablets or liquids that accompany the label. The company produces reports which are available on its website at www. consumerlab.com. In a recent study, ConsumerLab tested 22 brands of ginseng supplements sold in the U.S. and found that only nine passed its review. Unfortunately, the company only lists the brands that pass its testing. They found that eight of 12 products that were labelled to contain “Korean ginseng” were contaminated with pesticides (hexachlorobenzene and/or quintozene). These compounds may damage the liver and kidneys and have the potential to cause cancer in people. In some cases the level of contamination by pesticides was 20 times higher than allowed under U.S. and European guidelines. For further details about the review of ginseng supplements readers can visit www.consumerlab.com/results/ginseng.asp. General safety information about ginseng is also available from the site. These results on contamination point to the need for similar research on products available in Canada. REFERENCE Anonymous. Pesticide contamination found in many ginseng supplements tested by consumerlab.com: only 9 of 22 products pass product review published online today. Press release 11 July, 2001. From Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE). For more information visit CATIE's Information Network at http://www.catie.ca �AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B) - Newsletter Survey Thank you for your help! If you do not respond to this survey, we will take that to mean that you do not wish to receive our newsletter in the future. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay produces the reACT-Believe Newsletter three times a year. Current HIV/AIDS issues, and activities of ACT-B are highlighted. We have limited funds for printing and distribution, and are looking for alternative means of making the newsletter available to a broader audience, such as sending it by e-mail, and posting it on our web site. . We appreciate you taking the time to complete this short survey and return it either by fa x to (807) 345-2505, or by mail to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, PO Box 24025, Thunder Bay, ON P7 A 8A9 If you prefer to reply b y e-mail, please e-mail actb@tbaytel.net and include "NEWSLETTER SURVEY" in the subject line. The survey can be sent to you by e-mail for completion and return. Your name _____________________________________________________________ Organization (if any) ______________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ City, Pro vince, Postal code _________________________________________________ E-mail (if any) ___________________________________________________________ Phone number __________________________________________________________ Fax number (if any) _______________________________________________________ 1. Do you want to continue receiving the reACT-Believe Newsletter? Yes No If no, why not? ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 2. For those who have Internet access, we intend to place the newsletters on our web site in Adobe PDF format, and notify people of new issues by e-mail. We can also send the newsletter by email in Adobe PDF format. The Adobe Acrobat Reader needed to view and/or print the newsletter is available free, and can be accessed through a link on our web site. If you have Internet and e-mail access, please provide your e-mail address (and web site address if you have one). [Please note that this will be used only to send you information from ACT-B, and will not be provided to any other agency or individual.] E-mail address: _______________________________________________________ Web site: ____________________________________________________________ Please place check beside your choice for getting the newsletter: Send me the newsletter by e-mail in PDF format ! Send me notification by e-mail and I’ll access it on the web site ! 3. For individuals or agencies without Internet or e-mail access, we can produce a limited number of print copies of the newsletter. Do you need to receive the newsletter in this format? If yes be sure to include your mailing address in the section provided earlier in the survey. Yes No � 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 14 Issue 2 - Summer 2001 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 2001 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/17/2701/2001_reACT-Believe_vol14no3.pdf 8786870ac8993bf449b19e8f449748c6 PDF Text Text REACT-BELIEVE Volume 1 4 , Issue 3 The Newsletter of The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Fall/Winte r 2001-2002 National and World AIDS Awareness Campaign AIDS Awareness Week Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, 2001 World AIDS Day, December 1 "I care ... Do you?" is the slogan for the second year of a two-year international AIDS Awareness campaign intended to create a sustained focus on the role of men in the AIDS epidemic. This slogan was chosen since it is capable of including discussions about the role of leaders and the needs of young men while being broad enough to discuss other issues relevant to prevention and care, to both genders, and to different age groups. The new campaign aims to involve men, particularly young men, more fully in the effort against AIDS; to bring about a much-needed focus on men in national responses to the epidemic and to involve leaders both as politicians and in their personal lives in the response to the HIV epidemic. Resource s The Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse in cooperation with the Canadian AIDS Society is distributing resource materials for AIDS Awareness Week 2001. A number of new resources have been developed and can be viewed, downloaded as a PDF document or ordered in quantity by completing an online order form at http://www.clearinghouse.cpha.ca/ english/news/AAW_e.htm. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Quantities may be limited. The AIDS Awareness Campaign is being coordinated by the Canadian AIDS Society. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call 1-800-499-1986. Some of the e vents in Thunde r Bay this year will include: T ag Day on November 17 at various city locations. Distribution of litter bags, containing a prevention message, by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and ACT -B. Annual General Meeting of ACT -B on Nov. 28. Candlelight Vigil T hursday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. Coffee Day at Seattle Coffeehouses on December 1 Spaghetti Supper on December 1 at St. John’s Anglican Church at 226 Pearl St. Inside this issue: Fundraising News News from the Route Education Update The Extra Mile-Vol. Dept. News Support Services News Advocacy Parting Glance 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2001. Our guest speaker this year will be Dr. Fred Ball, Manager, Thunder Bay Public Health Laboratory. His topic will be “ Viruses, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”. We will also hold our popular Silent Auction, so you can do some early Christmas shopping. The AGM will be held at the Port Arthur Ukrainian Prosvita Society at 540 South High St.. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, I would like to wish you all the happiest of Holiday Seasons! The Editor �Fundraising News From Crystal Porteous, Fundraising Coordinator WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISING EVENTS! ACT-B is holding a fundraising spaghetti dinner on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2001. The dinner will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, 226 Pearl Street with three dining choices to choose from: Take out Sit down dinner 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Cost $7.00 adult $6.00 student/senior 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Children under 4 free We are promoting recycling so if you are taking out food please bring a container. Our incredible recipe for spaghetti sauce is available free! We need volunteers to cook spaghetti sauce. ACT-B pro vides the recipe and you cook the sauce in your home and deliver it to us before the event. In return for your donation you receive a free dinner ticket to enjoy the fruits of your labour. We also need numerous volunteers to cook meatballs, make salad and work the day of the event. To prepare for the dinner we will be holding a meatball & salad making party in the kitchen of the church. If you would like to join our crew of cooks, please call Crystal or Selly at 345-1516. If you are unable to attend but would like to support the event, you can purchase a ticket for someone who could not otherwise afford to come. Please see Crystal for further information about this aspect of the fundraiser. Seattle Coffee House Day On December 1st enjoy a warm cup of coffee at any one of Seattle Coffee House’s five locations and help support the AIDS Committee! Seattle Coffee House is joining ACT-B in promoting WORLD AIDS Day by partnering with our agency in this new fundraising event. A portion of all coffee sales will be donated to the agency to support our programs and services. You can also take part in this event by treating yourself or enjoying a special coffee hour with friends or family. For further information, please call Crystal at 345-1516. SEATTLE COFFEE HOUSE LOCATIONS 820 Red River Rd 588 Arthur St. The new kiosk at George’s M arket 190 Cumberland St. (corner of River & Cumberland) M emorial Ave. at Dunlop reACT-Be lieve Page 2 �News from the Route—The Red Ribbon Walk ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL WALK! The AIDS Walk Fundraiser, the biggest of all of the events planned for the agency, this year was a huge success, raising over $21,000.00. The day was a bit chilly, but everyone was energetic and ready for the brisk 5.6 km. walk. The Walk was held at Lakehead University’s Outpost with 150 people taking part in the day’s activities. We would like to thank everyone who helped make this day the success it was. It took a lot of work and time to make this event possible. Special thanks to all of our walkers and dogs for collecting pledges and sharing in this exciting event, our wonderful volunteers who helped in the preparation and day of events, our sponsors for investing in this annual event, Downtown Volkswagen, WestJet Airlines, Janzen’s Pharmacy, Bowater, The Royal Bank and Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, the many local businesses that donated prizes, and the staff and Fundraising Committee for the many evening meetings preparing and guiding the Walk’s development. Thank You! Top Five Walkers Selly Pajamaki Carl Triskle Helen Rose Dennis Eeles Scott Gale $4922.21 $1585.00 $945.00 $716.51 $647.00 Top Church Team: First Church United $4535.51 Top School Team: Westgate High School $260.00 reACT-Be lieve A project of the Canadian AIDS Society in partnership with community AIDS organizations across Canada. Page 3 �EDUCATION UPDATE David Belrose, Education Coordinator låí~êáç=jÉåD ë=pìêî Éó= An important new research project will be taking place across the province over the next few months. A survey will be conducted of men who have sex with men. The Ontario Men's Survey is a venue-based study including a self-report survey questionnaire and an optional HIV antibody testing of saliva. T his 24-month study will be carried out across Ontario. The study will be conducted in eight languages and will seek a sample of 5,000 men who have sex with men. Recent Ontario data suggest a significant increase in HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (Calzavara et al, 2000; Remis et al, 2000). This pattern is reflected elsewhere in the world, including San Francisco and New York (Coates et al, 2000). The current study was developed through an extensive consultation with service providers and AIDS Service Organizations in twelve Ontario cities, including T hunder Bay. The major goal of the study is to conduct a cross-sectional, comprehensive socio-behavioural and HIV prevalence study among self-identified gay and bisexual men in Ontario. Specific objectives include: • to provide an understanding of current issues related to behaviour and HIV infection for Ontario gay/bisexual men and particularly to further the understanding of factors that are contributing to the increase in HIV incidence among this population; • to develop an understanding of variations between regions of the province in behaviours, HIV prevalence and factors that contribute to these variations; • to compare study data with other data bases and previously conducted study data; • to provide community-level data to help shape future prevention programming and other services. Specific issues to be examined include: issues related to testing behaviours (including testing outside of community), sexual risk in the context of monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, sexual risk in the context of either casual or regular relationships, episode and context-specific aspects of risk, issues specific to ethno-cultural, and younger gay and bisexual men, understanding how gay/bisexual men access information about HIV, and theoretical explanations for HIV risk-taking -treatment and vaccine "optimism", and safer sex burnout. The survey data collection will be taking place largely from January-March, 2002, and we will be looking for a large sample from Thunder Bay and region. You may have questions about the survey, particularly about the antibody testing of saliva, or about how you can become involved. For more regional information contact: David Belrose , Provincial Advisory Committee , at 345-1516, 1-800-488-5840 (807 area code ) or actb@tbaytel.ne t. For provincial information contact: Dan Allman at (416) 978-1830 or dan.allman@utoronto.ca World AIDS Campaign: Men key to reducing HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS media release) 7 October 2001 - This year's World AIDS Campaign will chip away at masculine behaviours and attitudes that contribute to the spread of HIV, according to Dr Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director. "Part of the effort to curb the AIDS epidemic must include challenging negative beliefs and behaviours, including the way men view risk and how boys are socialized to become men," said Dr Piot. "Men are expected to be strong, robust and virile - but these very expectations may translate into behaviours that can endanger both men and their partners." The World AIDS Campaign 2001 aims to involve men, particularly young men, more fully in the effort against AIDS. It also aims to bring about a much-needed focus on men in national responses to the epidemic and to involve leaders both as politicians and as individuals in taking action against AIDS. For more information check out the UNAIDS site: http://www.unaids.org/wac/2001/index.html reACT-Be lieve Page 4 �The Extra Mile News from the Volunteer Department Selly Pajamaki, Volunteer Coordinator Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: Fall Tag Day—Sat. Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • AIDS Awareness Week— Nov. 25 to Dec. 1 • Annual General Meeting— Wed. Nov. 28, 7 p.m. Port Arthur Ukrainian Prosvita Society small hall, High St. • Candlelight Vigil—Thurs. Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. • Seattle Coffee House Coffee Day—Sat. Dec. 1 all day at all locations • Spaghetti Dinner—Sat. Dec. 1 St. John’s Anglican Church on Pearl St., takeout 3:30-4:30; sit down meal 5-6 & 6:30-7:30 Please support the AIDS Committee by attending these events. For more information, call ACT-B at 345-1516. • Thank you to all our many dedicated volunteers. The time and talent you give to us is truly appreciated. We couldn’t do what we do without your help and support. reACT-Be lieve Our first Summer Tag Day went well, bringing in just over $800. Thank you to all those volunteers who gave up part of their summer Satur day to help with this event. The next Tag Day takes place on Saturday, November 17. Please come out and support ACT-B and our volunteers who are willingly standing out in the cold that day to promote the Red Ribbon Campaign. AIDS Walk 2001 was a great success and a large part of the success was due to the work of many volunteers. Thank you all for showing up on time and doing your jobs so well. It is through the coor dinated efforts of the group (staff and volunteers) that we are able to have such a smoothly-run event each year. Thanks also to the staff at the L.U. Outpost, they were very helpful. And, many thanks to the counters who came in the next day and spent hours checking and verifying pledge sheets and dollar amounts. We raised over $21,000! The Walk Committee also deserves a big thank you for their many hours of planning. Please remember our first Coffee Day will take place on Saturday, December 1—World AIDS Day. A portion of the price of every cup of coffee sol d that day will be donated to ACT-B. We don’t need you to volunteer, but would appreciate you going out and buying a cup or two of coffee. And, tell your family and friends about this event, too. Saturday, December 1 is also when our first Spaghetti Dinner will be happening. It will be at St. John’s Anglican Church on Pearl St. Take-out is available from 3:30 to 4:30 and a sit-down meal will be available from 5-6 and 6:30-7:30. Bring your family and friends for a spaghetti and salad dinner. We are in the process of calling volunteers to make spaghetti sauce and/or to help at the dinner. Please call Selly at 345-1516 if you would like to volunteer for this delicious event. Page 5 �News from Support Services Santa’s Elves Need Your Help! Dear Friends of ACT-B Providing something special for Christmas for our clients has become an ongoing tradition which we invite you to participate in. We are seeking individuals and families who would like to be Secret Santa's. Each year, the AIDS Committee purchases turkeys, oranges and candies and puts together Holiday Baskets. But, we need your help to complete the baskets. You or your family, or a group of friends or workmates can adopt a family or individual for this pro ject. Your task is to provide something special for Christmas to fill the basket. We are asking you to take on the role of a “Secret Santa” by filling either a large stocking for an individual or a basket for a family. We will pro vide specific information, e.g. gender, age and interests, to make each basket/stocking meaningful. Should your schedule not permit the actual shopping, we will gladly accept a cash donation and complete your “Santa” commitment for you. To register or find out more about this project, please contact M arge Cross at 622-0462. Thank you in advance for your caring and gracious support. For Information About AIDS or HIV Infe ction: Call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-668-2437 About Supe rior Points: Call 624-2005, 625-8830 or 625-8831 About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunde r Bay Call 625-5981 About Regular HIV Te sting Call the ST D Clinics 625-5944 or 622-7585 About Counselling or Refe rrals Call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 3451516 Service bilingue disponible ALL CALLS CONFIDENTIAL Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eas tern Time) Tuesday to T hursday 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.cati e.ca Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange The opinions and medical information offered by “ êÉ^ `qJ_ ÉäáÉîÉ” are those of the About HIV/AIDS Tre atment Information individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of Call Catie (Community AIDS T reatment the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. P lease consult your doctor. Information Exchange) 1-800-263-1638 Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. We are a ‘scentfree’ 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. reACT-Be lieve P lease address any comments or concerns to: êÉ^ `qJ_ ÉäáÉîÉ P .O. Box 24025 RP O Downtown North Thunder Bay, ON P 7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: actb@tbaytel.net Page 6 �Advocacy ACT-B Advocacy - a small victory Last month Tony Clement, Minister of Health, announced changes to the Northern Health Travel Grant [NHTG] program and for related areas of health care. The principle announcement - and the piece perhaps most important to our clients, ourselves and the people of Northern Ontario - is a basic increase in the NHTG compensation. The announcement states that "medical referrals from Thunder Bay to Toronto would be compensated up to $941.88." This is an increase from the old maximum of $419.38. It is a significant increase and a major improvement by the Provincial government. It is not enough and will not allow for full recovery of travel costs associated with medical travel, particularly when someone needs another person to travel with them. I am writing about this because it is an example of advocacy-over-time. ACT-B has to be engaged in this principle. The improvement to the NHTG caps approximately a three-year effort. The effort had many, many partners. Our local MPP's lead a petition campaign that garnered something around 40,000 signatures to have the plan improved. The Ontario Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS [OACHA] has had the NHTG program as a priority on our list of items that we pressure the Minister about. Our board - like many other ASO boards - endorsed OACHA's advocacy position on the NHTG program. I have sat in direct personal meetings with Clement's predecessor - Elizabeth Witmer - with Mark Bulbrook at my side [then Executive Director of the OAN - now Co-Chair of OACHA] and argued about the inadequacy of the NHTG for our clients. Pius White, while he was still President of our Board, and myself, again pressured the Minister directly in a meeting of the full OACHA committee. We pressured Minister Witmer to release an internal report about the NHTG, which she had commissioned. She told us she would [but, more than a year later, it has yet to be released]. Many families and private individuals wrote, complained and communicated with the government about the NHTG program. And finally, last month, change occurred. It is important for you to know that ACT-B has to be part of this - has to play an energetic, active role on advocacy issues we believe impact our work. The increase [now 2 years ago] to our core operating funds from the AIDS Bureau was the result of another three year effort of direct advocacy and pressure. These are examples of how ACT-B must keep the big picture in focus while simu ltaneously doing our day-to-day and month-to-month work. This is seldom easy. It is often time consuming and thankless. As I write this, I pause to note this small victory and the progress achieved. And I am full of gratitude toward Pius Whit e, Mark Bulbrook, our board of directors, OACHA and our MPPs. This is not Minister Clement's generosity. He simply arrived to head his Ministry [he has been Minister of Health for less than a year] at a time when all this effort to affect change rolled onto his desk and made him take notice. We have done something good for our clients. Michael Sobota, Executive Director reACT-Be lieve Page 7 �Parting Glance The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. ACT-B 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. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Hav e y ou renew ed y our membership for 2002? It’s not too late! Fill out the membership form below and mail it to the ACT-B office. As a member you hav e a voice in the future direction of the agency by supporting the aims, goals and objectiv es of ACT-B. If y ou w ould lik e to take an activ e role in the agency ’s grow th, y ou are eligible to stand for nomination to the Board of Directors, as w ell as hav ing the option of nominating and elec ting others. As a special bonus, all members receiv e our ReACT Believe newsletter prov iding up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS, treatment and notices about fundraising and special ev ents. Yes, I want to be a member of ACT-B Basic M embership Supporting M embership I would also like to donate: $10.00 $25.00 ______ Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City: __________________________ PC:_____________ Phone: _________________________________________ Email address: ___________________________________ When calling, do you prefer we use discretion? Would you like to receive information by email? Please make your cheque payable to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone: 807-345-1516 Fax: 807-345-2505 reACT-Be lieve Y N Y N ACT-B Advisory Council Richard Atkinson Fred Ball Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Director, Regional Public Health Laboratory Crossroads Centre 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 ACT-B Board of Directors Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Gail Linklater Dr. Gordon Milne Karen O’Gorman Pat Piaskowski Diana Smith Richard Thompson Nicky Tittley Carl Triskle Rev. Don Uhryniw ACT-B Board of Directors Sherry Britton Pam Delgaty Paul Kerber Rob MacKay, President Michael Croft Heather Graham Linda MacKay Carl Triskle ACT-B Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry Stuart Boland Joanne Books Charlene Burford Heather Cameron Lawrence Korhonen Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Counselling Conference Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Targeted Prevention Worker Administration Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Re-ACT-Believe Contributors Selly Pajamaki Editor ACT-B staff & volunteers The AIDS Committee of 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 All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. Page 8 �From the Health Promoter… Charlene Burford I have included a general interest article about water intake and a brief report about our Community Garden. We are looking for dirt diggers and fresh air worshippers (volunteers) for out next garden season, give me a call (345-1516). Also, Mothe r’s Cupboard is in need of PEANUT BUTT ER for those of you who want to donate but can’t figure out what to drop off at our office. Feel free to call and I will give you more food suggestions. Community Garden 2001 Report Background: Fresh produce grown in a garden by and for clients has been a project idea for a number of years. I was given a brief history of ideas for the project. In June, a me mber of the Mother's Cupboard Committee announced that County Fair Community Garden would a llow us to join them regardless that we were not located in the neighbourhood. The Process: An "Interest Survey" was created and ma iled out to all PHAs involved with ACT-B; three (3) surveys were completed and returned to me. Fourteen (14) people expressed an interest in being involved in the garden; four (4) were PHAs the re maining ten (10) were volunteers with the agency. I met with the County Fair Community Garden ma nager and identified a plot of land approximately 20' x 30' as manageable for our first year. We had to weed and turn the overgrown area prior to planting. It took two separate work parties to prepare the earth, the seeds and bedding-out plants were in the ground June 25th with the help of seven (7) people. Bedding-out plants included tomato (48), cauliflower, squash and lettuce. The following seeds were planted: carrot, pea, green onion, red pepper, zucchini, and radish. We received donations from Creekside Nursery (seeds and bedding-out plants), Canadian Tire (support cages for tomato plants), garden me mbership fee of $5.00 and $10.00 toward purchasing seeds. A daily watering schedule was created for the first month; subsequent months re lied on the weather and people tending the garden informa lly. Garden fresh produce was distributed to clients on a few occasions, people thoroughly enjoyed receiving the food knowing it had come from "The Garden". Recommendations: The Garden is a great project and we will need at least another year to imple ment some of the learning from this year. I plan to be a part of the Community Garden Guidelines Committee that will provide the opportunity to link with other garden me mbers and increase my general gardening knowledge that I can then apply to the plot next year. I have been invited to a workshop directed at "organiz ing your voluntee rs" to be presented by Eco Superior in the upcoming months; my involvement will teach me skills to more efficiently recruit and schedule garden helpers. Initially, we thought this would be a client driven project, however, it is not feasible to be lieve the clients will be responsible for tending the garden as their health and energy levels fluctuate drastically. The following suggestions can be applied to next year's garden project: • Start ground preparation in May; plant at the start of June (rather than July). • We will need a larger volunteer base of dedicated people for next year. Organizing each work party was time consuming, often those who committed to helping were not at home when it was time to pick up the helpers. • More weeding and plant thinning needed. Much of the garden was over-grown strangling out the planted vegetables. • Cauliflower not needed. reACT-Be lieve Insert 1 �Drink Yourself Fit! Foods geared tow ards athletes, low-fat cuisine, v egetarian dis hes and diets…. Wherev er you go, you’ll find sports fans making conscious decisions about what they ear. How ev er, many fail to realize the importance of finding the right drink to provide all the necessary nutrients to im prov e their performance. An athlete sw eats a lot. This process depletes enormous amounts of water, minerals and electroly tes from the body. This liquid loss rapidly reduces stamina and can quickly turn hazardous, since w ater is an indispensable coolant for the body and also transports v ital elements throughout the system. Therefore it is of greatest importance that athletes learn to control and monitor their fluid-intake. Once y our body registers the lack of water, and sends y ou a signal—thirst—y our athletic capabilities hav e already been reduced. Athletes should therefore consume sufficient liquid before and during physic al activ ity . Each athletic or sports activ ity exerts different demands on the body, hence the difficulty in formulating an ideal ingredient for the ultimate sports drink. Athletes debate the benefits of plain water, is otopic drinks, so-called energy drinks and protein shakes. First of all, how ever, w e need to differentiate betw een drinks that are meant to replace body fluids in endurance sports, and those that promise to enhance the muscle building process in strength-oriented sports. For endurance sports, water or even tea is sufficient to replenish lost boy fluid in activ ities not exceeding 60 minutes. In longer competitions, howev er, these cannot deliv er the necessary energy replenis hment. In these cases y ou should drink a fruit juice/mineral w ater mix , which contains the needed carbohy drates, in the form of fruit sugars, for energy. Non-carbonated mineral water is recommended for y our w ater/juic e mix , since carbonated drinks increase carbon diox ide levels in the digestiv e tract, thereby reducing the body ’s urge to take in additional fluids. The mineral water should contain sufficient magnesium (approx 100 mg/l) and potassium traces to immediately replenis h any loss. Sw eat als o depletes natrium reserv es in the system, but a regular daily diet sufficiently replaces any losses. Carbonated soft drinks are not recommended because of their high sugar and/or caffeine content and concentrated fruit juices are discouraged as w ell. These juices have high carbohy drate levels that tend to inhibit the body ’s metabolism. Energy drinks don’t necessarily giv e you wings, as advertised, but they cause your kidneys to work ov ertime due to their high caffeine content. Also their lack of mineral content makes them unsuitable for athletes. Hy po– or isotonic drinks, on the other hand, are similar to the body ’s own fluid consistency and tend to be absorbed easier than, for ex ample, concentrated fruit juices. These are essentially carefully formulated carbohy drate cocktails, consisting of fructose, maltodex trine, and soluble starches, as w ell as numerous vitamins, co-enzymes and minerals. These drinks quench thirst while replenishing lost body fluids and maintaining energy levels. Isotonic pow ders should therefore be diluted carefully to enable the body to absorb their ingredients quic kly . Many athletes who participate in sporting activ ities demanding a lot of muscle pow er swear by their protein shakes. These formulas are adv ertised in practically every fitness facility — but is the additional protein intake really necessary? Of course, muscle strength sports require additional proteins; howev er, the recommended daily intake of approx im ately 1.6g/kg body weight can easily be achiev ed through a balanced diet. In addition to protein, these shakes contain a lot of sugar, w hic h may actually be detrimental in w eight training. It is much better to meet the protein needs by eating anim al or plant proteins, such as fresh dairy products, on a daily basis. Like other sports, weight training requires sufficient carbohy drate intake for energy . Again, a fruit juice/mineral w ater-mix offers the ideal combination of energy-producing carbohy drates, water, and minerals . Just make sure the fructose content does not exceed 60g/ l, to ensure optimal absorption, and alw ays drink highly diluted fruit juices. Tip Drink 300-500 ml at least two hours prior to physical activit y, to equaliz e the body’s liquid and energy levels , and an additional 130-300 ml shortly before beginning your sports activit y for extra fluids and energy. During the activ ity, you should replenish your body wit h an additional 130-300 ml every 15-20 minutes, to maintain your levels. As soon as you are finished, you should replenish your fluid and carbohydrate levels with an additional 300-500 ml. You can produce your own refreshing sports drink! Mix approximately 100 ml of fresh lemon juic e with one litre of black tea, and sw eeten the mix with some honey or unrefined sugar for carbohy drates. This article was taken from the web site ‘fitness.com (the global fitness community)’ and was written by Benjamin Goddel reACT-Be lieve Insert 2 �LAST CHANCE TO RECEIVE NEWSLETTER AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B) - Newsletter Survey ***Thank you for your help! If you do not respond to this survey, we will take that to mean that you do not wish to receive our newsletter in the future.*** The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay produces the reACT-Believe Newsletter three times a year. Current HIV/AIDS issues, and activities of ACT-B are highlighted. We have limited funds for printing and distribution, and are looking for alternative means of making the newsletter available to a broader audience, such as sending it by e-mail, and posting it on our web site. We appreciate you taking the time to complete this short survey. Please return it either by fa x to (807) 345-2505, or by mail to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, PO Box 24025, Thunder Bay, ON P7 A 8A9 If you prefer to reply b y e-mail, please e-mail actb@tbaytel.net and include "NEWSLETTER SURVEY" in the subject line. The survey can be sent to you by e-mail for completion and return. Your name _____________________________________________________________ Organization (if any) ______________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ City, Pro vince, Postal code _________________________________________________ E-mail (if any) ___________________________________________________________ Phone number __________________________________________________________ Fax number (if any) _______________________________________________________ 1. Do you want to continue receiving the reACT-Believe Newsletter? Yes No If no, why not? ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 2. For those who have Internet access, we intend to place the newsletters on our web site in Adobe PDF format, and notify people of new issues by e-mail. We can also send the newsletter by e-mail in Adobe PDF format. The Adobe Acrobat Reader needed to view and/or print the newsletter is available free, and can be accessed through a link on our web site. If you have Internet and e-mail access, please provide your e-mail address (and web site address if you ha ve one). [Please note that this will be used only to send you information from ACT-B, and will not be provided to any other agency or individual.] E-mail address: _______________________________________________________ Web site: ____________________________________________________________ Please place check beside your choice for getting the newsletter: Send me the newsletter by e-mail in PDF format Send me notification by e-mail and I’ll access it on the web site 3. For individuals or agencies without Internet or e-mail access, we can produce a limited number of print copies of the newsletter. Do you need to receive the newsletter in this format? If yes, be sure to include your mailing address in the section provided earlier in the survey. Yes No � 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 14 Issue 3 - Fall/Winter 2001/2002 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 2001 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/17/2702/2002_reACT-Believe_vol15no1.pdf 561357af624527f4428c7d7c20adfa3c PDF Text Text The New sletter of The A IDS Committee o f Thunder Bay re-ACT Believe Volume 15, Issue 1 Spring 2002 Fighting for More Funds: CCORA INSIDE THIS ISSUE: On January 30, 2002 the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay [ACT-B] took part in the launch of a new national network - the Canadian Coalition of Organizations Responding to AIDS [CCORA]. ACT-B is a founding member of CCORA. Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 Education continued 5 The Extra Mile—News from the Volunteer Department 6 Here and There 7 Parting glance Have You Signed the Petition? Please come into the ACT-B office and sign the petition asking the federal government to increase funding for the Canadian AIDS Strategy to fight HIV/ AIDS. We need your signature. Petition forms are at the reception desk. 8 CCORA has one goal: to pressure the Federal Government to increase funding for HIV/AIDS. Federal financial support flows through the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS. The Canadian Strategy funds everything the Federal government does in response to AIDS: research, national partnerships - like the Canadian AIDS Society - the Federal bureaucracy responding to AIDS and community based work through its AIDS Community Action Program [ACAP]. The amount is $42.2 million dollars. The Federal funding has not changed since 1994 - when Brian Mulroney was still Prime Minister. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada [and the world] is, however, unstable and constantly changing. In 1990 there were approximately 30,000 Canadians living with HIV/AIDS. Today there are 50,000. There are approximately 11 new cases of HIV transmission each day in Canada. HIV has moved rapidly into some of the most vulnerable groups in our communities - many struggling to meet the basic needs of daily living, let alone the added challenges and costs of living with HIV. CCORA has attracted broad-based membership from across the country. It includes community-based groups like ACT-B, as well as researchers, professional organizations and people living with HIV/AIDS. CCORA has developed an advocacy strategy. Locally, this includes making our case to our two Federal MP's Stan Dromisky and Joe Comuzzi, as well as collecting signatures on a public petition. To date, we have collected more than 1,500 names and we want more. If you have not signed one of our petitions, please call our office or drop in and add your name to a petition at our front desk. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, it remains 100% treatable and 100% preventable. The Federal government must increase its support, so that all of us can do the work that needs to be done. �May to September 2002 Spring Cleaning means...... Time to get rid of odds & ends Your donated household and other items can help us raise funds for our programs and services. All types of donations accepted such as dishes, knickknacks, crafts supplies, vintage coats, games, movies, books, etc. 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 27th. To arrange for a pickup or drop-off of items please call Crystal at 345-1516 Yard Sale Dates: June 1st & August 17th St. John's Anglican Church, 226 Pearl St. Cash Register Receipts AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is collecting A&P cash register receipts as a new fundraising initiative. ACT-B will receive $1.00 for every $450.00 in cash register tapes collected. Start collecting receipts & help raise funds for ACT-B! Tapes can be dropped off at the office, 217 S. Algoma St. Taking steps across Thunder Bay... AIDS Walk Canada Sunday, September 22, 2002 Join us in making our local Walk another success! Pledge forms and team packages are available at the office. The behind the scenes crew needs YOU! If you have a few hours of spare time & would like to help organize this annual event... Join the Walk Committee. Call Crystal at 345-1516 for further information. �VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 Page 3 Membership - Supporting our programs and services Our membership symbolises the support and strength ACT-B has in the community. As a member, you have shared in our growth and many accomplishments. We want to continue to growth and share our success by encouraging others to join the team. Your membership fee contributes to the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. Every dollar that is contributed to this fund goes directly to helping people with HIV/AIDS and their families. As a member you have a voice in the future direction of the agency by supporting the aims, goals and objectives of ACT-B. If you would like to take an active role in the agency's growth, you are eligible to stand for nomination to the Board of Directors, as well as the option of nominating and electing others. As a special bonus, all members receive our reACT-Believe newsletter providing up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS, treatment and notices about fundraising and special events. With your assistance, we can help our membership grow. Share with others what it means to be a member of ACT-B and how your membership directly helps people in our community with HIV/AIDS. For further information, please call Crystal at 345-1516. Yes, I want to be a member of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Name: Address: Please make your cheque payable to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Mailing Address: P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay ON P7A 8A9 Phone: 345-1516 Fax: 345-2505 Charitable Registration # 106689847 RR001 City: Postal Code: Phone: (Work) (Home) E-mail address: Basic Membership: Supporting Membership: I would also like to donate: $ When calling, do you prefer we use discretion? Would you like to receive information by e-mail? Would like to become a volunteer of ACT-B? Yes Yes Yes No No No �EDUCATION UPDATE David Belrose. Education Coordinator FINDINGS FROM THE IMAGE PROJECT In our newsletter of June 2001, I reported on the Image Project that was underway. Since then, the surveys were completed, data has been analyzed, and steps have been taken to follow through on the project. Some of the developments that have resulted from the project are as follows: • We used survey results in the creating of a prevention project funding proposal. • A new agency name and logo are undergoing focus testing at this time. • We have developed a communication plan for the agency. • A marketing strategy will feature messages influenced by the results of the surveys; for example, correct information on disease and modes of transmission, social attitudes, and agency services. • Education and training sessions will emphasize some of the areas highlighted by the survey results, as above. • This project was a good example of collaborative community-based research in action, with the involvement of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, CLEAR (Community-Linked Evaluation AIDS Research) at McMaster University, Lakehead University Social Work Department, and McEachern Marketing. • The project was selected for a poster presentation at the Canadian Association for HIV/AIDS Research (CAHR) Conference in Winnipeg, April 24-28, 2002. Here are some of the highlights and results from the surveys. Purpose of the study To use an outreach/needs assessment approach to determine community perceptions and needs, and to determine community knowledge about the agency and its services. Specific study questions were: 1. What are the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about HIV/AIDS in the general community and high-risk groups (youth, bar frequenters, aboriginal youth)? 2. What is the knowledge about ACTB and the services it provides and its importance to the community? Methods This was a survey that was conducted in two parts: over a five week period by outreach (going into bars, bus stations, malls, campuses), and by telephone. Results Characteristics of the Sample: • a total of 467 participants completed the survey (397 by outreach, 70 by telephone) • no statistically significant differences in responses to the knowledge and attitude questionnaires, the groups were collapsed and analyzed together • participants in the outreach survey had fewer males, were younger; fewer working full-time, and lower educational levels -to be expected as aimed at a younger population Page 4 R E - AC T B E L I E V E �VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 • the majority of the sample were young (49% age 14-24, 21% age 25-34); and more females (273) participated compared to males (192) Knowledge of HIV/AIDS • • • • • • • • • basic transmission was well understood (99% for unprotected sexual intercourse and 98% for sharing needles) 68% did not know that AIDS can damage the brain 36.8% did not know that AIDS is a collection of diseases that happen after a person has been infected with HIV 19.1% did not know that there are medications available that can lengthen the life of a person infected with HIV 24.2% thought that there is currently a vaccine available to the public to protect against infection with HIV 22.9% thought HIV could be passed by sharing plates, forks, and glasses with some one with HIV 49.7% thought HIV could be transmitted by mosquitoes and other insects 36.4% thought HIV could be passed by kissing someone with HIV on the mouth 28.3% felt that they could get HIV by being cared for by a nurse, doctor, dentist and other healthcare worker with HIV. Attitudes and beliefs • • • • • most respondents indicated positive attitudes and beliefs 44.5% indicated everyone should be forced to be tested for HIV 29.8% indicated persons with HIV should be reported to the authorities 26.2% felt that needle/syringe exchanges should not be promoted to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. When asked whether they thought they were at risk of becoming infected with HIV, the greatest number of those indicating yes or not sure is in the younger age groups, with the exception of the 55-64 year olds with 20% indicating being unsure. Knowledge about AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay • • • • • • 67.5% of the total interviewed indicated knew of the agency youth (ages 14-24) have less knowledge about the agency 82% indicated it was very important, 17% some what important and only 1% indicating it is not at all important to have an ASO in the community Knowledge of services with counselling and the HIV/AIDS hot line being the best known and the financial and food bank services being the least well known. posters, flyers, newspaper and TV were the most frequently reported methods of hearing about the agency (of the 67.5% who knew of the agency) TV, magazines, newspapers and displays in bus shelters were the most frequently reported way of receiving messages about HIV/AIDS Page 5 �The Extra Mile News from the Volunteer Department Selly Pajamaki, Volunteer Coordinator Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *NOSFA Film Night— May 16 *Yard Sale—June 1 *Tag Day—June 29 *Yard Sale—Aug 17 *AIDS Walk—Sept 22 *Opening Doors Conference—Oct *Visions & Lights Film Festival—Oct 11-13 *Tag Day—Nov 16 *AIDS Awareness Week—Nov 24-30 *World AIDS Day/ Seattle Coffee Day— Dec 1 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Thank you to all our volunteers! Page 6 ACT-B Names 2002 Volunteer of the Year On Wednesday, April 24, ACT-B held their annual Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Port Arthur Ukrainian Prosvita Hall. Entertainment included “Getting to Know You” bingo, improv comedy by the Wayward Clams, and music and song by Sheila Berry. Certificates and pins were presented to many long-time volunteers who have volunteered with ACT-B on a continuous basis since first signing up. These included: 10 years—Marge Cross, Marla Hollingsworth, Rob Shepherd; 11 years—Brad Hetsler; 12 years—Sheila Berry, Joanne Books, Anne Ciemny, Denyse Culligan, Mary Lang-Atkinson, Gail Linklater, Sonya Matijek; 13 years—Rick Atkinson, Ida Korhonen; 15 years—Lawrence Korhonen; 16 years— Fred Ball; and 17 years—David Belrose, Michael Sobota. 171 volunteers gave 6,896 hours to ACT-B in 2001. We are proud and happy to have so many wonderful, dedicated people sharing their time and talents with us! Our sincerest thanks to all of you! Special gifts were presented to groups of volunteers, including receptionists, drivers, bingo workers and bingo bakers. The highlight of the evening was the naming of the 2002 Volunteer of the Year. That honour was given to Sherry Britton. Sherry has given many hours to the AIDS Committee. She is a board member and serves on committees. She also helps out in Fundraising by working Tag Day, the Yard Sale, the Spaghetti Supper, the AIDS Walk, and at bingo. She also works at display and information tables for us. She is willing to try out just about any task we ask of her. She has a great sense of humour and is a lot of fun to be around. She is also dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is very proud to name Sherry Britton as the 2002 Volunteer of the Year! R E - AC T B E L I E V E �VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 Page 7 Here and There... Our world at a glance If we could shrink the earth’s population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following: There would be: 57 Asians 21 Europeans 14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south 8 Africans 52 would be female 48 would be male 70 would be non-white 30 would be white 70 would be non-Christian 30 would be Christian 89 would be heterosexual 11 would be homosexual 6 people would possess 59% of the entire world’s wealth and all 6 would be from the United States 80 would be living in substandard housing 70 would be unable to read 50 would suffer from malnutrition 1 would be near death 1 would be near birth 1 would have a college education 1 would own a computer The above is taken from the January/February 2002 Transition magazine of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities The opinions and medical information offered by “reACT-Believe” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: reACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: actb@tbaytel.net Visit us on the internet at: www.tbaytel.net/actb reACT-Believe Newsletter In order to cut production and mailing costs, we are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out in hard copy. 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 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 About Regular HIV Testing Call the STD Clinics 625-5944 or 622-7585 About Counselling or Referrals Call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 345-1516 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 Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. 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. �Parting Glance The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the United Way of Thunder Bay for supporting our Emergency Financial Assistance Program. ACT-B 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 #1 The difference between HIV and AIDS AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS is the advanced stage of the disease caused by HIV. HIV attacks the body’s immune system. Over time the immune system is weakened and an HIV-infected person can become sick with different illnesses. The HIV-positive person is then diagnosed with AIDS. How many AIDS cases? Up to December 1998, 16,236 people in Canada have been diagnosed with AIDS. This number doesn’t include people who are infected with HIV but have not yet become sick. There have been 11,525 reported deaths attributed to AIDS in Canada. According to the statistics for AIDS in Canada, fewer people are being diagnosed with AIDS each year. This is probably due to better treatment for HIV-positive people which delays the onset of AIDS. The number of people dying each year from AIDS-related illnesses is also declining. There has been a 90% drop in the number of reported AIDS-related deaths from 1995 to 1998. Again, this decline is probably due to better treatments. New HIV infections It is difficult to know the exact number of Canadians infected with HIV because many people have not been tested for HIV or have been tested anonymously. The latest research suggests that, up to the end of 1996, there were approximately 40,100 people living with HIV in Canada. Of this number, an estimated 15,000 did not know that they were HIV positive. Each year in Canada, there are an estimated 4,200 new infections. The nature of the epidemic is changing dramatically. Prior to 1986, 90% of all infections occurred among men who have sex with men. In 1996, new transmissions among men who have sex with men declined to 30% of all new infections. Transmission via injection drug use has increased from 24% in 1986 to 47% in 1996. Prior to 1986, women accounted for only 10% of new transmissions. In 1996, women accounted for 23% of all new infections. In addition more heterosexual males and young people are becoming infected with HIV than ever before. Page 8 ACT-B 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 Crossroads Centre 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 ACT-B Board of Directors Current River United Church, Council of Clergy ACT-B 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 ACT-B Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry Stuart Boland Joanne Books Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Counselling Conference Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Executive Director Re-ACT-Believe Contributors Selly Pajamaki Editor ACT-B staff & volunteers The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ! Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Bureau ! Health Promotion and Programs Branch, Ontario Region, Health Canada (ACAP) ! All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. R E - AC T B E L I E V E �A Word or Two from the Health Promoter (Charlene Burford) Spring is in the air, then it isn't, then it is again -- ahh, the beauty of the North. The warmer weather brings about plans for the Community Garden. Last year Mother's Cupboard -- the Emergency Food Bank for HIV positive service users -- Committee decided to venture into the earth and grow fresh produce for clients; we used a 15x20 foot plot at the County Park "Our Kids Count" Community Garden. Plenty was learned about gardening and organizing; the people who received the vegetables were ecstatic (no exaggeration -- they were seriously delighted). We have decided to repeat the Garden project this year! So there's the pitch. And here's the plea. I could use all the help I can get! Anything from seeds to bedding plants, fertilizer to watering cans, gardening wisdom and physical bodies. You got it! I'm looking for volunteers. There will be two "soil prepping" work parties -- Sat., May 11 from 11:00-2:00 and Wed., May 15 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (if needed); planting will follow the full moon, Mon., May 27 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Wed., May 29 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (if needed). Once the seeds and plants are in the ground, there will be one day a week (later once every second week) that a volunteer is responsible for watering and weeding (1 hr. commitment each day). Children are welcome to accompany and help out. Daytime tending visits to the Garden are totally acceptable. In fact, the County Park "Our Kids Count" Community Garden creates a summer schedule to notify other members of weekly tending days (i.e. last year, Tuesdays 9:00-12:00). This gives members an opportunity to meet each other and share garden wisdom and experience; people will help each other out in the plots and kids play together. The scheduled meeting days are identified as a courtesy, there is no requirement to attend. I am very excited to begin the Garden. I hope others will become excited and join this totally satisfying project. Not only do you get to play in the dirt, watch the wee seeds grow into plants, you also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing how much the fresh vegetables are appreciated. It is difficult to articulate the moment when tomatoes, lettuce or carrots are handed over -- genuine giving. If you are interested in gardening to help people who are HIV positive (and their family), give Selly (volunteer coordinator) or myself a call at the office (345-1516). reACT-Believe Insert 1 �A Word or Two from the Health Promoter Con’t. (Charlene Burford) Qualifier: The information presented is not necessarily the opinions of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, rather, the article is meant to inform and provoke thought of it's readers. As I was preparing to write this article, I visited many websites related to alternate health and medical practises. I have come to the conclusion that there are a bazillion sites! Y'all are welcome to forward me the names of reputable “health” related Internet sites that I can use and pass on to the readers. The flu, the common cold, allergies – these ailments have smacked people of our region. I’m guessing many were given antibiotic or other prescriptions to help them get through or overcome the illness. This got me thinking about western medicine and how quick some doctors are to prescribe a pill or liquid to "get rid of" sniffles, congestion, abdominal discomfort and lethargy. This is not an attack on medical doctors, just my inquisitive nature at work. A health article entitled: "Doctors: Strep bacteria suddenly resisting common antibiotic" caught my attention (website: canada.com/health/fromthewires - Apr 18, '02 by Linda A. Johnson). Rather than quoting the majority of the article, you can cruise to the site using your own, a friend's or a library computer. In a nutshell, the article referred to an outbreak in the U.S. of antibiotic-resistant strep throat. It concerned doctors because "Until now, antibiotics have easily killed group A streptococcus, the bacteria that cause strep throat and life-threatening septic infections, so doctors at the hospital were startled by its sudden, widespread resistance to widely used erythromycin. The drug is commonly given to people allergic to penicillin." In her article, Johnson went on to state how there has been an increase of resistance to other forms of antibiotics due to heartier strep bacteria. "Doctors have long warned that overuse of antibiotics is making some germs immune." For years, the medical field has known about "drug resistant "superbugs", bacteria that defy all known antibiotics… Bacteria are very smart--they learn to develop resistance" (website: all-natural.com/news). I wonder how many of us common folk may have missed this antibiotic vs. superbug concern. Yes, it has appeared in the media, but it is easy to brush off the information presented claiming rare cases or geographically too far away to be a threat. As stated in the articles I read, there is no safety in distance since we have a very mobile society (i.e. Africa one day, Canada the next -- basically sharing the recycled breathing space of many countries). The medical profession has taken steps to reduce antibiotic resistance by imposing regulations limiting the use of extra strong antibiotics (i.e. macrolide, Finland 1990) to ensure it is effective when absolutely needed. In 1998, U.S. researchers were looking for a more effective antibiotic -- one that doesn't kill off your helpful bacteria before attacking the harmful bacteria --I am uncertain of the progress. Alternative or complementary health approaches have also been incorporated into some medical doctor's practise. So you see, I am not suggesting people suddenly quit taking the antibiotics prescribed by their doctors, just be informed and seek out what you don't know. Ask your doctor, talk to your friends, search the Internet, stop in at health food or nutritional supplement stores, visit the library and believe you are worth protecting. reACT-Believe 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 1 - Spring 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/17/2703/2002_reACT-Believe_vol15no2.pdf 10d0c2c01a9e2ac044ec7dc4be58dc0b PDF Text Text Re-ACT Believe Volume 15 Issue 2 AIDS THUNDER BAY is Part Of The Answer Summer 2002 In late May, 1999, at a Board and Staff retreat, the idea came forward that ACTB needed a fresh look. It was suggested that we consider changing our logo. This simple suggestion launched what became The Image Project. It would last for the next three years and involve us in much more than a simple logo change, though that is one of the outcomes. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Fundraising News 2 Fundraising continued 3 Education Update 4 Education continued 5 The Extra Mile—News from the Volunteer Department 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, the next issue will be your last hard copy of our newsletter. Please call or email us your address, send it to: actb@tbaytel.net The Image Project engaged partners in community research to find out what people in Thunder Bay knew about HIV/AIDS and about us. Those partners were Lakehead University, a research investigator from The CLEAR Unit at McMaster University in Hamilton, and McEachern Marketing. Together with a small army of volunteers, broad surveying was done of people living in Thunder Bay. The results showed us that, in general, people had correct information about the “basics” of HIV/AIDS, how it was transmitted and ways to prevent getting it. However, they were less aware of our agency and what we do. This information was provided in a report to our members at our Annual General Meeting in November, 2001. We then set out to improve on our image. We know we are an important source for HIV/AIDS information and services—and we wanted others to recognize that. We struck a small committee to develop possible names and suggestions for images that would make us easier to identify and remember. Options for names and possible logos were developed by McEachern Marketing and another round of consultations began. This process involved meetings of staff, our board, focus-group sessions with partners and other local health care professionals as well as two meetings “AIDS continues to pose with clients. These results were reported to our complex questions to our board of directors who made the final approval. community. AIDS The results you see on this newsletter. Thunder Bay is part of the answer.” Michael Sobota We wanted a name that was simple, clean easy to Executive Director understand and to find in the phone book. Though HIV is causal to AIDS, we knew that people identify AIDS as the term for what has become a global epidemic. We wanted the red ribbon to be part of our logo. The red ribbon has become the most immediately recognizable symbol in the struggle against AIDS. We chose AIDS Thunder Bay with an active red ribbon as our visual identity to lead us into the future in this work. We thank all of you who helped us during the past three years. We promise you more and better communications in the coming months to further assist you in knowing who we are and what we offer. AIDS continues to present complex questions to our community. AIDS Thunder Bay is part of the answer. �FUN-raising Events Cash Register Receipts We’ve had an incredible response to this new project. With your help we have collected close to $28,000 worth of receipts. Some of our members have placed envelopes at their workstations and are getting their co-workers to collect. This project runs with the calendar year so there is still time to collect more receipts. Just a reminder, the collection box is in our office lobby. Annual Silent Auction August to December Come & Get Lei-d! Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s time to stop having fun! Friday the 13th is our night at the Voo-Doo Lounge and the first 50 people in the door get leis! It’s a beach party! Get Wild & Funky… Dress in your summer duds one last time! Now’s your chance to show off that hard-earned tan as part of the Best Tan Contest. The winner will receive a rainbow beach towel! Runner-ups will get rainbow leis. There will also be other fun draws throughout the night. Friday, September 13th, 8:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. Voodoo Lounge, 24 South Cumberland Street Cover Charge $3.00 At the Annual General Meeting in November it has become a tradition to hold a silent auction raising funds for the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. It has proven to be a great success each year with our attendees purchasing items for holiday gifts. Each year we receive a number of unique and wonderful donations that have included leather stockings, new books, pictures, prints, and movies! If you would like to donate something for the auction, please call Crystal at 345-1516 or drop it off at the office. Bowling Anyone? One strike! Two strikes! Three strikes in a row!! WOW! ...and you get a TURKEY?? That’s right! Now’s the time to begin thinking about our up-coming bowling tournament! We are thinking of planning a tournament in the new year and would love to hear from all of you. So, start practicing your stances and get those bowling balls all shined up, because there’s a turkey waiting for you! If you are interested in taking part in this fun-filled event or receiving information please call Crystal at 345-1516 or drop us a line at actb@tbaytel.net. Remember, the more people that sign up the betterRthe event! E - AC T B E L I E V E Page 2 R E - AC T B E L I E V E �Page 3 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2 The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay has partnered with the Centre for Addictions & Mental Health and the Canadian Mental Health Association to create the first ever Visions & Light Film Festival. Held over October 4-6, 2002 the festival aims to Educate, Enlighten and Entertain about Mental Health, Addiction and HIV/AIDS, through the shared experience of provocative and celebratory films. For further Information about the Festival please call Margaret Frenette at 345-8110. IRIS (drama, Great Britain). An English philosopher and novelist struggles to cope with a hunger for experience. Embarking on numerous affairs with men and women, young Iris must cope with her elder’s Alzheimer’s Disease. (Kate Winslet, Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent) REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (drama, USA). The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island individuals are shattered when their addictions become stronger. At the centre is “an operatic performance by Ellen Burstyn” (Liam Lacey, The Globe and Mail). PERFECT SON (drama, Canada) Two estranged brothers reach a reconciliation. Theo is a recovering drug addict and unpublished writer; his brother Ryan is a successful lawyer who is dying from AIDS. Colm Feore as Ryan is “the real strength of the movie” (Liam Lacey, The Globe and Mail). BEST IN SHOW (comedy, USA). The “tonic” for festivalgoers who may be wanting something light after emerging from troubling themes, this film recounts the story of a few eccentric dog-owners preparing their precious pure-bred pooches for a big show. (Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy) Ticket Prices: Gen. Admission - $7 NOSFA Members - $5 Four Pack - $15 Gold Passes - $30 Gala Reception - $10 (includes admission to IRIS) * Films among the ten to be screened are subject to availability Watch the Chronicle Journal for the festival guide and up-dates about the web site! AIDS Walk Sunday, September 22, 2002 Lakehead University, The Outpost (A reminder to use the Balmoral Street Entrance) Check-In: 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m Walk Starts: 2:00 p.m. Open Community Rhythm Circle by Sean Jesseau 12:30 pm - 1:30 p.m. 1st Prize: Trip for two on WestJet Airlines 2nd Prize: Hot tub rental - Hot Tub Express 3rd Prize: Gift package - Wabakimi Wild Waters Top Team: 2 hour Cruise for 12 with Sailing Thunder Bay Register Today! www.aidswalkcanada.org Call 345-1516 Special thanks to local sponsors: Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, Janzen’s Pharmacy, The Royal Bank , & WestJet Airlines. Media sponsors: The Chronicle Journal & Thunder Bay Post �EDUCATION UPDATE David Belrose - Education Coordinator Smart Choices Outreach Project and Evaluation (SCOPE) A new prevention project is underway at AIDS Thunder Bay. SCOPE is a three-year prevention project that will build on our previous outreach projects (Targeted Prevention Initiative and Substance Use Outreach Project). The project will target substance using men and women, primarily heterosexual, with a focus on marginalized populations (persons at risk). Based on our evaluation of the previous work, the project will incorporate peer outreach, a performance art outreach element, and a social marketing campaign. This project is funded by the AIDS Community Action Program, Health Canada for the three year period. We welcome Denise Olson as the SCOPE Outreach Worker who will coordinate the project. Denise has experience with a variety of community projects in Northwestern Ontario, and we look forward to her involvement with this project. What are the activities this project will undertake? A major component of this project will be the use of peers to conduct outreach in the community. By including a strong training element with the help of community partners, and recruiting new peers on an annual basis, we will develop a network of knowledgeable peers in the community. The performance art component is subject to modification annually, and may include production and presentation of a short video, development and presentation of a short theatre piece, or other elements based on consultations with the affected populations. The social marketing component will be developed in concert with our Injection Drug Use Outreach campaigns and may include transit ads, posters, bus shelter ads, radio ads, and other elements as appropriate. SCOPE NEWS From Denise Olson Thank you staff and volunteers for your patience and support during my first weeks as SCOPE coordinator. Indeed I feel very fortunate to work alongside such inspired and inspiring individuals. IRIS the Virus Our peer outreach group will soon be visiting local bars and is presently Condom developing two characters, Iris the HIV Virus & Condom Man, our very Man own super hero. I am thrilled to announce that I will be working with the second year film students at Confederation College on a video for the SCOPE program. Professor Dennis Austin states that this group of students is especially bright and innovative. This will be a wonderful journey with much fun and excitement. The SCOPE project will evolve and take shape and I am sure transform along the way, we may ruffle a few feathers, but then we will know we have caught someone’s attention. 11th Northwestern Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference October 17th & 18th, 2002, Victoria Inn, Thunder Bay. Registration: $40.00 Fees waived for people living with HIV/AIDS. Registration Deadline: September 20th, 2002. For more information, please contact Daina Maslach, Counselling Conference Co-ordinator, at 345-1516. Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, AIDS Bureau. Page 4 R E - AC T B E L I E V E �Page 5 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2 CCORA Re-energized, Ready for Fall Advocacy Steering Committee Plans Upcoming Activities The Canadian Coalition of Organizations Responding to AIDS (CCORA) has re-launched its advocacy campaign to urge the government to substantially increase funding for the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (CSHA). This will remain the singular goal of CCORA’s efforts, until the federal government responds in an appropriate way to Canadians living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. CCORA’s new Steering Committee met in Toronto on Friday, August 9th to plan advocacy activities for the upcoming months. The outcome of the meeting was a five-month time line of activities that marks major events such as AIDS Walk Canada and AIDS Awareness Week, but also incorporates possible scenarios, such as a Fall mini-budget from the federal government. Advocacy around the Romanow Commission Final Report, the results of two upcoming studies and a meeting between the Health Minister and representatives from the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS), is also planned. Drawing from the strong mandate provided by its members at the Annual General Meeting held in Ottawa in late June, CAS has moved forward as the Secretariat for CCORA by initiating and hosting the first meeting of the volunteer Steering Committee. This committee was developed after a call for volunteers was extended to all CCORA members. It will be responsible for planning advocacy activities and holding monthly teleconferences to evaluate the progress made. CAS will work closely with the Steering Committee and all other interested CCORA members to ensure that the government is hearing the message that current funding for HIV/AIDS is both inadequate and inappropriate. CCORA’s plan of action combines activities lead by CAS staff with ones that must be undertaken by the entire membership to have maximum impact. For example, the CSHA will be the primary focus of CAS’ message to Minister of Health, Anne McLellan when Board and staff representatives meet with her in September. However, the efforts of all CCORA members are needed to collect signatures on the Petition to Double the Strategy and meet with Members of Parliament. CCORA continues to be a collaborative effort on the part of a diverse number of HIV/AIDS stakeholders across the country. While different organizations can participate in a variety of ways, relative to their own time and resources, it is important the CCORA is as broad a coalition as possible, so that the government can see what a powerful constituency is represented. Please consider adding your organization’s name to the more than fifty groups demanding a better response from the government in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Contact Liz Scanlon, at lizs@cdnaids.ca for more information. A few parting words: Well, I just can’t leave the AIDS Committee, now AIDS Thunder Bay, without saying a few things. Foremost, I thank all of you who have been in my sphere for the last 12 plus years, for each of you has been important and meaningful. You have taught me so much that I’m ready to take on a bigger chunk of life. I take each of you in my heart with an enriched wisdom about life and relationships. The pictures and mementos that I have collected over the years will be carefully preserved in my photo album and shoe box so I can browse through them in those dreamy moments when I need a heart fix. When I began with ACT-B, I had no idea of the depth of learning and richness that was to come. Personally and professionally there have been many changes working within the HIV/AIDS community, locally and in a broader context. I am hoping for more positive changes in care and treatment of people who are living with this disease. As a society, there is still a long way to go to get rid of the stigmas and prejudice still prevalent two decades after AIDS emerged in North America. Life is precious, relationships are precious. Make each moment, each day count. I believe we are measured by our own actions. So, live life to the fullest with integrity and respect for yourselves and others. Thank you for the “opportunity”. I come from the city with a giant heart—I take that with me everywhere I journey. Be well —– Sheila �The Extra Mile News from the Volunteer Department Selly Pajamaki, Volunteer Coordinator Here’s what’s happening in the coming months: *AIDS Walk—Sept 22 *Opening Doors Conference—Oct 1718 *Visions & Lights Film Festival—Oct 4-6 *Tag Day—Nov 16 *AIDS Awareness Week—Nov 24-30 *World AIDS Day/ Seattle Coffee Day— Dec 1 If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please call Selly at 345-1516. Thank you to all our volunteers! Page 6 Volunteer Activities It’s been a very busy summer with 2 Yard Sales, a Tag Day, a display at Summer in the Parks, a Car Wash, preparation for the upcoming AIDS Walk, the Bingo Volunteers Appreciation Event, Volunteer Orientation & AIDS 101, a drivers’ meeting, and all the regular volunteer happenings at AIDS Thunder Bay. This busyness will continue on into the fall with the AIDS Walk, the Visions & Lights Film Festival, the Opening Doors Counselling Conference, another Tag Day, the Annual General Meeting, AIDS Awareness Week and World AIDS Day. There will be volunteering opportunities as part of all of these events. If you’re interested in any, or all, of them, call Selly at 345-1516. Our second Yard Sale of the summer was another great success in spite of (or perhaps partly because of) the rain and windy conditions that day. Thank you to all our volunteers for helping to make this event fun and successful, we really appreciate your participation. We have openings for volunteers to staff our reception desk. This position is very important! 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, don’t worry. 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 volunteers at bingo, some shifts are only 2 1/2 hours. Bingos are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month beginning at 5 p.m. You can sign up for a regular shift or only work an occasional bingo. If you’d like to join a fun-loving group of people, give Selly a call . R E - AC T B E L I E V E �VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2 Page 7 Here and There... It’s Membership Time Again reACT-Believe Newsletter Is your membership up-to-date? This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in November. In order for you to vote at the meeting, your membership must be in good standing. Your application for membership has to be approved by the Board of Directors 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Therefore, you must become a member by the end of September to be eligible to vote. If you would like to become a member or renew your membership, please fill out the attached form and mail or fax it back to: AIDS Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Phone #: 345-1516 Fax #: 345-2505 In order to cut production and mailing costs, we are now posting our newsletter online. It is in Adobe PDF format so it can be read online or printed out in hard copy. 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 Or, bring your completed form into the office at 217 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario About Anonymous HIV Testing in Thunder Bay Call 625-5981 or 624-2000 Name: ____________________________________ About Regular HIV Testing Call the Sexual Health Clinics 625-5976 or 624-2000 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 _____ Basic membership $10.00 Supporting membership $25.00 I would also like to donate $_____ The opinions and medical information offered by “reACT-Believe” are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff and Board of Directors of AIDS Thunder Bay. Medical information offered should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments or concerns to: reACT-Believe P.O. Box 24025 RPO Downtown North Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A9 Or, e-mail us at: actb@tbaytel.net 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 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 Attention all clients, volunteers and visitors to the AIDS Thunder Bay office. We are a ‘scentfree’ 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. �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 #2 Who can get HIV or AIDS? Anyone who has unprotected sex or shares needles could become infected with HIV. If you think that HIV/AIDS only affects gay men or injection drug users, you’re wrong. You are not protected from HIV because you are straight, or young, or a woman, or living in a rural area. You don’t get HIV or AIDS because of who you are, or where you live. It is what you do. The three main ways you can contract HIV and AIDS are: 1. Having unprotected sex (especially having vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom). 2. Sharing needles or other drug equipment. 3. Receiving the virus as a baby. If a pregnant woman has HIV, her baby can get the virus during pregnancy, delivery, or breast feeding. In 1997, heterosexual sexual activity accounted for more than 20% of reported HIV-positive tests in Canada. Globally, heterosexual activity accounts for 75% of HIV infections. In Canada, 23% of all new HIV infections in 1996 were among women. Worldwide, 41% of all new HIV infections were among women. Young people in Canada are also increasingly being infected by HIV/AIDS. And HIV and AIDS are not just big-city problems. Many Canadians move back and forth between the city and the country to get jobs or go to school. Today, AIDS and HIV infection are found in every part of Canada. Anyone, anywhere who has unprotected sex or shares needles can become infected with HIV and develop 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 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 Sheila Berry Stuart Boland Joanne Books Charlene Burford Lawrence Korhonen Daina Maslach Denise Olson Selly Pajamaki Crystal Porteous Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator IDU Outreach Worker Counselling Conference Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Administration 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 Page 8 R E - AC T B E L I E V E �A Word or Two … from the Health Promoter The Community Garden produce will continue to be distributed to clients. Unfortunately we planted just before the great rains of June and have now come to the conclusion that perhaps many of our seeds were washed away with the downpour. Lettuce and a few beets have been distributed to clients as of this writing. I would love to take credit for the garden's success; however, I've been very busy with office work and found very little time to play in the dirt. Dedicated volunteers, Heather Graham and her daughter, are the only reason we were able to provide fresh vegetables to people. Thank you beyond words. Mother's Cupboard Committee did not meet during the summer months. We will resume our one-hour bi-monthly meeting in September (10th at 12:00). Our shelves are rather bare currently. We need to find more effective ways of generating non-perishable food donations. Mother's Cupboard relies heavily on the generosity of the Thunder Bay community. At this point, there are three local churches that donate on a regular basis; without them, we would not have food to offer our clients and their families. I would like to acknowledge and send a huge thank you to Current River United, St. John's Anglican and First Presbyterian churches. Lakeview Presbyterian, Wesley United and First Church United have also given food from the heart. Various groups, organizations and individuals have supported Mother's Cupboard throughout the year; all is appreciated. If you would like to donate a can or box of something but not sure what we may need, give me a call or stop in at the office where you can pick-up a list of suggestions at the reception desk. If you have a spare lunch-hour and are interested in helping oversee the emergency food bank (Mother's Cupboard), contact Charlene. • • Things that make me go hmmmm… • Does your favourite colour really say something about your personality and outlook on life? • Why do we humans have such a hard time applying the advice / wisdom we give others to ourselves (re: healthy mind, body, spirit)? • (Borrowed from a co-worker) Is it the mind or body that dictates complacency? Same question applied to fatigue. Is it possible to be enchanted many times throughout an ordinary day? When's the last time you looked at a moment from the perspective? Why don't more people call others on their negativity and prejudices? Charlene Burford reACT-Believe Insert 1 �Two Strong Women — Transitions Sheila Berry came to our agency in the summer of 1990. She left a successful career in the business world to become our third Volunteer Coordinator. When Sheila came to us, she brought a vast network of connections into the community — and she used those connections over the next few years to expand and strengthen our volunteer base. After preparing herself through advanced education and on-the-job experience, in 1994 Sheila became our Support Services Coordinator. It was a position that had high turnover. Sheila brought stability and maturity to the department. She built internal procedures, assisted in hiring qualified and diverse Support staff and expanded services. Over her 8-year leadership, she built the department into one of the strongest of any AIDS service organization in the province. During Sheila’s 12-year history with us, she also helped develop and build the agency. She made significant and generous contributions to our annual fundraising efforts — purchasing art at our early Art Auctions, fielding a team (the Hungry Coyotes) for our annual AIDS Walk, performing in our Healthy Sex Cabarets. Throughout her time with us, she remained focused on service to our clients. She readily embraced the shifting demographics of the epidemic, as HIV shifted largely into being a heterosexual, drug-influenced disease in our region. She grew, expanded and blossomed as a person, entering new relationships and expanding and deepening her circle of friendships. For all of this and more, we salute Sheila and wish her the very best as she moves into new areas of adventure and excitement in her life. Gail Linklater becomes our new Support Services Coordinator on September 3, 2002. While new in the position, Gail is not new to our agency. Gail came to us as a volunteer when Sheila was our Volunteer Coordinator. Gail made significant contributions in committee work, including help in shaping our Emergency Financial Assistance program. She was elected to our Board of Directors where she served for six years — two of those as Board President. Her decision to return to school and new professional work took Gail away from our Board, but she shifted her skills to our Advisory Council where she has remained to the present time. In addition to her involvement with HIV/AIDS, Gail brings to our agency her accumulated skills as a teacher, leadership at Bereaved Families of Ontario, and her most recent experience as Program Coordinator/Program Manager at Crossroad’s Women’s Residence. Fare thee well — and welcome. HEPATITIS C — IT’S SERIOUS. YOU CAN HAVE IT AND NOT KNOW IT. Get the facts. For more information, visit www.healthcanada.ca/hepc reACT-Believe 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 2 - Summer 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/17/2704/2002_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/2716/Vol2Issue2Cover.png 092b73259209f34e627fc1fe3b64ad96 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 2 Issue 2 - Cover Only Description An account of the resource Image of the cover only of reACT-Believe Vol 2 Issue 2 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 1989 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2659/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no1.pdf ba88dd41493ec94b63028068083f8734 PDF Text Text ���������������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2659/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no1_2.pdf 015cded92b29195c84ec8dcc37d126ca PDF Text Text vfeACT-B elie ve Summer 1989 SUNTOON SS S'ON, I THINK VOUlRI: OLD ENOUGH To HEAR FACTS OF LIFE" The A IDS C ommittee of T hunder B ay NEWSLETTER VolIUssuel �I PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcome, at last, to a new issue of support and in education outreach the ACT-B newsletter As a result of this new funding, happened around A lot has here in the the work being done by months since the last issue. A lot SergeTittley,our former Education of into Officer / Volunteer Coordinator, providing direct support for people will now be done by two people affected bu Linda our energy gone has gone AIDS, and we have through some massive Gambee, our Volunteer Coordinator/ Fundraiser, will be changes in the organization itself joined in September by After a period of planning and Education Coordinator. Thanks to reorganization, the agency is now the Trillium Foundation, we have poised also acquired a Plymouth Grand visible to become and much active more in the Voyager SE van been community. further a new The agency has bolstered by the addition of three contract staff people under a CEIC Section 25 CHANGES AT ACT-B grant. The appearance of this newsletter is a sign of the new vitality at I want to pay tribute as well to the ACT-B, and there are many other two factors involved as well Recently, Michael we have received confirmation of Korhonen After a year and half of funding sources, trying conditions, salaries have including the Ontario Ministry of been upgraded to reasonable levels Health and the Trillium Foundation and Lawrence has gone from part This funding has given us a solid to full time. I want to thank both of base to work on for the coming them for hanging in through the year, and will allow us to greatly lean times. expand thanks from our several services, both in original staff Sobota must and members, Lawrence One final note of go out to our �volunteers (and I include our board services we can provide, from of directors), are the support agency, and assistance, to help with dealing without whom our work would not with the maze of healthcare and be possible governmental agencies. backbone of who this I hope that you will groups, to direct stay with us as we move into a new season, as your help is now The second essential component of more necessary than ever. Thank our you all. prevention work is and We must focus efforts in areas THE FUTURE education our such as the gay community, native communities, youth, and IV drug users This is All of the changes i have outlined work we must do if we are to be above mean nothing if they do not true relate to the work that this agency community agency. to our mandate as a is here for As we move into this new phase of our existence, we This is an exciting and challenging have time for the AIDS Committee of new challenges and opportunities ahead of us. The need Thunder for persons vitality, and a great deal of work AIDS, their lovers, to do Let us join together now in a direct living with service to families, and friends, can only spirit Bay. of We have a dedication new and grow. We need to improve our cooperation, and do everything we outreach in this area, and make can in this struggle. everyone aware of the confidential HELP WANTED We need a few individuals on the Board of Directors. This would involve a commitment of several hours a month for meetings, a willingness to assist in fundraising and a desire to help ACT-B fulfill its mandate as a service organization. If you are interested, please contact David Belrose at 345-1516 ■ �5K Fun Run Saturday, October 21 at 10 am at Boulevard Lake With each $10 registration, each runner receives an AIDS Awareness Week T-shirt and a button. Call 345-1516 to register or pick up a form at your local sports shop. To all kids & teens from grades 5 to 13! You have an opportunity to participate in the annual AAW Poster Production Ask your teacher or principal for the contest rules in mid-September - Chosen posters will be on display during the AAW display at Intercity Mall. - Two of the best posters will be displayed at Mini Queens Park in Toronto as a part of World Aids Day, December 1, 1989. I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it! Would you like to draw a comic, a picture, cut out a cartoon, write a poem, tidbit or an article? Please feel free to contact the Editor at 345-1516. All ideas and submissions will be considered CALL NOW! Copy Deadline for the fall issue of ReACT-Believe is September 11, 1989 �TIDBITS... Its time to clean out all that old'stuff We’re looking for donations for our fall yard sale If you have articles to do nate pi ease cal 1 Li nda at 3 45 -1516 Just a reminder - Our office will be closed Monday, September 4. ACT-B now has an agency vehicle, through the generous assistance of the Trillium Foundation The van will be used for client transport assistance as well as travelling into the district for the Educational Outreach Program Did You know7 A marketer of condoms in Philadelphia got himself into trouble with the law. He started selling a line of condoms under the name Sergio Prevente The lawyers for the makers of Sergio Yalente clothes were not amused They protested and a US federal judge agreed with them. The ACT-B Staff Vicki Birch.................. Linda Gambee ........... Administrative Assistant Volunteer /Fundraising Coordinator Lawrence Korhonen ...... Office Manager Darcia Kohuska.............. Education Coordinator Donna Manson................ Project Coordinator Eileen Parker.................. Communications Coordinator Michael Sobota Executive Director ............ The ACT-B Board of Directors. David Belrose........... President Deb White..................... Vice-President Michael Chan.............. Treasurer Dr. Frederick R. Ball... Secretary Carl Gray.................. Director Betty Kruzick............... Director Karen Maki............... Director Chris Morden................. Director Marie J.K Portier ... Director Barbara Reid.................. Director �THE PLANS ARE UNDERWA Y> AIDS AWARENESS WEEK will be October 16-22, 1989 AIDS: OUR CHALLENGE is this year's theme for AAV. We'll be looking forward to some informative, touching and downright hilarious events. Here are some highlights. AAW Displays - Come and see 5K Fun Run ACT-B at Intercity Mall - To be held on Saturday, October 21 With registration, each runner receives an AAV T-shirt, a button and loads of fun1 Tree Planting Ceremony - A tree will be planted in memory of those who have died from AIDS and those who are living with AIDS Local dignitaries and community groups will be present. Dr. John Fernandes - He will be giving a noon-hour talk on Women & AIDS at the P.A G H. All hospital staff are welcome to attend Poster Production - All students, grades 5 to 13 are invited to participate in the AAV Poster Production Details are available through teachers and principals or by calling 345-1516 AAW Keynote Event - Noted AIDS speakers will be on hand at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. While you're there, see the AIDS Visual Display Candlelight Vigil - A silent walk will be taken Thursday, October 19 in memory of those who have died of AIDS. Healthy Sex Cabaret - Friday, October 20 - an evening of skits and entertainment. Refreshments and "condomints" will be served For more info call 345-1516 WARNING: Coarse language. Adult humour Veil keep you posted on AAW in our Fall issue of ReACT-Believe �FUNDRAISING -for Fundraising is an important event Orientation Week. at - for our newsletter ACT-B. events Funds raised are programs community what to the from Con College and L.U. enhances our - for the speakers bureau clients and - for our committees, Fundraising, It also bolsters our Education, AIDSupport plus many, many more on-going support fund for clients activities Ve are always looking for those who wish to give any amount of Friends and family members are time towards fundraising or sitting more than welcome to participate on the fundraising committee, (this Some of the above events do not committee is not only a working require you to have gone through committee but we have a lot of fun the Volunteer Training Program. as well). For all who have given your time Over the next few years we will to us at ACT-B - Thank You! be facing a major challenge to fulfill our fundraising commitment Hope you have had an enjoyable I know that we will be able to summer up to now and continue to achieve it with the help of our do so. excellent "appreci-mc" m this newsletter volunteers Your suggestions for fundraising ideas Look for details of our and hope to see you there andevents are greatly appreciated If you have an idea, please jot it VOLUNTEER TRAINING 89 down and mail it in, or pick up the Interested in phone and give me a call. ACT-B7 Friends members are Every idea is valuable! participate. VOL UNTEERS - HEL P WANTED is being volunteering and for family welcome to A volunteer program scheduled for early Due to an increase in Education and October Fundraising projects starting in volunteers and for those wanting a September, we require many more refresher. Please call 345-1516. for prospective volunteers: - for bingos - for AIDS Awareness Week Linda Gambee Volunteer/Fundraising Coordinator �YOUARENOT Earlier this year the Canadian AIDS Society issued the first national standardized SAFER SEX GUIDELINES The guidelines have thrown 3 fresh spotlight on the whole matter of sex in our time Our agency supports the basic stance of the Guidelines: affirming sexuality and health. These twin affirmations are vital to how we respond to AIDS in our personal lives. As the understanding about AIDS in Thunder Bay increases, more individuals - particularly some gay men - are reacting with fear, numbness and even depression I've heard this response lrom 3 number of men who have said they are too afraid now to have 3ex Thi3 is an echo of Penelope Gilliat's line about relationships in Sunday Bloody Sunday that "there are times when nothing is better than something". Certainly, this is not 3ne3sy time for us to affirm sexuality 3nd health Given thi3 apprehensive atmosphere, embracing celibacy is a signal of a lack of will, of trying to find the short term, easy way out of responsible change Many of us have taken a long time to develop our sexuality 3nd become comfortable expressing it Gay men who 3re comfortable with themselves achieved this in an atmosphere of little support and no public dialogue Now our sexuality is being discussed practically everywhere And in that new. harsh spotlight, some men �ALONE are chosing to abandon their sexuality to the "safety" of celibacy That is a choice lraught with dangers to one de&ree or another Most adults 3re actively sexual Dampening the sexual drive by "shutting off the tap" may simply build up a backlog of pressure And when the pressure must naturally be released, it is likely to burst out in "out of practice" and unsafe ways The Canadian AIDS Society Safer Sex Guidelines 3re written to help us with these difficult choices If we choose to affirm our sexuality and our health we are bound to get involved in some areas of ri3k The Guidelines are an effective tool to guide us through the decisions about risk They are strongly framed in a context of positive sexuality They are 3imed 3t helping us regain a sense of power over this vital element in our lives, rather than being defeated by the notion of sex connected to disease connected to death ACT-B has begun professional inservice sessions to help others understand the Guidelines and give the information they contain as wide a distribution 33 possible. You are not alone. They 3nd we are here to help �ACT-B CALENDAR August IS Support Circle meeting, a peer support group for families, friends, lovers and others 7 30 pm August 26 Education Meeting & Barbeque 6:00 pm at Marilyn Salmi’s, 140 Glengarry Drive All interested persons are welcome August29 BINGO' 5 30 - 10 00, Diamond Bingo Hall August30 Support Circle meeting - 7 30 p m September 3 ACT-B Picnic All ACT-B Volunteers, Board members, members, staff, families and friends are invited to Evergreen Park at Boulevard Lake There will be lots of food, races, prizes and fun' Please R S V P Linda A.S.A.P September 5 Come and visit the ACT-B Info booth at L.U. Orientation Week and at Confederation College Orientation Week. See you there! September 13 Support Circle meeting - 7.30 p.m. September 26 BINGO1 5:30 - 10:00, Diamond Bingo Hall September 27 Support Circle meeting - 7 30 p m. October / / Board Meeting �VARDSALE1 Our annual ACT-B Yard Sale is coming soon. Check the Chronicle and your local cable channel for details in September. KESKUS BA2MR Look for the ACT-B table with bake sale items, bedroses and information TREATMENT UPDATE The latest treatment information is available at the ACT-B Resource Centre LI brary Here are a few highlights: Healing AIDS Naturally A very objective review of the alternative treatments for Al DS Treatment Update A monthly report published by AIDS ACTION NOW Psgchoimmunity and the Healing Process A Holistic Approach to Immunity & AIDS AIDS Treatment News The fact filled bi-weekly newsletter from John James, San Francisco, CA AIDS Update A regular column in XTRA* �BACKGROUND The seeds of growth for the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay were planted by a few local individuals who were concerned with thespred of the AIDS virus and the issues surround!nq this new and deadly health threat. 1986 The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay was born. In July, a representative attended the first meeting of what later became the Ontario AIDS Network. In November, the first public forum on AIDS was held at the Waverley Resource Library Also that year, two delegates from ACT-B attended the Second National Conference on AIDS in Toronto 1987 ACT-B was incorporated in October of 1987 and became a registered non-profit organization (Chanty # 0779330-11) The city’s first AIDS Awareness Week was launched in October of 1987, coordinated by ACT-B. In December, after application to the Ontario Ministry of Health, funding was received to hire staff, establish an office and phonelines Present Day ACT-B is now a growing organization consisting of a Board of Directors, Volunteers, members and seven staff members �The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay now provides a wide range of services■ speakers for educational presentations ■ a Resource Library ■ confidential one-on-one counselling ■ in-service sessions for professional groups ■ support groups for person with AIDS, friends, family, lovers and others ACT-B is a member of the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society/La Societe Canadienne du 51 DA STAFF PROFILE We have been successful in acquiring three new staff through a C E.l C. Job Creation program, Section 25 They will be working on the following projects ■ AIDS Awareness Week ■ An expanded newsletter ■ Inventory and promotion of the Resource Library ■ New publications promoting Healthy Sex and AIDS Awareness I would like to introduce to you .. Vicki Birch, our Administrative Assistant, Donna Manson, the Project Coordinator, and Eileen Parker, the Communications Coordinator. Drop by the office some time and meet them �FIFTY WA YS TO USE A RUBBER The problem's all inside your head, I say to you, The answer's easy if you know just what to do. Just watch me once now then, and you can do it too There must be fifty ways to use a rubber, But there's onl y ONE way to put it on your lover Just push back the rim, Jim, Don't use your teeth, Keith, When you open the pack, Jack, Set the rubber free First you put in the gel, Mel, Not Vaseline, Gene, It'll eat right through, Lou, That just won't do. Put it on the head, Fred, Then you pinch the end, Friend, Roll it down slow, Joe, Now give it to me. Just after you've come, Chum, while it's still hard, Gerrard, Hold the rubber at the base, Ace Pull it out of me From an unknown source Thank You Slip it off your dick, Rick, And throw it away, Jay, Don't use it again, Ben, Now get close to me. So was that good for you7 That sure was good for me See I told you so, It came quite naturally. Kiss me once again, I'm sure you will agree, The night's still young, There's more to come, My safe sex lover But well have to use a brand new rubber Just push back the rim, Jim, Don't use your teeth, Keith, When you open the pack, Jack, Set the rubber free. First you put in the gel, Mel, Not Vaseline, Gene, It'll eat right through, Lou, That just won't do. Put it on the head, Fred, Then you pinch the end, Friend, Roll it down slow, Joe, Now give it to me Now give it to me �DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT AIDS? Call the AIDS INFORMATION PHONELINE at 345-SAFE. You don't have to give your name Confidentiality is guaranteed. Don't take a chancel Play it safe, call 345-7233. B o —*■ V—' o □ § [3] V *t5 ■r " For Your Information The ACT-B Resource Centre Library invites you to get the latest facts and erase myths about AIDS Through understanding we take a positive approach and realize that sexuality and health are possible and comptible Reading can heighten your awareness of this quickly spreading virus. Our reading material is up-dated weekly and you are welcome to help yourself Here are a few interesting titles The Quilt an ongoing project of sewn panels, each representing the life of some one who has died of AIDS And The Band Played On This book provides the foundation for one of the most important national debates of our time Borrowed Time A personal documentary that is a cry from the heart against this contemporary plague and against the intolerance that surrounds it Symptomology Profile A brochure from the Toronto PWA Foundation. Most people with HIV infection differ in signs and symptoms as they do lifestyles Each opportunistic infection, diagnosis and treatment is as individual as the person it is affecting. Books may bo borrowed for three weeks and videos are available for screening. Please call Vicki at the Resource Centre Library at 345-1516 �AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY � 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 2 No 1 - Summer 1989 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 1989 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. 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/17/2660/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no2.pdf 89ecfe859e4ada41fa4d0edf86961286 PDF Text Text ��������������������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2660/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no2_2.pdf ac3cbd446fd952e32492e8e6263eb38e PDF Text Text i’eACT-B elie ve Fall 1989 The A IDS C ommittee of T hunder B ay NEWSLETTER Vol II, Issue II �DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT AIDS ? call the AIDS INFORMATION PHONELINE 345-SAFE CONFIDENTIALITY ■IS GUARANTEED YOU DON'T HAVE TO -GIVE YOUR NAME DON'T TAKE A CHANCE. PLAY IT SAFE. CALL 345-7233 TODAY WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ON OUR MAILING LIST? CALL 3^5-1516 OR MAIL TO AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY P 0 BOX 3586 THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B 6E2 �A w h Our AIDS----------AWARENESS WEEK---------- r e II u c & W C C k C' h ■ I I « n f c is a province-wide event coordinated by the Ontario AIDS Network and endorsed by the Ontario Ministry of Health ACT-B, along with other local health and education agencies, is sponsoring AIDS Awareness Week in Thunder Bay ----------- Keep reading for highlights of----------------------- AIDS Awareness Week events------------ ACT-B is in the midst of designing a new logo do the A professional artist will artwork, but WE NEED SOME IDEAS! Please call' 345-1516 0 �AIDS----------AWARENESS WEEK---------is a province-wide event coordinated by the Ontario AIDS Network and endorsed by the Ontario Ministry of Health ACT-B, along with other local health and education agencies, is sponsoring AIDS Awareness Week in Thunder Bay Keep reading for highlights of AIDS Awareness Week events ACT -B is in the midst of designing a new logo do the A professional artist will artwork, but WE NEED SOME IDEAS! Please call' 345-1516 0 �YOUARENOT ALONE by Michael Sobota Two events during AIDS Awareness Week serve as central pillars to what our work is all about, the Candlelight Vigil taking place on Thursday, October 19 and the Healthy Sex r^teretheld the following Saturday. October 21. CANDLELIGHT VIGIL This is the third candlelight vigil organized by ACT-B Each event has been a quiet, moving tribute to those who have left us because of AIDS. Each event has also been a quiet appreciation for the courage of those who continue to live and work with the disease. HEALTHY SEX CABARET Our Healthy Sex Cabaret pushes courage and humour onto the stage. This event is bawdy, coarse, sensitive and healthy It is AIDS Education that is celebratory - life beyond leaflets Expect the unexpected and be warned that there will be strong language and adult situations. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Each of these two events have a couple of things in common. Both will use music to help set and enrich the atmosphere Both are motivated by a sense of celebration for life. Both, if successful, are vehicles for emotional release: tears and laughter. We invite you to join in with us this year. Exercise your courage and humour. There is a whole crowd of people who welcome you to share your grief and your laughter You are not alone. �Tidbits... Do you own the pair of beige winter boots left in the ACT-S office’ Call 345-1516. ACT-B is expecting1 Communications Eileen, our waddling Coordinator is due November 20! Volunteer Opportunities are available at ACT-B Contact Linda Gambee, Volunteer Coordinator at 345-1516 We have a new core staff member Come in and meet Darcia Kohuska, our new Education Coordinator The 80 s Joke - A person loudly asks the store clerk, "Can 1 have a box of condoms the red ones - no, the red RIBBED ones", and then Whispers," and a pack of cigarettes Just a reminder - the ACT-B office will be closed Monday, October 9, Thanksgiving Day �THE CASE FOR EARLY INTERVENTION PART 1: REVISED ACT GUIDELINES The Federal Government has revised guidelines for the use of AZT [brand name Retrovir ] The essential elements of the revised guidelines are the following: ■ AZT can now be given to persons with early ARC [A IDS Related Complex land T4 cell counts of less than 500. and persons who are asymptomatic but with T4 cell counts of less than 500 ■ Eor persons with early ARC. the recommended daily dose is 1200 mg. For asyptomatic individuals, the recommended daily dose is 500 mg ■ All doses are subject to the judgement of the treating physician Many ill persons cannot tolerate the full 1200 mg daily dose. ■ AZT is availabale now through their physician to anyone who meet these criteria WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN? In simple language, it means that AZT. even at low doses, can slow the progression of HIV infection in people with moderately low helper cells who have few or no symptoms It can also be less toxic the earlier it is initiated �This approach to treatment with AZT is one element in a broader picture that suggests that people infected with AIDS virus can benefit from early treatment is THIS NEW? Some media reported on the AZT revised guidelines as though the revolution had happened AZT was even referred to as a "new AIDS drug" The fact is. AZT has been available for treatment in Canady under certain restrictions, since 1986 Eurther, the idea of early intervention in HIV infection is. as Denny Smith writes in Issue Number 86 of AIDS Treatment News." nearly as old as the epidemic, championed by many long term survivors with HIV. by many progressive physicians, and by persistant activism of Project Inform and ACT UP" [US. AIDS activist organizations] He goes on to write "The medical establishment has historically promoted early detection and treatment in other diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension But for years preceding these recent announcements people with HIV were dismissed with false pessimism in the media and inappropriate Eederal regulations, and told to wait" That history in the United States is a mirror of the Canadian response to early intervention MORE TO COME ... In an upcoming article, we will report other reasons for early intervention - including promising new treatment possibilities �How to Love Yourself Stop all criticism thing Criticism never changes a Refuse to criticize yourself exactly as you are Accept yourself Everybody changes. When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive Don't scare yourself with your thoughts Stop terrorizing yourself It's a dreadful way to live Find a mental image that gives you pleasure (mine is yellow roses), and immediately switch your scared thought to a pleasurable thought. Be gentle,; kind and patient yourself. Be kind to yourself Be gentle with Be patient with yourself as you learn the new ways of thinking. Treat yourself as you would someone you really love Be kind to your mind hating your own thoughts Self -hatred is only Don't hate yourself for having the thoughts Gently change your thoughts. Praise yourself inner spirit. Criticism breaks down the Praise builds it up much as you can Praise yourself as Tell yourself how well you are doing with every little thing Support yourself Find ways to support yourself Reach out to friends & allow them to help you. It is being strong to ask for help when you need it �Be loving to your negati ves Acknowledge that you created them to fulfill a need Now, you are finding new, positive ways to fulfill those needs So, lovingly release the old negative patterns Take care of your body Learn about nutrition What kind of fuel does your body need to have maximum energy and vitality’ Learn about exercise What kind of exercise can you enjoy’ Cherish and revere the temple in which you live Do mirror work Look into your eyes often Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself Forgive yourself Talk to your parents looking into the mirror Forgive them too At least once a day say, " I love you, I really love you!" Love yourself Do It Now Don't wait until you are pretty enough, strong enough, lose some weight, get a new wardrobe, or whatever Begin now, and do the best you can1 by Louise L Hay ��ness Week �A CT-B Calendar October 0 Volunteer Training October 3 Volunteer Training October 11 Support Circle Meeting October 18 Board Meeting Octobers BINGO! 6 30 - 10 00, Diamond Bingo Hall October & Support Circle Meeting October 87 ACT-B Executive Committee Meeting November 8 Support Circle Meeting November 13 Education Committee Meeting Novembers Annual General Meeting All are welcome Location is to be announced Phone 345-1516 for an update November 81 Fundraising Committee Meeting November 88 Support Circle Meeting November 88 BINGO* 6:30 - 10 00, Diamond Bingo Hall �December 6 Support Circle Meeting December 11 Education Committee Meeting December 19 Eundraising Committee Meeting Decembers Board Meeting December 26 BINGO! 6 30 - 10:00. Diamond Bingo Hall How Can I Participate? Hom I b^ficibafe^ If you would like to join a committee or sit in on a meeting to learn about ACT-B, please do! just give us a call at 345-151 6 and we'll tell you when and where. I Want To Help! I io HGlbj Respond to the challenge of AIDS by becoming a member of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay VOLUNTEERS $5.00 For those who wish to volunteer time and effort. BASIC MEMBERSHIP $10 00 SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP: $25 00 For more information call 34 5“ 1516 �AIDS Awareness Week Keynote Event Tuesday, October 17, 8 00 pm at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery Entertainment provided bv the L.U. Music Dept. Refreshments will be served See the AIDS Visual Displav Limited Seating Coffee & Talk with Ann Medina & Ronald Rogers Wednesday, October 16, 9:30 a m at the Lakehead University Agora Featured Speakers. Ronald Rogers Thunder Bay Person Living With AIDS (PLWA) "Living With AIDS" Ann Medina Broadcaster /journalist "AIDS & the Media" �TheACT-BStaff Vicki Birch______ _ Linda G&mbee____ Darcia Kohuska___ Lawrence Korhonen Donna Manson____ Eileen Parker_____ Michael Sobota___ ________ Administrative Assistant Volunteer/Fundraising Coordinator ___________ Education Coordinator _______________Office Manager _____________ Project Coordinator ____ Communications Coordinator _____________ Executive Director The ACT-B Board ofDirectors David Belrose - President Michael Chan _ Treasurer Carl Gray______Director Karen Mato____ Director Mane J K Portier_Director Barbara Reid___ Director Deb White____ _ Vice-President Dr Frederick R Ball-Secretary Betty Kruzick________ Director Chris Morden________ Director Norma Proctor_______ Director Kelly Sherlock_______ Director StaffProfile Darcia Kohuska is our new Education Coordinator As head of ACT-B's Speaker's Bureau, she will coordinate educational presentations at many venues in the community She will also develop a regional outreach program bringing AIDS education to small communities m Northwestern Ontario monitoring and updating the AIDS Darcia will be Information Phonelme and Resource Centre Library, as well as developing educational materials for the community �t V You Volunteers! —— \ APPRECIATION ACT-B is proud of all the support given to one of our clients, by assisting his carepartner and family in making life easier for him This was a first for ACT-Bs volunteers for providing home care and hospital visitation so extensively. On behalf of ACT-B - a very warm ’Thank-You!' to all the volunteers who so graciously and selflessly spent time with him Volunteer/Fundraising Coordinator �FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE \ MEETINdf St W Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7 30 p m at the ACT-B office. Everyone is welcome NEW VOLUNTEERS f\ O^ntation is October 3 & 51 Applications are being accepted and interviews are being scheduled Volunteers are needed in several areas, especially the following: ■ Community events/ benefits ■ Newsletter ■ Computer ■ ■ Bookkeeping Office Work ■ Committees �5s. •s HEALTHY CABARET Saturday, October 21 8 00 p m Alfie's in the Ramada Inn $5 00 at the door Advance tickets available by calling 345-1516 or 625-5900 WARNING: Coarse Language Adult Humour A. �o PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE AIDS Awareness Week is the time when we refocus the community's attention on AIDS As AIDS has become more a part of our lives, there has been a natural tendency for people to try and ignore it. However, people are still at risk of infection and death. It is more important than ever to educate those who are at risk, and to prevent the spread of the disease We are gradually seeing more and more people who have been infected, becoming sick and in need of support. A DEAR FRIEND As I write this, a dear friend lies in hospital, close to death from complications due to AIDS. Helping someone move through the final debilitating stages of the disease brings home in sharp detail, the personal and human tragedy of AIDS All who are involved get caught up in the process, with immense emotional and physical demands placed on everyone. REMEMBER AIDS Awareness Week is a time for us to remember and honour those who have succumbed to the disease - to ensure that their suffering and deaths will not have been in vain The lessons we learn from those living with AIDS can give us the courage and compassion to live our lives fully, here and �THANK YOU THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who sponsored our picnic to ensure its success. Also we would like to extend our thanks to the many volunteers who helped before, dur­ ing and after. A&A RECORDS & TAPES NORTHERN BREWERIES LTD. ASP NORTHWOOD ESSO OFFICE PRO A&W ' AL'S WONDERLAND OLD DUTCH FOODS LTD. BOSTON PIZZA PAINTED TURTLE BUNSMASTER PALM DAIRIES CANADA GAMES COMPLEX PARAMOUNT THEATRES LTD. GRAND & TOY LTD. PEGGY SUES FLOWER SHOP PETRIE'S CYCLE & SPORTS HELIUM HIGHS PIZZA DELIGHT HOBBY CRAFT CORNER KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN KRAZYKRAZY AUDIO VIDEO LAKEHEAD WHOLESALERS LTD. LIL'S HOBBY LOBBYLTD. PRIMARY COLOR LAB LTD. R.C. DISTRIBUTORS RED OAK INN ROCK-IT AIR WEAR MARIO'S BOWL SOOTER S PHOTO MARY BROWN S FRIED CHICKEN McCartney's PLAYTIME LANES jewellers ltd. MCDONALD’S RESTAURANTS MOLSON ONTARIO BREWERIES LTD. THUNDER BAY COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM THUNDER BAY PARKS & RECREATION WESTERN GROCERS AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P 0 Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 345-1516 � 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 2 No 2 - Fall 1989 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 1989 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/17/2664/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no4.pdf f0bbd84d7a773275252d435674aa2b53 PDF Text Text ������������ https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2664/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no4_2.pdf 9b535fcd1cda4ab2240ab07e3c1aee1d PDF Text Text OUTLIVING OUT LOVING A WA R Coming Home: Prodigal Son Revisited ReACT-Believ* The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay newsletter Fail 1990 Volume III Issue IVl �Table of Contents The Corporation Of The City Of Thunder Bay OFFICE OF THE MAYOR JACK MASTERS 500 DONALD STREET EAST, THUNDER SAY, ONTARIO. PJC 5V3 ;a07| 625 3911 October 1990 A Condom by any other name . .. Pg 5 Sunshine - by Jim - a Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay Pg 5 MESSAGE FROM MAYOR JACK MASTERS Soldiers • by Ron - a Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay Pg5 AIDS, has reached epidemic proportion world wide. It is most important that all citizens be made aware of this disease, and for the need to increase our research efforts immensely. Crossword - R U in the know? Pg6 Thank You! Pg 8 Native Outreach Pg 8 AZT - Then & Now Pg9 Desperately Seeking Susan Pg 11 Women Living With AIDS & HIV Pg H ACT-B Services Pg 3 Glenna Pg 7 I take this opportunity to indicate the importance of AIDS AWARENESS WEEK. Tt is a time to intensify the educational efforts so that we are all aware of the facts concerning ATDS-What can be done to avoid contracting AIDS?-How we can help those who have AIDS?-How we can assist in encouraging more active research? Please find time to be aware, and to take advantage of the information being offered. Yours^sincerely, fcJ Jack Masters /ayor JM/ch If you think education is expensive - try ignorance. - Derek Bok Outrunning for AIDS SK Run/Walk 1990 October 14 10 cum. at Boulevard Lake With uour $12 registration receive a long-sleeved quality designer T-shirt! sulra ifVAJl/VA Pick up registration forms at the Complex, the College, at your local sports store or by calling 345-1516. RtACT-Bclievc �Coming Slome: Prodigal Son Revisited Musical Accompaniment by members of the ‘Thunder (Bay Symphony Orchestra iMonday, October IS, 1990 8:00 p.m. THl'NDFR B.V> oncHrvrnA at the Thunder Bay Art Qattery symthom ‘Refreshments mill be served Admission is free Sponsored by the Interagency AIDS Awareness ‘Week, Steering Committee for more information call 345-1$16 Are you HIV+? Is someone you love HIV+? The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay offers a support group for those living with AIDS and HIV infection. Contact Glenna at 345-1516 for more information. Confidentiality is assured. ACT-B Dictionary ACT-B The AIDS CommiLtee of Thunder Bay. A community-based AIDS Service Organization dedicated to confronting AIDS through education, advocacy and support. HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the virus believed to cause AIDS. AIDS Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome - the immune system is disrupted by the HIV virus, leaving the body defenceless against opportunistic infections. PLWA Person Living With AIDS HIV+ Having tested positive for HIV antibodies. RcACT-Belim Ken Ward A Cree Native Person Living With AIDS will give a talk on ’’AIDS in the Aboriginal Community" Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 p.m. Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Admission is free! For more information call 345-1516. Page 2 �Education ACT-B Services The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B) is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides services for those who are affected by AIDS/HIV. We also provide ongoing education for our community to prevent the spread of HIV infection. We are a member of the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society. Support Services The Support Services arc geared toward helping people with AIDS, those who have tested HIV+ and their families, friends and carepartners. We provide assistance in coping with the difficulties which may arise as a result of their health status. We offer two support groups. One for those who have AIDS and those who are HTV+. Another is for family, friends and carepartners. Counselling and emotional support is also provided for individuals and families. Referrals are made to other agencies for specific needs. We advocate on our consumer’s behalf if they arc dealing with harassment or are not receiving fair treatment from agencies, institutions, or employers. Daily tasks such as housekeeping, transportation, cooking and shopping can become difficult when living with AIDS/HIV. Our volunteers can provide practical support when necessary. ACT-B can offer short term assistance for those with emergency financial needs. A request for emergency assistance can be made by anyone affected by AIDS/HIV. Page 3 AIDS Awareness Week 1990 Our Education department acts as a consultation and education resource. We give information on a number of issues, such as workplace policies and the psychosocial issues surrounding AIDS/HI V. We provide free educational presentations, literature and posters for any interested groups in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. We visit schools, hospitals, agencies and community groups. The ACT-B Resource Library slocks the largest selection of current, factual educational resources on AIDS/HIV in Northwestern Ontario. Books and videos are available on loan. The pamphlets, brochures and posters arc also free. We also stock condoms, lubricant and latex gloves. Our AIDS Infoline, 345-SAFE (3457233) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Talk to staff or volunteers Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or afterhours, listen to an informative, up-todate taped message about AIDS/HIV. The education committee is a volunteer committee that brainstorms and then develops educational campaigns, special events and educational projects relevant to Northwestern Ontario. For more information about programs call (807) 345-1516. AIDS Awareness Week is a province­ wide event coordinated by the Ontario AIDS Network and endorsed by the Ontario Ministry of Health. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, Confederation College, Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, Lakehead University, McKellar Hospital, Port Arthur General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit are sponsoring AIDS Awareness Week in Thunder Bay. AIDS/HIV is a growing concern in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. The disease affects everyone. People living with AIDS and HIV infection are our neighbours, co-workers, classmates and friends. They are people living normal lives with AIDS and HIV. AIDS Awareness Week is about understanding AIDS/HIV, not fearing iL It’s about sharing and what it’s like to cope with the virus. It’s about caring. This year’s theme for AIDS Awareness Week is "OUTLIVING, OUT LOVING, OUTLASTING AIDS". This means AIDS is about living, about caring and that for the AIDS/HIV person; healthy survival is of prime importance. our Volunteer Training A Volunteer Training was held Saturday, September 22 at the Thunder Bay Yacht Club. Training is provided for all new volunteers on AIDS and HIV infection and what it is like to live with AIDS. For information on the next session contact Sheila at 345-1516. Enrolment is limited so please apply early. HUG TICKET & THIS TICKET IS o GOOD FOR ON E b REE HUG FROM ANY PARTICIPATING PERSON UPON PRESENTATION f\CT-6 HUG 0_U6 California reasoning Carolyn Mahboubi, 25-)ear-o1d man­ ager of a Beverly Hills clothing shop, explains why she takes time to work for several local charities: “Being involved with reality and improving it is impor­ tant to me ” Source: Los Angeles Times magazine. RcACT-Believc �AIDS Awareness Week October 14 - 20 Sunday, October 14 5k Fun Run/Walk 10 a.m. Boulevard Lake Monday, October 15 Opening Ceremonies 11 a.m. Marina Park Keynote Event 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Art Gallel Playreading: Coming Home; Prodigal Son Revisited & members of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Tuesday, October 16 Presentation - Ken Ward 6:30 p.m. Kashadaying Reside Wednesday, October 17 Premiere of Kee-Way-Win "Journey" 7:30 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Michael McCrimmon "HIV & Chemical Dependency" 1 p.m. Thunder Bay District Unit Ken Ward "A Cree Native Person Living With AIDSFree Presentation on "AIDS in the Aboriginal Community" 7:00 p.m. Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre f'Drug Dependency & AIDS" 8:30 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Thursday, October 18 Friday, October 19 Candlelight Vigil 7:30 p.m. Meet at 285 Bay Sl for a short, silent^ walk to the Unitarian Hah Healthy Sex Cabaret 8:00 p.m. at The Boda 'nservices Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital Kee-Way-Win "Journey" McKellar General Hospital "Psychological Aspects of AIDS" 9 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Saturday, October 20 Displays Intercity Mall Display All day Port Arthur General Hospital Videos and Inservice St. Joseph's General Hospital Confederation College For more information about events, phone RcACT-Belirve 345-1516. Sunday, October 21 Kee-Way-Win "Journey" 2 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Page 4 �Too much of a good thing is wonderful. - Mae West A People Living With AIDS (PLWA) group outing. I mother, Dorothy were lifeguards. Sheila worked on her tan. The frisbee was tossed around, our appetites were whetted. Max joined later in the day but not late for the food; food there was in abundance. Hamburgers came courtesy of Dorothy and Tom. "Smokies", were donated by Ed, who incidentally did a magnificent job as chef. All too soon it was lime to go home. My most memorable moment of an almost flawless day occurred on a short hike. We stopped up the river a way and took in more sun. I reflected on how the day had unfolded. At first, I was apprehensive; I would be with people I didn’t know and who didn’t know me. Now at the end of the day, my favourite element rushed and roared by. The sun in it’s brilliance continued to shine on. Underlying everything was the reality that I have AIDS and that all of us were affected directly or indirectly with this reality. For the moment all was well. Life was as it should be. The river gave me conviction that life goes on. I wasn’t alone and God....but, it’s great to be alive! What a great way to start Friday, July 20th! Summer clouds lazily drifted across a blue clean sky. The temperature rose steadily as did anticipation to get on the road for a picnic at Kakabeka Falls. Nine of us were to spend the day together. I can’t forget "Gus." He belongs to Russ and Max, or is it the other way around? Anyway Gus is a dog. He came to represent the variety of feelings and emotions that coursed throughout our group. "Gus," stood for unity; spreading himself around to be patted, to be fed, to be Jim.... comforted, to give comfort and to be loved. Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay We loaded up Sheila’s truck and ACT B’s van, with lawn chairs, sunscreen, picnic coolers and joviality. Ron drove, informing those of us who smoked, that we weren’t to light up. Of course we promptly obeyed the policy. Along the way, we began talking. "Did you eat breakfast? How are you feeling today? Who remembered their pills?" After unloading, setting up the bar-b-que and remodelling the picnic area, we began to relax. Time didn’t seem important. Sheila ran around with her 35mm snapping everything and everyone. I tried holding my stomach in; that was fruitless and soon gave into the day. Kids were laughing, playing, building sand-castles and splashing in the cool water. They were peaceful sounds, innocent actions. We got involved right along with them. Competition became fierce in a game of horseshoes between: Norman, Russ, Ed and Wha hat happens to the soldiers that didn’t Ron. I have no idea who won, indeed if anyone did. Who cared? We were together, die during the battle? Are they expected to sharing a moment of our lives in happiness just carry on while the imprint of death is and carefree abandonment. It was then time stamped in their memories? Friends and to hit the cool, fresh water. Ed, Norm and companions lost forever, never to be myself actually swam, while Ron waded recaptured in the physical essence of life. around evading splashes. Tom and his Never to be forgotten by those who carry on. Page 5 A Condom by any other name . . . From the authors of The Great Cover-Up: A Condom Compendium (Civan, Inc.), Susan Zimet and Victor Goodman here are a few names for condoms you may not have heard! French Letter, Raincoat, Rubber, Baby Balloon, Balloon, Cabinet of Love, Diving Suit, English Hat, Envelope, Fearnought, Fish-skin, Frog, Grecian cap, Johnnie, Male Safe, Night Cap, Potent Ally, Rubber Duckie, Showercap, Safety Cap, Sweater, Shoe, Thimble, Thing, Very Tight Trousers. ujociety! Have we become so callous? Have we lost the sense of humanity that binds us together in this fight? What happens to the soldiers? Will they be forgotten or perhaps remembered for the strength with which they fought? Mankind will perhaps strive to reach a new plateau in his evolution, simply by understanding the full impact that AIDS has on society. Ronald H. Rogers Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay ReACT-Believe �Across Just a word in Spanish . 3. 4. 6. 8. 9. 11. 12. Unprotected sex and sharing needles are activities that involve_____ A term for describing needles and syringes for IV drug use. HIV is a_____ super___, bat___, spider___ HIV has to get into your_____to cause infection an object that doesn't transmit HTV When you're having sex,_____is the most effective barrier to prevent HIV transmission 13. an activity that could transmit HIV 14. a body fluid that carries HIV . . The AIDS Hotline offers services in French, Greek, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, and yes, in Spanish. The AIDS Hotline is a service of the Ontario Ministry of Health and is toll-free. Down call: 1-800-668-2437 1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 10. Monday - Saturday - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday - 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. French: 1-800-267-7432 TDD: 1-800-267-7712 the virus believed to cause AIDS street term for seminal emission slang for condom a kind of sex considered low risk for HTV transmission an effective means of greatly reducing HIV transmission a latex barrier for women to use for oral sex Greek - Tuesday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Spanish, Portuguese & Italian Thursday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Chinese - Friday 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Behold the turtle. He makes progress when he sticks his neck out. - James Bryant Conant ReACT-Believe In Thunder Bay you can call the AIDS Infoline at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay at 345-SAFE, that’s 345-7233. / -- Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. talk to our staff and volunteers. Afterhours and weekends listen to an informative taped message. You do not have to give your name. Page 6 �ACT-B Advisory Council Frod Ball Doug Broman Nicky Clark Joy Fedorick Mickey Hennessey John McDonald Mary McKenzie Mane Portier Eleanor Richardson Sieve Roede Director, Public Health Laboratory Producer, Thunder Gay Magazine Supervisor, PAG.H., Infection Control Educator & Native Advocate City Councillor Lawyer Coordinator, Palliative Care. McKellar Hospital Residential Care Worker Educator & TVO Regional Liaison Family Physician ACT-B Board of Directors David Belrose Deb While Norma Proctor Terry Bryant George Arnold Rick Atkinson Carl Gray Betty Kruzick John McDonald Jeanette Munshaw Barbara Reid President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director Director Director VIGIL to remember and support THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18,1990 7:30 P.M. ACT-E1 Staff Sheila Berry Ma-Nee Davis Darcia Kohuska Lawrence Korhonen Karen Maki Glenna McLeod Eileen Parker Michael Sobota candlelight Volunteer Coordinator Native AIDS Project Coordinator Education Coordinator Office Manager Fundraising Coordinator Suppon Services Coordinator Communications/Outreach Coordinator Executive Director ASSEMBLE AT 285 BAY ST FOR A SHORT, SILENT W TO THE UNITARIAN HALL Gallols' Revelation "If you put tomfoolery into a computer, nothing comes out but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a veiy expensive machine is somehow enobled and no one dares to criticize it" Please give us your feedback! Comments, concerns, compliments and criticisms about the newsletter, our publications, or about any aspect of the agency. You can phone or mail. You can remain anonymous if you wish. We’d like to know your comments in order to improve on weak points, and continue to deliver our strong points. Thank you to the agencies and individuals who have given us their comments. They are greatly appreciated. Goodbye Michael Chan Welcome Glenna! Michael Chan, a Board Member of ACT-B has left our agency to move to the salty air of Fredricton, New Brunswick. Michael is a founding member of ACT-B. He has been a Board member and has chaired our Personnel Committee and was Treasurer of the Executive Committee, and he’s even done BINGO! We will all miss him. Hi! Let me introduce myself. My name is Glenna McLeod and I am the new Support Services Coordinator. After only two weeks here at the committee, 1 feel like part of the family. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome. To those of you I haven’t met, please come in and introduce yourself. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. Write to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B6E2 (807)345-1516 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eileen Parker, Editor, ReACT-Believe The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors cf the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. ^edicak ^formation offered by ReACT-Believe fshould be used with your own discretion. Pleasej&nsult.your doctor. y~ Page-7--;.- [This book] is a wonderful, entertaining approach to a serious subject. In this day and age of terrible epidemics, we have to find innovative ways to restore respect for the use of condoms. Perhaps the only way that hasn't been tried is by way of amusement. - Dr. Sol Gordon A limited number of copies of this funny little book are available. You can get one for only $6.00. Drop by our office at 285 Bay Street ReACT-Believe �Thank You! As a non-profit agency there are many individuals, groups and businesses that lend us a helping hand. We can’t name them all, but here’s a few who have done some things that are extra special in the last few months. We would like to extend them a big Thank You! * Thank you to all who volunteered their time and support for our successful Yard Sale. * Thank you for your donations. * Thank you, Japan Camera for the help with our photography needs. * Thanks to the Thunder Bay media, who help to get our message out to you. * Thank you to all those who helped for our Benefit Performance of Longtime Companion: Three’s Company Silk Flowers, Sweet Thursday Bookstore, Alliance Distributors, Cineplex/Odeon Theatres, Sean Mundy for the lovely music and to all the volunteers that provided us with a simply decadent Dessert Buffet! Native Outreach Outreach ’90 The first Northwestern Ontario Native Outreach Program will be taking place November 5-12. Free educational presentations on AIDS will be given in Kenora, Red Lake, Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookout and Geraldton. These presentations are given in English and Ojibway. For more information about what day the program will be in your area contact Ma-Nee Davis at (807) 345-1516. The Eastern Tour of our 1990 Outreach Program took place September 17 - 30. Darcia Kohuska, our Education Coordinator delivered over 30 presentations. She visited Longlac, Geraldton, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Heron Bay, Mobert and Beardmore. She gave presentations to high schools, elementary schools, hospitals, agencies and Native groups. ACT-B has secured funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Trillium Foundation to implement the Outreach Program. The program responds to concerns voiced about the growing need for information about AIDS, from the smaller and more isolated communities in Northwestern Ontario. The Outreach Program establishes a liaison between ACT-B and the outlying communities to foster an exchange of information. These presentations are delivered free along with literature, videos and posters to all interested groups. For more information about upcoming Outreach Programs contact Eileen Parker, Outreach Coordinator at (807) 345-1516. * Thank you to Northern Crystal for providing the water cooler for our meeting of the Ontario AIDS Network. * Thank you to the students at P.A.C.I. for raising money for our AIDSupport Fund. * Thank you to Abitibi Provincial Mill for the donation of paper. * Thank you to Thunder Bay Restaurant and the Second Cup for using their locations for filming scenes for our video projects. * Thank you to MacLean Hunter Cable TV for the generous donations of their time, equipment, studios, knowledge and advice. See it on Channel 7... Kee-Way-Wln "Journey" A show on Native People & AIDS Tuesday, October 16, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 18,9 p.m. Sunday, October 21,2 p.m. aitarai Drug Dependency & AIDS * And last, but surely not least, a special thank you to all our volunteers who keep this agency going strong. PxACT-Believe Wednesday, October 18,8:30 p.m. Sunday, October21,11 a.m. Wednesday, October 31,8:30 p.m. Page 8 �TREATMENT This material is publishedfor the sole purpose of acquainting readers with the lastest developments in AIDS therapeutics. The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT• Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. AZT THEN AND NOW "HAVING HOPE WON'T GUARANTEE THAT YOU'LL SURVIVE AIDS, BUT NOT HAVING HOPE SEEMS TO GUARANTEE THAT YOU'LL SUCCUMB QUICKLY." - MICHAEL CALLEN The purpose of this article is to fuel that hope which Michael Callen speaks of. His physician, Dr. Joseph Sonnubend has suggested that earlier cases of AIDS were somehow sicker than those being diagnosed today. The following is an attempt to share with you current and past knowledge of one therapy....the therapy of AZ1DOTHYMIDINE ur AZT. These facts are in no way an attempt to sway die reader to prescribe for, or against AZT but to impart up to date study, observations and learning. Azidothymydine (AZT) is an anti viral drug which has been proven active against die Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV). Retrovir (AZT), the proprietary trade name of the generic term Zinovudine (AZT) was invented and developed over 25 years ago as a cancer chemodierapy, by Jerome Horwilz. It was shelved as being totally ineffective against cancer. AIDS is considered a condition of immune suppression caused by die HIV virus, replicating and eating its way into T-4 cells which are essential to the immune system. HIV is a retrovirus which contains an enzyme called reverse transcriptase which converts viral RNA to DNA. RNA & DNA are located within the T4 cells. The HIV virus takes over the T4 cells, causing replication to cease. In the early 1980’s when the AIDS epidemic began, drug companies around die world began studying hundreds of compounds looking for a cure or at least a treatment for AIDS. Burroughs Wellcome, a subsidiary of the British drug Page 9 company Wellcome, by chance sent die failed cancer drug, then known as Compound S to the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Sam Broder, head of the NCI, found that it inhibited HIV viral replication in vitro, (laboratory) A panel of 11 top AIDS doctors chaired by Dr. Itzhak Brook knew that die Burroughs Wellcome study was flawed and that long range effects of AZT were completely unknown. The panel were conferring in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) building in consideration of giving lightning quick approval of the drug. It was known that AZT did not stop deadi and that some who were switched in the study to AZT did die. The severity of the side effects was known. AZT is considered chemodierapy and patients receiving it needed blood transfusions. Around 4 pm. on a cold January day the panel recommended approval. AZT - one of the most toxic, expensive and controversial drugs in the history of medicine became the only FDA approved anti viral therapy. The data the company had produced proved it was prolonging life concluding dial the benefits clearly outweighed the risks. The most toxic effect of AZT is bone marrow suppression resulting in anemia. Burroughs Wellcome identified other side effects: loss of mental acuity, muscle spasms, rectal bleeding, tremors, headaches, pains in the neck and nausea. Anemia is the most common side effect, which is actually the depletion of red blood cells. According to Dr. Peter Duesberg; "Red blood cells are the one thing you cannot do without. Without red cells you cannot pick up oxygen." Several studies have concluded that AZT by itself has no effect on the two most common opportunistic AIDS infections - Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) and Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). Azidothymidine should be administered with caution if there is evidence AZT - one of the most toxic, expensive and controversial drugs in the history of medicine of Ever or kidney dysfunction. Despite the presence of AZT - HIV continues to replicate but at a reduced rate. According to the May 1989 issue of Treatment Update, an American physician reported the effects of AZT (200mg. every four hours) in six PLWA’s over a period of 15 months. Initially the patients responded well and were disease free for 9-15 months. After an interval they began to report increasing fatigue, loss of appetite and energy, sometimes low grade fever accompanied by night sweats. Upon examination, patients were found to be suffering from weight reduedon, muscle loss and fungal infections of the mouth. This evidence enforces the suspicion that the virus eventually becomes resistant to AZT. Die July/90 ATDS Treatment News #107 reported that HTV has been proven to mutate frequently. Some strains of mutation are resistant to AZT and can be found in patients who have never taken it. Resistance appears to increase with the amount of time one has taken the drug. Dosage has always been a chief concern and topic of contention between doctors, researchers, sciendsts and patients alike. There minimum effective dose has not yet been firmly established. What is known is that it was wrong from day one. In a 1989 Canadian ACT treatment study sponsored by Burroughs Wellcome, the recommended dosage was 1200 mg. daily consisting of two 100 mg. capsules every four hours day and night. Issue #4 (May 23/1986) of the "Treatment Update" publicadon, suggested that side effects could be dose rclaied. During the March, 1990 "State of die Art Conference on AZT Therapy for Early HIV Infection"; initiation of AZT was recommended for bodi Symptomatic and Asymptomatic HTV + individuals whose T4 cell counts were below 500. The daily recommended therapy was 500 mg. ACTG.019, a major American trial published its resultsin the New England Journal of Medicine, concluding dial 500 mg. was not only lower in toxicity but possibly more effective dian the 1500 mg.dosage. In April, the FDA changed the official "labelling" to include an optional dose reduction to 600 mg. per day after one month of a 1200 mg. daily dose. At the "VI International Conference", Dr. Marcus Conant, a practitioner who has treated AIDS and HIV since it was discovered said that Doctors were not seeing liver toxicity ReA CT-Believe �TREATMENT on the lower dose of 500-600 mg. daily and that about 1 % of patients with over 250 T-helper cells needed to stop AZT because of toxicity. A small study has shown effect at 300 mg. per day. This study is far from conclusive but it does suggest that people who have to lower their dosage because of side effects or use of other drugs which depress blood cell counts may still benefit. European data showed that it need not be administered every four hours. Currently, some physicians are prescribing 200 mg. every eight hours/600 mg. daily. Burroughs Welleome in its bid to have AZT, FDA approved, assured the medical panel that the drug was intended as a slop-gap measure for very sick patients. August 17 1989, the U.S. government announced that 1.4 million healthy HIV + Americans could benefit from the treatment, even though they show no symptoms of the disease. Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Health after a two year trial declared, it was clearly shown that early intervention will keep AIDS at bay. In February 1990 AIDS Treatment News #96 reported; the FDA recommended early use of AZT, stating that the side effects are less of a problem if patients are healthier when they begin treatment particularly at the lower doses. There seemed to be less concern about viral resistance with early use and more positive thinking that the drug might be more effective at slowing the development of the disease if prescribed earlier. MUCH IS STILL UNKNOWN ABOUT THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF AZT. The drug continues to be controversial 3 1/2 years later. It has been studied throughout the world. By August of 1989, the use of the drug had spread to over sixty countries with an estimated 20,000 recipients. A great deal is known yet there remain unanswered questions. What are the long term effects of AZT? Arc there additional side effects not yet disclosed regarding toxicity and toleration? It is a fact that not all HIV infected people can take the drug, therefore who can or better yet, who cannot? Can AZT be discontinued without consequences? If so, under what circumstances and when? Azidothymidine is a chemotherapeutic drug. It does kill dividing blood cells and other cells, thus it is directly immunosuppressive. Only very few cells, about 1 in 10,000 are actively making the virus containing DNA, therefore, it must kill incredibly large numbers of cells to inhibit the virus. What arc the long term effects of that statement? How much damage is there in the bone-marrow? Is it repairable? Finally, what about resistance? On the other hand, AZT is prolonging life RcACT-Believe and buying time. It provides hope. Treatment for AIDS is possible. Scientifically, it does appear to help. People using AZT have lower incidences of opportunistic infections and with early therapy, blood transfusions are rare. Improvements in T4 cell counts are evident. Viral replication is impeded. CRYPTOSPOREDIOSIS (diarrhea) is clearing up. AZT is an antibiotic and an anti viral; therefore scientists are suggesting it may suppress certain bacterial infections for those taking the drug. There are improvements in neurologic functions; that is in memory, visual attention and motor functions, therefore, the quality of life is improved. A Dutch study has concluded AZT prevents the development of dementia with early intervention. There is no Canadian nor American confirmation on this report. This article has not covered AZT combinations. Doctors and researchers suggest this may be the wave of the future. Ask your doctor, educate yourself to the possible combinations. Use resource and educational facilities such as: ACT-B in Thunder Bay and ACT in Toronto. Possible combinations including a brief description are: I) ERYTHROPOIT1N (EPO + AZT) - used for AZT related anemia and bone marrow toxicity. This combination suggests the possibility that blood transfusions will no longer be required. It's usage is experimental at this stage, ii) Acyclovir (ACV + AZT) - There is nothing concrete that ACV is an anti viral but what is known are the positive results with the herpes virus. Ill) Probenecid (AZT + Probenecid) - This combination may result in higher blood levels which could produce stronger HIV supressing action, suggesting possible dose reductions. Iv) Vitamin E (AZT + Vitamin E) - appears to protect bone marrow from toxicity. Higher blood levels arc a possibility, v) Alpha Interferon (AZT + Alpha Interferon) - is currently approved for Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS). The side effects arc numerous. Data is incomplete and the combination may not be entirely useful. NOBEL PRIZE winner Walter Gilbert, states: There have always been drugs that we use without knowing exactly how they work. The really important thing to look at is the clinical effect. Is the drug helping or isn't it? POINTS TO PONDER: * If you have symptoms of AIDS or want to know if you carry the HIV virus, the most effective advice is perhaps the most difficult. GET TESTED 11 Find out your status and if you are positive, treatment of any kind including AZT can begin immediately. * People with below 500 T - Helper cells do better being treated with AZT than without it. *The minimum effective dose of AZT has not been firmly established. * Regular dosing at the prescribed intervals is essential. If you miss one, do NOT double up. * Doctors suggest AZT therapy be not stopped whenever possible as stopping can lead to increased HIV replication. * Your body is your temple. Watch what you put into it and be cautious of high fat meals. * Avoid swallowing AZT without something to wash it down. It is caustic enough to create esophagus ulcerations. * A largely dismissed but not conclusive fear is dial ASA (ACETOMINOPHEN) may alter the metabolism of AZT. OF INTEREST TO WOMENAND CHILDREN: * Women account for 6.9% of all reported AIDS cases. * Long term use and effect of AZT in pregnant women and nursing mothers is currently under study, therefore has not yet been determined. * It is not known if AZT is excreted in human milk. * Women, minorities, and IV drug users have been modestly represented in major AZT studies. * As of 1990, it has been determined thai AZT works the same in children as in adults, the same in women as in men. * In 1989 AZT became available in syrup form making it easier to administer to children. It became free of charge to those children who met certain medical requirements. REFERENCES: Surviving and Thriving with AIDS - Michael Calico VI IntnT Conference Overview from Marcus Conanl MD Treatment Update.... Various issues AIDS Treatment Newt...Variety of publications including issues 1 through 75 by John James An International Perspective on Treatments Medical News and Perspectives Spin Maqazinc - AIDS Words from the Pront • Celia Father Health Protection Branch - ISSUES BETA - Bulletin of Experimental Treatments For AIDS Burroughs Welleome Inc. - Canadian RETROVIR Treatment Study Page 10 �A LITTLE KNOWN VOLUNTEER Speak Up Little did I know, when I attended the OAN in Thunder Bay in July, that I would meet one of ACT-B’s "little known volunteers." I was billeted with the Ivan/s. Peter, Susan and their two sons collectively provided me with a comfortable, hospitable, and friendly visit. My fondest memory, however, relates to their son, Derek, the Tvany’s host-aunaturel. In the wee hours (i.e. 6:45 a.m.) of the Sunday morning of the conference, I tiptoed upstairs at the Ivan/s to iron a dress. Peter and Susan weren’t up to greet me (Odd isn’t it? Ironing is quickly becoming a dying art!), but Derek was. He greeted me in a somewhat shy manner and noted that I didn’t seem to have a beverage. He pulled his treasured Carnation Instant Breakfast out from the cupboard and asked whether I’d like one, naming the three available flavours. I told him I had never tried Instant Breakfast. He replied that they’re tasty as well as good for you. We decided that I should try chocolate (my all time favourite flavour). Derek's next action won my heart. You’ve heard the old adage, "the early bird gets its own breakfast?" Not this time! That’s right -- Derek himself made me breakfast! That’s a treat I have rarely experienced, mostly because no one ever gets up as early as I do, especially on Sunday mornings! Derek watched for my response. It WAS delicious, but I’m not sure whether the apparently sweet glow of satisfaction on my face had more to do with the smooth taste of the Instant Breakfast or the delight of being served up by this absolutely charming volunteer host. Future projections? Women Living With AIDS & HIV CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Through a Canada Arts Council grant, Darien Taylor and Beverly Rudd arc compiling an international anthology documenting the voices and visions of women living with AIDS and HIV. Submissions could include but arc not limited to: pages from diaries autobiographical material dreams fiction poetry letters to partners, parents, children etc... photographs drawings paintings cartoons essays tape recordings and anything else you could think of. Material submitted in languages other than English is welcome. Please send submission along with a brief biography and contact address by APRIL 1, 1990 to: 1. At any such time that I again dine on a Carnation Instant Breakfast, a sweet memory will surface. P.O. Box 471, Stn "C" Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6J3P5 2. ACT-B belter not let ibis. volunteer get away! .* range. Coil Dennis t" . sand eshod. ■64,500 96 repilty Ltd uy you 9 year ike, 20 , hos 2 mbino ..d r? ' _ i .- . 6> ~ __ WANTED SHOP building for lease 5000-10 000 sqfi 2 3 acres. Coll 155 Realtor Canada Reolty 75 WANTED ^ IARGF ' OP' Cheryl Opolko Chair, ACCKWA day Sept 4th 86 PERSONAL c. G., Limit "Thu Polar its ri« of de odjki Gene V eem k 4th er, 1 eziec ..tyw . im 10l »-0 T741 sr use ne on drive iams, xim -t s. !& •• city. I SINGLE X-V& for 2 be ferablywi. essential. ^ October/Nov THUNDFR BA rcP% on smoking w 'r&om aportmt ■hate occupo. -.er•Vilf « • iele <5 A Page U Please send copies to avoid possible damage. ASTROLOGY AND CARD READING. For individual ap­ pointments or house party. Call Frances at u. . \ rAnrs "r'‘D|NGS by A, -*■ parties in ' " for opAM- Iheryi ? Don't call ne irchos- fax: (416) 340-6521 call: (416) 594-1445 JiiG l?owo°M5l a telev Ov V J camert chine o, 9 •Mitre, .JO p.m. w- .ow available tor polm readina. ChanJ j upon request Appoir ..nts necessary______ * MONEY PROBLEMS? H by creditors? Thre<wage gamishme' credit relief. r tion. > j.. boar mo nan (jj er - * CJ AJUJ", IONJ / PROTECT- printed on 10Q% recycled paper RtACT-Bclieve � 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 3 Issue 4 - Fall 1990 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 1990 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2661/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no1_[1989_v3n1].pdf e480fbc528d0bdf8d320e4d16f6a0bc5 PDF Text Text ������������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2661/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no1_[1989_v3n1]_2.pdf d1bcad91a61edf90d7a92f9f5171df83 PDF Text Text Ur\ Ok I m r\ I —K /IC^ nVil U eheve The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Newsletter January /February 1959 Volume III, Issue I Educators! Posters for kids! See inside Condoms & Cars Staff & Board.................. "Hands On" AIDS Therapy The Case For Early Intervention . Questions from the Phoneline Tidbits Pg. Pg ?g Pg 1 2 3 4 Dry 4 -Dao Ss CAN Comes to T. Bay!... . Volunteer! Volunteer' ACT-B Calendar. Shared Life President's Message Pg 7 Pg 7 Pg 8 Pg 9 Pg 10 �1. Condoms and Cars Reprinted with permission from the AIDS Committee of Windsor It's become the leading cause of death in young people. It can be avoided completely only by abstaining. Yet few are willing to make that sacrifice and choose rather to live with the risk. Most efforts to contain this epidemic focus on reducing the danger to an acceptable level. Those words refer to traffic accidents. They are also familiar terms for describing the AIDS epidemic. There are those who argue that the only way to stop AIDS is to promote abstinence. No level of risk is acceptable. Ifthey were consistent in their logic they wouldalso be campaigning to ban the automobile Even with all the emphasis on seat belts, air bags, speed limits and drunk driving laws, the highways are hardly a risk free environment. The usual criticism of condoms is that their record as a birth control device is less than reassuring. An often quoted statistic is that over the course of a year about 10% of the heterosexual couples using condoms will v.oj'w. IVilVV ^ 1 V^J***M*V f Condoms are neither failsafe nor foolproof For the most part they don't work because people forget to use them or damage them through improper use And sometimes condoms are poorly manufactured. Why then do public health officials, health care workers and community AIDS organizations rely so heavily on condom promotion? The answer lies in the distinction between conception and infection One sperm cell, and only, one. is needed to fertilize an ovum. The reproductive process is designed to facilitate fertilization, with millions of sperm cells contained in every ejaculation of semen. On the other hand AIDSis a difficult disease to contract sexually. Viral infections must occur in sufficient number and frequency to overwhelm the immune response That threshold varies with the source of the infection and the health of the people involved. The levels of HIV in semen and vaginal fluids are lew and often can not be detected in r\orer»«"io Vv> nrrr** tn Ko * r, f - Over several years the risk is compounded. If the chances of geting AIDS are the same as having a baby abstaining starts to look very good indeed. j'W UWiiU lUlW VW l/V tiilVVtVM. Studies have shown that the sexual partners of people with HIV often remain uninfected over long periods of time despite repeated exposures through unprotected intercourse. In comparison the exchange of blood through sharing needles provides a far more efficient means of infection In order to break the epidemic ofsexually transmitted AIDS, condoms dent need to be 100% effective In fact even a leaking condom may sometimes be sufficient in keeping the amount of exposure below the threshold of infection. Realistically however, the goal is to make HIV infection an isolated event, not to eliminate all risk. So far this strategy appears to be working in the one segment of society that is taking safer sex seriously the gay community Rates of sexually transmitted disease and the incidence of HIV transmission have been reduced far beyond what was believed possible. And this has happened despite the large numbers already infected Abstention will always be an option. We can choose not to have sex or not to travel the highways. But most of us will continue to take chances •n ikit wUl vAl tvsi. iXioUvlAig, reasonable concessions to safety Jim Monk �r Christine Mather (just call me Chris) I am the new Support Services Coordinator at ACT-3 > my name is 2. ren Maki and Eileen Parker are now with us as Fundraising Coordinator and Communications/Outreach Coor­ dinator respectively Karen was a member of the ACT-B Board That's a Support Services Coordinator?" That's a good question, one for which we don't yet have a full answer Basically. I see my job of Directors She will coordinate and help plan as providing "psycho-social" support (O K I'll and implement the private fundraising of try and make that the last jargon I use) to ACT-B in conjunction with the Eundraising P V A s. their families, friends and other care This will include organizing Committee givers figuring out just what services should bingos, special events and making foundation be developed to deliver that support is the first and corporate approaches. task the Support Services Committee Eileen has been with us previously, and I face. Of course, we 11 be reviewing what since July, on a CEIC Section 25 job creation has been done in other communities, but we'd program. She will be continuing her work in like to begin by hosting an organizational/ commumcations;producmg posters, pamphlets, brainstormiong meeting for anyone our newsletter and working with the media concerned about AIDS We can anticipate that and will also be coordinating our Northwestern from this meeting will come ideas, direction Ontario Outreach Program and guidance - so start thinking Ve il be advertising and explaining this meeting more thouroughly closer to the event e miss Donna and Vicki That's a description of my position now for I am an some information about me already! immigrant from England and have been in Donna was our Project Coordinator and Vicki Thunder Bay for 13 years Eor the last eight was our Administrative Assistant on a CEIC years I have been a Social Worker and have Section 25 job creation program. worked in several local agencies. I very much Each with her own special brand of humour enjoy living in Canada and especially like and unique insight, they brightened up the getting out into the bush. If there's any kind of assistance I can offer i office and our lives Donna has moved on to another job and Vicki is enjoying the Florida you or those you care about, from counselling to negotiating with government agencies, feel winter. We miss them! free to give me a call or drop in at the office In our next newsletter will be a column ACT-B Board of Directors from me about stress and stress management techniques. David Belrose President Deb White Vice-President Chris Mather H.B.S.W Norma Proctor Treasurer ACT-B Staff Terry Bryant..................... Secretary George Arnold Director Linda Gambee VolunteerCoordinator Rick Atkinson......................................... Director Darcia Kohuska EducationCoordinator Michael Chan Director Lawrence Korhonen Office Manager Carl Gray..................................................Director Karen Maki FundraisingCoordinator Betty Kruzick Director Chris Mather Support Services Coordinator John McDonald ....................................Director Eileen Parker Communications Coordinator Jeanette Munshaw..................................Director Michael Sobota.....................Executive Director Barbara Reid........................................... Director �r Christine Mather, i (just cal! me Chris) I am the new Support | Services Coordinator at ACT-B > my name is 2. ren Maki and Eileen Parker are now with us as Fundraising Coordinator and Communications/Outreach Coor­ dinator respectively Karen was a member of the ACT-B Board 'What's a Support Services Coordinator?" That's a good question one for which we don't yet have a full answer Basically. I see my job of Directors She will coordinate and help plan as providing "psycho-social” support (O K I'll and implement the private fundraising of try and make that the last jargon I use) to ACT-B in conjunction with the Eundraising P W A s. their families, friends and other care This will include organizing Committee givers figuring out just what services should bingos, special events and making foundation be developed to deliver that support is the first and corporate approaches. task the Support Services Committee Eileen has been with us previously, and I face. Of course, we 11 be reviewing what since July, on a CEIC Section 25 job creation has been done in other communities, but we'd program. She will be continuing her work in like to begin by hosting an organizational/ communications;producing posters, pamphlets, brainstormiong meeting for anyone our newsletter and working with the media concerned about AIDS. We can anticipate that and will also be coordinating our Northwestern from this meeting will come ideas, direction Ontario Outreach Program and guidance - so start thinking We ll be advertising and explaining this meeting more thouroughly closer to the event e miss Donna and Vicki That's a description of my position now for I am an some information about me already! immigrant from England and have been in Donna was our Project Coordinator and Vicki Thunder Bay for 13 years Eor the last eight was our Administrative Assistant on a CEIC years I have been a Social Worker and have Section 25 job creation program. worked in several local agencies. I very much Each with her own special brand of humour enjoy living in Canada and especially like and unique insight, they brightened up the getting out into the bush. If there's any kind of assistance I can offer i office and our lives Donna has moved on to another job and Vicki is enjoying the Florida you or those you care about, from counselling to negotiating with government agencies, feel winter. We miss them! free to give me a call or drop in at the office In our next newsletter will be a column ACT-B Board of Directors from me about stress and stress management techniques. David Belrose........................................ President Deb White Vice-President Chris Mather H.B.S.W Norma Proctor Treasurer ACT-B Staff Terry Bryant........................................ Secretary George Arnold......................................... Director Linda Gambee VolunteerCoordinator Rick Atkinson ....................................... Director Darcia Kohuska EducationCoordinator Michael Chan Director Lawrence Korhonen Office Manager Carl Gray ............................................ Director Karen Maki FundraisingCoordinator Betty Kruzick Director Chris Mather Support Services Coordinator John McDonald........................................Director Eileen Parker Communications Coordinator Jeanette Munshaw..................................Director Michael Sobota . Executive Director Barbara Reid........................................... Director �3. Massage & the Acquired Immune Deficiency by William ¥. Roberts It was not easy to begin massage work with PW A.s. I found no resistance in myself, especially after checking nth others who were already working in this area. However some friends were not happy nth the idea This led to some heated discussions (!) and a procedure that seemed to satisfy everyone involved Everyone is involved. Let me put out some of my experience and I hope, some useful ideas I'll make two things clear at the beginning. Massage is a laying on of hands, a caring person taking care of another. This, in itself, is a healing process at least as old as the Bible and certainly something that everyone can do. The second point is that there is no need to adjust the approach of massage for a person with AIDS or other related dis-eases There are special situations to be aware of, however you must be aware of any one’s special circumstances before and as you work on them And you must decide to work. It also seems important for any massaging person to not take on the dis-ease of a person they are working on To do so. I find, drains energy, gives headaches and ends further sessions. I prefer to iook at the massage person as a conduit or channel for anv healing process that is at work, and an unplugged drain for tensions to pass off and thru. Leaving no residual This means I must clear my head. I found that washing before a session, burning cedar with a window cracked to clear the working space, shaking the hands off when they feel heavy, taking breaks when needed (by both people!), a glass of good water and a light heart worked quite well for myself At times I use music, however 111 mention that later Relax! EorthePV A there are some other aspects I feel are important Nervousness1 Yours at least, and this may be the first time this person receives a massage. Check this out with any person you work on. and give some careful thought to the fear that may be in someone who is quite possibly facing their death. In the case of Karposis Sarcoma, there may be darkened areas of skin (like bruises) or open lesions I exercise the same caution as I would around bruises and wounds Very gently over the bruise and leave the wound alone The hands can be passed over the areas, without touching, with probably the same effect The care is more important than the actual contact. Joints may be quite stiff Gentle manipulation using the comfortable range of motion. I let the person tell me if something hurts My aim is relaxation and normalization of body functions. Many, if not most relaxation tapes are just plain dumb and a waste of money! Listen before you buy. The most useful ones I’ve found are simply sounds oceans/crickets/frogs/birds and music that is not climactic Stuff that moves easily (and maybe exoticallyor eccentrically) as you would like the body to move There is a lot to talk about here and maybe I can go into another article I don t want to leave without mentioning two possibly important items Tickling Not a lot! and not at the end! (Check out the situation with the person first) And iust holding the head with both hands and allowing the complete relaxation.* Sometimes a deep sigh will indicate the release, and other times a snoring sound* That’s all for now. please feel free to contact me. * Emotional Stress Release points on the head, check out a Touch for Health book or a Naturopath. William Roberts is a long standing volunteer vith ACT-B. He is a trained Touch For Health practitioner, a masseur, a teacher of T'ai-Chi and plants trees. For more information an the healing properties of massage, stop by the ACT-B Resource Centre Library at 285 Bay St. �The Case For Early Intervention PART l TYPES OF INTERVENTION Sc ATTITUDE TtV>o UiW A 4 A W N rsqft nf flntc % VA \AAiO series, we reported the Federal Government's revised guidelines for the use of AZT As mere has become known about this drug and how to appropriately administer it. AZT has shown itself to be an effective way to slow the replication of HIV in many infected individuals Eor others. aZT may not be effective or appropriate. 5hould you use AZT if you are HIV +’ That is a decision that should wholely rest in your own hands. The decision is best made by knowing and understanding what your current health status is. in consultation with a good. AIDS aware physician. It could also be beneficial to talk with a counselor at your local AIDS committee. The first step in making any decision about treatment concerns, is knowing what your status is This is the primary reason for individuals to consider taking the HIV antibody test. In a future article we will present the case for being tested. TYPES OF INTERVENTION Five general categories of intervention are currently available. 1. general health maintenance. 2. holistic or complementary therapies. 3 antiviral medicine. 4 immuneododulating medicines and 5 preventive medicine against opportunistic infections. Martin Delaney, coauthor of Strategies for Survival: The Gay Men's Health Manual for the Age of AIDS, wrote in a Eebruary, 1989 article "The biggest mistake we can make in exploring these approaches is to assume that we must choose one. as if it were an election campaign No singular method of intervention is sufficient on its own." A traditional, simplistic approach to health usually went something like this: if I get sick, go to a doctor and s/he will fix it. It is a common altitudinal approach that gives power over to trained professionals, eases us of the burdens of responsibility, and - for the most part - is usually effective. Modern medicine has developed allot of "fixes". AIDS knocks out the support for this attitude completely. There is no "fix", no magic bullet that provides a single treatment or cure At the same time, understanding that there are five useful ways to begin early intervention points toward a new attitudinal model, one of taking personal responsibility for decision making about our health, in partnership with skilled resources In future articles of this series, we will discuss the case for HIV antibody testing, new treatments, and cautions to bear in mind about interventions. 4. ????’’? Questions From the Phoneline Q: If someone I work with has AIDS, can I catch it from them’ A: Unless you had unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, or shared intravenous needles with them, there is no way you could be exposed to the *HIV You can not get AIDS or HIV infection from casual contact. virus You can't get it from sneezing, touching, kissing, brushing by. sharing a phone etc. In fact, you are of more risk to the person with AIDS Vhen one has AIDS, their immune system is suppressed, so they become more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flus This isn't good for the person with AIDS, as these simple illnesses become hard to fight off. If you work with someone who has AIDS, the best thing you can do is learn something about A IDS so that you can better support your colleague Don't be afraid of that person -don't be afraid to touch A hug can do wonders Q Can I get AIDS from having Oral Sex’ A There is a low risk of HIV transmission from oral sex as the HIV virus is found in Continued on Page 10 �Tidbits. te p wm lit ml M/M Is mi To all AIDS Committees. We have found bubble gum flavoured dental dams. To order write to Ash Temple 615 Erin Street Winnipeg. MB. R3G 2W1 1-800-665-8985 We have multicoloured condoms in bright green ', cherry red. canary yellow and electric blue We ordered them from: Safetex Corporation 1100 Valley Brook Avenue Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071 As I write this Tidbitl am feeding my little baby Sarah. Yes. I’m at work and so is my 2 month old baby! This would have been unheard of 20 years ago. but the times are changing It's been a positive experience for everyone. I have been able to return to work when Sarah is still very young I haven t had to face early separation from my baby or my other baby, my work. She makes us giggle when she makes funny noises during staff meetings; and. when things get crazy around the office. Sarah gives us a big smile and makes everything all right! They offer a wide variety of paper and envelopes I find the paper is of good quality. Domtar in Winnipeg also has recycled paper available Call (204)949-0210. Also some printers in Thunder Bay will have recycled paper available in the near future. They're Here! Posters For Kids________________ HEY* YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU CANT GET AIDS ER0M is produced by the Minnesota AIDS Project and is widely distributed in the United States Thunder Bay is the first city in Canada to receive this award-winning poster Whimsical cartoon characters come to life on a giant 17 x22" full colour poster that is sure to delight children of all ages The A IDS Committee of Thunder Bay is offering this poster for children, free to all local schools, along with an informative Teaching Guide. Contact Darcia Kchuska, Education Coordinator for more information at 345-1516 AIDS COMMITTEES: This poster is available at the discounted price of $2 00 per poster. Open House_____________________ An Open House will be held at ACT-B all day. Eriday, Eebruary 9 Come in and meet all the staff and have some great coffee and conversation While you're here, see our display and our "goodies" table. Sneak out a bit early Eriday afternoon and come on down Everyone is welcome! Environment__________________ ATTENTION ALL TEACHERS_______ This newsletter has been printed on recycled paper We ordered the paper from The Paper Source Fallbrook. Ontario K0G1A0 (613)267-7191 The ACT-B Resource Centre Library has three videos available geared specifically to teens A Letter From Brian---------------------------------This video tells the story of a teenage girl who �6. you know what? you CAN'T GET ALPS FROM: mm AIM IS Hot 5PACAO BY "TAltioS VC ToOCJf / had an intimate experience with a teenage boy named Brian He writes her a letter and tells her he has AIDS. She is scared. A Letter Erom Brian" tells how she deals with her situation. The Subject is AIDS----------This film features frank discussions with and among teenagers about the causes, concerns and preventive practices related to AIDS. STD Street Smarts—^— This video is produced by. for and with "street youth". With frank language and explicit imagery, this video addresses difficult issues such as sex and injection drug use in the age of A IDS. It is non-judgementai in its portrayal of young people acquiring, using, and sharing knowledge about safe sex and needle use This video is not intended for the average high school audience. "STD Street Smarts" is accompanied by a comprehensive facilitators' manual Eor more information on these and other videos and resource material available in our library, contact Darcia Kohuskai Education Coordinator at 345-1516 More Tidbits �7 OAN in Thunder Bay ! The summer of 1990 is going to be our turn to host a quarterly meeting of the Ontario AIDS Network' So. what is the OAN. you might ask? Veil, its MISSION STATEMENT says, "The Ontario AIDS Network is a coalition of Community Based groups mutually creating a just and effective response to AIDS" Meeting four times a year in various cities in Ontario, the local AIDS Committee plays host to the member delegates I have attended many of the OAN meetings. They can be large meetings with up to fifteen AIDS organizations taking part. Issues such as anonymous testing, treatments, funding programs and advocacy are discussed It helps our groups to make a coordinated response to the media, the Ontario Ministry of Health and the public. Also, workshops are held to share new knowledge and upgrade skills Massage, treatments, media relations, fundraising are just a few that have been covered in the past This is not the first OAN meeting to be held here The group was here about two years ago October of 1987 to be exact. That was during the city's first AIDS Awareness Veek! The OAN is a long way away, but there is a lot of planning and work to be done now. Is any one interested in getting involved? By creating an ad hoc committee we can pull together a great weekend for all our OAN members that will be here Looking after developing the agenda, assisting with catering, and billeting will be needed. An entertainment component for the weekend could be considered! Transportation may be required, meeting space needs to be found, and there will be mailings and office duties to be assisted with in the pre-event stages. Give me a call at the office if you want to assist with this project. It will only last from about February to July, with the majority of the work being done four to six weeks before the meeting If you can't help with the work,would you be able to provide accomodations for for someone while they're here7 This would be a great help All volunteers are also invited and welcome to attend the OAN when it's here This can be a fun event and we can show the off our organization to the rest of the province! Lawrence Korhonen Volunteer! 1989 has proven to be a very busy year for our volunteers, from bingos, client care, mall and school displays to office work. AIDS Awareness Veek and office renovations. One thing is for sure, not only would these events not have happened if it weren't for our volunteers, but it wouldn't have been as successful or as professional and without as much care. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay to thank each and every one of you, and also to let you know that you, the volunteers, are the best. And whatever the obstacles and the problems, volunteers who work with persons with AIDS or any work with AIDS Committees are the best of the best. Thank You! I personally want to say Tidbits Our 1990 Healthy Sex Calendar For Gay & Bisexual Men is now available at the New Year's price of only $4.95' Vehavea limited number of calendars left. Call 3*45-1516 to have one mailed to you or pick one up at 285 Bay Street A series of Vellness Seminars will be held at ACT-B in February and March. Guest facilitators will cover topics such as nutrition, stress reduction, massage and meditation All are welcome. Phone 345-1516 for details �8. ’.hanks for caking me feel right at home and comfortable since mv joining the ACT-B team My greatest pleasure has been getting to meet and know each and every one of you. You are simply the greatest I am looking forward to working with all of you in the New Year as well as at our informal volunteer get togethers The first of which is on January 11th at 7 30 pm. here in our newly renovated office. Hope to see you there. As we go into a new year I would like to leave some special words with you I do not know who wrote them but they are wonderful words to live by Speak it again Speak it still again Speak it still once again I wish all of you a wonderful and Happy New Year and along with it peace and tranquility. Sincerely Linda Gambee Volunteer Coordinator On This Day Mend a quarrel Search out a forgotten friend Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love letter Share some treasure Si ve a soft answer Encourage youth Manifest your loyaltym a word or deed. A CT-B Calendar January 17 Board Meeting 7.00 p m. January 23 BINGO1 6 30 Diamond Bingo Hall February 7 Executive Committee Meeting Keep a promise. Find the time Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy Listen. Apologize ifyou were wrong Try to understand. Flout envy Examine your demands on others Think first of someone else Appreciate, be kind, begentle Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence Decry complacency Take up arms against malice Express yourgratitude Gladden the heart of a child Take pleasure m the beauty and wonder of the earth Speak your love Eebruary Volunteer Orientation at the ACT-B office at 285 Bay St All interested persons are welcome Contact Linda Gambee at 345-1516 Eebruary 9 Open House1 All Day at the ACT-B office, 285 Bay Street Eebruary 14 Valentine’s Day Deadline for submissions for the March/April issue of ReACT-Believe Eebruary 21 Board Meeting 7 00pm March 7 Executive Committee Meeting �9. Shared When 1 decided to write this article I didn't know if I could I didn't know if I'd be able to relate to the problems that a person with AIDS faces. I spoke toaP W.A. andwe shared our experiences. I found we could relate - with a difference.. For the last ten months I have felt tired, alone and scared, Constant fatigue really dragged me down. I had to watch, every day, that I didn't do too much. If I went like crazy one day. I'd be exhausted for the next two. I was too tired to read or even sleep. I just-sat. It got to the point that I had to leave my job My friends didn't understand how I could be so tired. The fatigue didn't help my mood any either I became very cranky and my patience wore thin With the lack of sleep and the negative feelings and memories I had to deal with I became very sensitive -1 cried a lot. I needed my friends more than ever but my mood swings were driving them away I couldn't talk to them about how I felt because they couldn't understand. I had so many things to deal with, so many things to learn and understand. I needed help -1 needed and I felt alone, I had to deal with my self image I used to be such an Life independent, hardworking, active person. All of a sudden I needed help, and lots of it1 I couldn't work I had to go for Social Assistance. I couldn't afford to live in my nice apartment I had to move to more meagre surroundings I needed help to pack my things, I had to borrow money. I come from a family where you work and are responsible for yourself Needing so much help was a big kick in the ego. It's been a difficult and stressful year for myself and my friend with AIDS. The year turned out well, though. We both dealt with our situations. There is a positive side to this story. It's not all sadness. My friend has really improved the quality of his life over the past year He has learned to accentuate the positive He has reached out to people that can give him positive answers; some old friends and some new When he's feeling low he'll call a positive someone and talk it out. Another person's positive outlook can really help. *The Color of Light Daily Meditations For All Of Us Living With AIDS, by Perry Tilleraas He has learned to work with. not against his illness He reads *The Color of Light every day and reads about his illness and nutrition He walks every day and sets priorities for each day He doesn't chastise himself when he doesn't accomplish all he set out to do He pats himself on the back for what he has done He knows that he can put it off, because there is no sense stressing himself My friend has learned to ask for help emotionally and financially. He realizes now that the help is there for him. He has worked hard. He earned what he is getting. He strives to alleviate his anger and drive away his negativity which his illness thrives upon. Speaking to people who are not ill helps, and writing down his feelings also helps him to see things in a different light He has learned to live a positive and active life within the everchanging limitations of AIDS. Oh yes. the difference I mentioned at the beginning I feel better now. I'm working again and I have a brand new baby girl. My friend has AIDS Eileen Parker �10. continued from page 4 blood, semen and vaginal secretions in enough concentration to infect There is a possibility that one could be exposed to HIV while performing oral sex on an HIV infected person In order for the virus to transmit from the infected person to the other, the uninfected person would have to have a point of entry into their blood stream In other words, the infected semen or vaginal secretion would have to enter a cut or open sore in the mouth of the uninfected person, and that person would then have become exposed to the HIV virus The Safer Sex Guidelines developed by the Canadian AIDS Society, recommends that men wear condoms and women use a latex barrier when receiving oral sex- every time! Q: Me and some of the guys from school take steroids and we use the same needle. Can I catch AIDS or is that just from sharing needles when you do drugs’ A Sharing needles is sharing needles. It doesn't matter what you're shooting. Yes, you can be exposed to the HIV virus by sharing a needle with someone who is infected. You should not share needles but if you do they should be cleaned using bleach and water After EACH person uses the needle you should flush it out 2 or 3 times with bleach and then 2 or 3 times with water Make sure you do that in between EACH person. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Welcome to the 1990's As we enter anew decade it may be useful to take stock and try to see where we are heading. The early years of the A IDS era were marked by a variety of responses with some of the most useful work arising out of the concern of individuals, and coalescing in the community-based AIDS groups. Now that the initial panic and confusion has subsided, and government (at least in Ontario) has provided basic support, we are ready to move into a new period of action As we move into the '90's, we need no longer look at AIDS with the pessimism of the '80's Although no "magic bullet" cure or vaccine is likely to appear, we are learning to manage AIDS and we can begin to look at it as a chronic manageable condition. Drugs such as AZT and DDI often help on the medical front, while studies in complementary therapies offer a great deal of promise I believe the time has come for all of us to examine ourselves, both as individual whole systems and as part of a global ecology. If we begin to take ownership of ourselves, and the planet we live on. we can begin to effect significant change both in our personal health and in the health of our planetary home One of our projects in the near future is a series of Wellness seminars, and this should be an exciting way to begin the new decade in a positive and healthy manner Let us all begin to move along the path to personal and planetary health and wholeness David Belrose is a founding member of ACT-B and is serving his second full term as President He was born ^ rmsed m Thunder ®aY ^ writs for Canada Post 95 a *eWer carner • �ARE YOU AT RISK ? Call the confidential AIDS Information Phoneline at 345-SAFE. It ■ From 5 30 a m to 5:00 p.m. our staff and volunteers will answer your questions ■ After 5 p m. listen to an informative taped r ssage Would you like to be on our mailing list? Call 345-1516 or mail to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 ACT-B Services Speakers for educational presentations and in-service sessions for professional groups The ACT-B Resource Centre Library. Confidential one-on-one counselling. Support groups for persons with AIDS, friends, family, and others An Outreach Program to smaller communities in Northern Ontario. Producing and providing educational materials to groups and individuals All submissions and opinions for ReACT-Belie ve should be forwarded to the Editor by calling 345~1516 or writing to P.O. Box 3 5fib Thunder Bay; Ontario, P7B 6E2 ACT-B is a member of the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society/ La Societe Canadienne du SIDA (Charity * 0779330-11) The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay If you have any questions or comments, please contact our office at (807) 345-1516 from 8 30 am. to 5:00 p m Our office is located at 283 Bay Street printed on recycled paper � 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 3 No 1 - Jan/Feb 1989 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 1989 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF