980 10 13078 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2673/1993_reACT-Believe_vol6no1_2.pdf b9285e3fe1231bae04cca97d88c7fb18 PDF Text Text reACT-Believe Winter 1993, Volume 6, Issue I AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.0.3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE 7 do not have it within my capacity to make those of you who are III well. Nor do you collectively have It within your capacity to make me well. But together we can start to make the world well. And at the end of the day, that Is one of the primary reasons why we're here' Jon Gates 1956-1992 I met Jon Gales in Sydney, Nova Scotia, in the Spring of 1987. He had travelled from Vancouver, and I from Thunder Bay, to participate in a Popular Theatre Festival. On the final day of the festival, he was enrolcd in a workshop I led about community animation. Tn the introductory go-around during that workshop, Jon described himself as living within a community where many of his friends were dying. Later that summer, I visited him in Vancouver and we established a friendship that lasted over the ensuing years. When he moved to Ottawa and began his work as the coordinator for the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development, Canadian Council for International Cooperation, he moved into community animation on a vastly different scale. Last Spring, he delivered the keynote address in Halifax at the Canadian AIDS Society Annual General Meeting. The brief quote above is from the culmination of his address. We printed the full text in the last issue of our newsletter. If you missed it, please call us. If you have that copy, read it again. I don’t know anyone who lived with AIDS and understood what AIDS means in a global context, better than Jon. He used his brilliant wit and ability to cut the bullshit to articulate what AIDS means in the world. There are those of us who think of our own cities as "the world" and about the world around us only on "World AIDS Day". things. Also necessary and practical. There is so much work to be done. Caught up in my day to day work, I haven’t yet found a way to take up Jon’s extended challenge. But it hasn’t gone away. It rings in my ears. I want Jon back to continue action on this front. His vision and his passion are sorely missed. How will wc take up his challenge? Michael Sobota I saw Jon in Ottawa General Hospital three days before he died. David Hoe and I visited him together. In the presence of his final, heroic struggle with the disease, Jon reminisced and laughed with us. The conversation was difficult, painful, indelible. Jon spent his life, literally, urging us to think globally about AIDS. Like the many wise men and women who have led us in this work, he prodded us to look inside ourselves for the first decisions about how AIDS affects our lives. But he challenged us further. He challenged us to take those decisions and make them larger than ourselves. Corny - romantic - old rhetoric maybe even silly? Yes, all of those �TED’S TABLE As I sit at Meghan’s desk , I am trying to compose this article for the January edition of the reACT-Believe. The weather is blustery outside, but afterall, it is the day of the Winter Solstice. I am in my second term as a board member of ACT-B and I would like to thank all the members who re­ elected me at the Annual General Meeting in November. My position on the board is a Person Having AIDS (aka: PHA) representative for the agency. The experience I have gained over the past year has been like none I have ever experienced before. I have participated in the board, the management and the decision making of the agency. For the past year I have attended several meetings for the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society. Meeting sites were in various centres across the province. The furthest I travelled was Halifax, Nova Scotia. This year’s AGM for the Canadian AIDS Society will be held in Montreal. I am hoping that my health will permit me to continue going to these meetings. When attending these meetings, you meet hundreds of Persons Living With HTV/AIDS. You hear different stories about the barriers they have crossed while living with this devastating virus. I began to make some new friendships with many of these people. One person who comes to mind was a friend from Kingston, Ontario. His name was Tom. We went out for coffee while attending meetings and also met at our hotels for get-togethers. Sad to say Tom passed away November 24, 1992. He will always be remembered by the PHA Caucus for his strength and courage while dealing with AIDS. At the end of our CAS meetings, we as a group always acknowledge our losses and we try mentioning names of those who have passed on. Every name mentioned is one too many. It is very sad to say why and how it has to be this way. WHY? I am going to end off the article by wishing everyone the very best of the New Year. Special thanks to the agency for all the things that they have done for me since my diagnosis. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Ted Romanowsld HELLO FROM DARYLE! Hello everyone! My name is Daryle Dollan and I am the new Support Services Coordinator at Act-B. I started here September 8, 1992, taking over for Glenna McLeod, who has returned to University to complete her Master’s Degree. The last three-plus months have been very busy ones. AIDS Awareness Week ( with the quilt being the highlight of a very busy week), the Counselling Conference, the holiday season and a rapidly growing caseload have contributed to making these first three months very full (and somewhat chaotic). Hopefully, now that the holiday season has passed, I can get to work on some issues and activities that have been on the back burner for a while, such as a buddy system and a support group that will more aptly meet the needs of those who will be utilizing it. I welcome your comments, assistance and/or input on either of these topics. I hope the next three months will be productive ones! If you have any comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to give me a call and discuss them. Take care! Daryle page 2 ANONYMOUS TESTING IS AVAILABLE IN THUNDER BAY: PHONE 625-5981 You can now find out your individual health status concerning HIV. Anonymous HIV testing is now available in Thunder Bay. The process is simple. All you have to do is phone 625-5981 to set up an appointment. During this initial phone call, you will be asked for a first name in order to book an appointment No other identifying information will be asked for. At the appointment you will receive information to explain just what the test means. During your appointment, you will receive appropriate counselling relevant to your own personal needs. A blood sample will be taken and you will be given a date and time to return for your test results. It may take 3 weeks before results are ready. If you have any questions about anonymous testing, please call us at ACT-B: 345-1516. Accurate, candid and up-to-date information coupled with sensitive preand post- test counselling is what you should receive if you choose to be tested. We’re here to help assure you receive that. �ACT-B ADVISORY COUNCIL Fred Ball Norman Bowers Beth Huston Vivian Johnston Dr. Gordon Milne Marie Portier Nicky Tittley Director, Public Health Laboratory ACT-B Board Representative Director of Administration, Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Family Physician Residential Care Worker Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ elect the Board of Directors who keep that work ¥ on track. ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Membership form. Treasurer Director Secretary Director Director Director Director President Director Director Vice President Director ¥ ¥ ¥ Name: Address: ¥ ¥ Telephone:, ¥ ¥ Enclosed is: ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ACT-B STAFF Postal Code: $ 10 Membership Fee _ $ 25 Supporting Membership $ Donation Mail to: ¥ AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY ¥ P.O. Box 3586 ¥ ¥ ¥ Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising/Communications Coor. Secretary Support Services Office Manager Executive Director ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Meghan Carroll Daryl Dollan Lawrence Korhonen Michael Sobota ¥ ¥ ¥ Rick Alkinson Joanne Books Norman Bowers Patsy Chalmers Michael Gravelle Susan Ivany Gabriel Kakeeway Gall Linklater Carol Nicholson Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Ted Romanowski * * * ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Members set our course at Annual Meetings. ¥ They are kept up-to-date about our work.They ¥ ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS Join us. Become a member! To be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting, your ¥ membership must be up-to-date (30 days prior to the ¥ meeting). The A.G.M. Is in November. Please renew your ¥ membership now. ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ **¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ Please address any comments on reACT-Believe to: P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: : Ontario Ministry of Health : Health Promotions Branch of Health and Welfare Canada : Ontario Trillium Foundation : All of the people involved in general fundraising .which includes the local community, businesses and many individual donations. (807) 345-1516 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. John Books, Editor Karen Ferland, Writer, Assistant Editor Carol Bold, Writer, Assistant Editor Anne Ciemny, Assistant Editor The opinions and medical information offered by reACTBelieve 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 offered by reACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. page 3 �THANK YOU THUNDER BAY! 1600 of you came to see the Canadian AIDS Quilt during AIDS Awamess Week 1992 The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay would like to thank the many businesses and volunteers who helped make AIDS Awareness Week 1992 a huge sucess. A.C.AP., Abitibi Provincial Paper, Airlane Motor Hotel, Atwood Shaw Labine, Beatrice Foods, Bill Martin’s Nurseryland, Canadian Parmer Airlines, Chronicle-Journal & Times News, CJLB Radio, CKPR Radio, Coles Bookstores, Confederation College, Techdel, Desoto’s Music Services, Eaton’s, Floral Design One, Framing Post, Fresh Air Experience, Golden Horseshoe, Harrington Court, Henderson Della Lakehill Marketing Communications, Kelly’s Nutrition Centre, Kent Signs, Kromar Printing-Winnipeg, Lakehead Regional Family Centre, Lakehead Travel, Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship, Lakehead University, The Life and Health Insurance Companies of Canada, Maclean Hunter Cable 7 TV, McCartney Judge & Murray, Metre Eaters, Mister Print, Neebing Restaurant, 94 FM Radio, Northco Foods, Ontario Hydro, Alfred Petrone, Oxfam Canada, Polo Park Inn-Winnipeg, Prince Arthur Hotel, Pro Golf, Ramada-Red Oak Inn, Second Cup-Keskus, Secondary School Teacher’s Charity Fund, Shear Heaven, Superior Safety, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay Post, Thunder Bay Television, Tim Horton Donuts, Top Buckle, Vision Colour-Winnipeg, Wildwaters Wilderness Shop, the administration, staff and students at P.A.C.I., as well as the volunteers listed below. THUNDER BAY 1992 HONOURARY QUILT COMMITTEE Co-Chairs Dusty Miller and Susan Ivany, Members: Dr. Fred Ball, Joanne Books, Nancy Gildner, Sue Kainulainen, Vasant Lakhani, Bill Mokomela, Bishop O’Mara, Howard Reid, Dr. Bob Rosehart, Dr. David Williams. ACT-B’S INTERNAL WORKING QUILT COMMITTEE Co-Chairs: Advertising Committee Chair Hospitality Chair: Fundraising Committee Chair: Susan Ivany and Sheila Berry Michael Gravelle Denyse Culligan John Books THE THUNDER BAY QUILT POSTER PRODUCTION TEAM Gerry McEachem and Henderson Delta Lakehill Marketing Communications - Thunder Bay, Vision Colour Winnipeg, Kromar Printing Ltd. - Winnipeg, Abitibi Price Provincial Papers - Thunder Bay. PORT ARTHUR COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE Jack Organ, Principal; Mary LeCaria and Carl Reimer, Co-Presidents of Student Council; Andy Brigham and the faculty, staff and students. SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS The Framing Post, Lakehead Regional Family Centre, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, The Life and Health Insurance Companies of Canada, Secondary School Charity Fund, John and Flor-Ann Ayearst, Second Cup-Keskus, Ontario Hydro, Desoto’s Music Services, Dr. John Fernandes, Superior Safety, Maclean Hunter Cable 7 T.V. THE BOARD AND STAFF OF THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY page 4 �AIDS AND CANADIAN LAW "conclusions" a number of times. My strongest reaction was where they state that" the fear of criminal sanctions against bona fide educational efforts in the control of AIDS is largely exaggerated." Federal censors have been seizing books and other print materials from Canadian gay and lesbian bookstores for decades. It doesn’t matter if the material has AIDS education or health promotion value. If there is written or visual depiction of anal intercourse, the material is considered "obscene" by the Feds. Written by Lome E. Rozovsky and Fay A. Rozovsky Published bv Butterworths Canada Ltd. Copyright 1992 Just over two years ago, I was preparing material for a presentation to a law class at Lakehead University. As I did not want to make my talk a usual "AIDS 101" presentation, I began to look for material on AIDS and the law There was next to nothing available in any comprehensive form. The odd book that had published in this area was American and thus "odd" is an apt description. Canadian law is very different, relevant to HIV/AIDS. I scrambled from my personal knowledge of legal cases that had resulted in newspaper stories. Securing those clippings and weaving the material into some accessible information was a daunting task. Lastly, a book of this nature will, of necessity, go out of date as laws change. This again is through no fault of the authors. A recent example is Ontario’s new legislation making "living wills" legal. The authors do print an example of what a "living will" should contain. Putting aside the limitations to the volume and differences of opinion with the authors subjective conclusions, this is a practical and useful book. It can be the centre of any legal resource section about AIDS. It contains an extensive listing of other print resources - though there are only two Canadian papers cited - and a simple listing of other Canadian sources of HIV/AIDS information. Lome and Fay Rozovsky’s new book goes a long distance toward providing basic legal context re: HIV/AIDS. It does it expressly in relation to Canadian Law. It does it in a very readable, accessible style. This slim but timely volume is a welcome addition to any HIV/AIDS resource library. The book covers a comprehensive list of related legal issues. This is an excellent overview of how far reaching AIDS is. It touches almost all aspects of Canadian society. Because of this comprehensive approach [read the chapter headings to gain a quick overview], this is not a sit down quick read. Rather, it requires casual but regular attention. In this manner, it serves its purpose as a typical reference manual. Michael Sobota There are some weaknesses in the book. Because of the comprehensive listing of issues, many of them are treated in simple, rudimentary ways. This, of course, is not completely the fault of the authors as many of the provinces have different laws relating to the same issues. It would have required perhaps ten volumes to go into depth about the specific and different legislation in various constituencies. Secondly, many of the chapters [though not all] finish with a section called "Conclusion". Here the authors state their own opinion about the factual material they printed in the preceding chapter. 1 found myself profoundly disagreeing with their page 1 �Canadian Human Rights Commission Justice Minister Kim Campbell has proposed amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act which she states will give gays and lesbians more protection from discrimination. Campbell tabled legislation in early December which prescribes that discrimination based on sexual orientation would be included in the Act as a " prohibited ground of discrimination." The changes have been introduced as a result of an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling in August 1992. In that case, two gay men Graham Haig and Joshua Birch contended that the Human Rights Act did not adequately protect them from discrimination in federal agencies. In 1990, Birch - a captain in the Canadian Armed Forces - left a fiveyear career in the military because he had no further chance of advancement when his commanding officer learned he was gay. Because of military policy, Birch was told he would be ineligible for promotions, postings and further military career training. Campbell's amendments would give individuals the right to use the Canadian Human Rights Commission to file complaints of discrimination within one year of the alleged incident. She has also proposed that the Act include marital status as a prohibited ground of discrimination. But the definition of marital status described as a union between a man and woman - has drawn some criticism from homosexuals because it excludes samesex relationships. "1 don’t know of a jurisdiction in the world that recognizes same-sex marriage," Campbell said in an interview with the Parliamentary Bureau. (Education Note: Denmark recognizes same-sex marriages) "This is not to say same-sex relationships arc not recognized for certain public-policy purposes and that is an area in which there has been some change over the last months in Canada, and will still be a matter before the courts." If the proposals are passed as law, homosexual couples are concerned they will not be eligible for the same employment benefits, health care, pension and lax advantages as oppositesex couples. "I think it's important to make clear that claims for benefits by samesex couples have not been based on marital status," Campbell said. " They have been based, generally speaking , on the definition of spouse and who is entitled to spousal benefits... The act itself will remain silent on those definitions." Campbell claims the proposals offer homosexuals more rights and greater equality, although gay activists have asserted the proposed legislation is another form of discrimination . She explained that the rights of same-sex couples will ultimately be decided by the courts on a case-by-case basis. For the next while, the courts will be kept busy breaking new ground in the fight for gay and lesbian rights. Brian Mossop, a federal civil servant who was denied a one-day leave from work to attend a funeral for his gay partner’s father, has brought his case to the Supreme Court of Canada. A ruling is expected soon on gay couples’ rights to family benefits. An Ontario court will be deciding whether a gay couple will be allowed to legally marry. The couple Pierre Beaulne and Todd Layland argue that the legal definition of marriage is discriminatory. Regardless of the fight for gay and lesbian rights, Campbell’s proposed legislation may not even become law. MP’s won’t have the chance to consider the proposals until they return to the house of Commons in February. And, at least 20 Tory MP’s who oppose Campbell’s changes arc calling for a free vote on the issue. There is also a chance that the legislation will be killed if the House is page 2 prorogued. Campbell assured that the amendments will be introduced in the new Parliament even if the current session ends before the proposals are reviewed. * Sources: Canadian Human Rights Commission, The Globe & Mail, The Chronicle Journal. - Carol Bold TO ALL OF US WHO ARE EFFECTEP/AFFECTED WITH HIV/AIDS Our support group is becoming extinct and we can’t figure out why. Some people say that it’s because of the location of the meetings. Some say "I don’t have anything to say, except...” Many don’t say anything at all. There are people affected by this virus who can benefit from your experience. They need your help. The only person able to help a person living with HIV/AIDS is one who also has HIV/AIDS . Your experiences could help someone else, so come on out to where the coffee is free and talk is good! Sincerely, Ernie and Joyce P.S. Let’s have a Happy New Year! *******4^****************** ****** SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS: Wednesday, January 13, 1993 Wednesday, February 17, 1993 Wednesday, March 17, 1993 Wednesday, April 14, 1993 EVERYONE IS WELCOME 1:00 P.M. TO 3:30 P.M. IF YOU NEED A RIDE, CALL 767-1194 OR 345-1516 MEETINGS WILL BE A I 523 WENTWORTH CRESCENT. �SPECIAL THANKS TO THE ACT-B INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO AIDS AWARNESS WEEK. Iain Angus Kathryn Arnold Rick Atkinson Dr. Fred Ball Joyce Barnes David Belrose Dave Benedet Flo Berry Sheila Berry Jan Bert Joanne Books John Books Anne Bowd Norman Bowers Linda Brett Charlene Buford Janet Burns Theresa Bye Meghan Carroll Patsy Chalmers Anne Ciemny Nikki Clark-Tittley Sandra Coccimiglio Denyse Culligan Annie Culligan Terri Cupello Alanna Downey-Baxter Marilyn Dunbar Elaine Dunn Bob Ewing Nancy Feiber Karen Ferland Dr. John Fernandes Maria Fiorot Barb Frowen Susan Gibbs Nancy Gildner Michael Gravelle Patricia Hadju Wendy Hall Jennifer Hamilton Brad Hetsler Deb Hill Lori Hill Sherri Holowaty Jackie Hughes Michelle Huntley Susan Ivany Ernie Jeffery Sue Kainulainen Betty Kennedy Lori Kiceluk Lawrence Korhonen Bonnie Kyle Mary Lang Norma Lauchie David Lawrence Mary LeCaria Karen Lewis Gail Linklater Bernie Lopko Oliver Luther Robin Manning Sonya Matijek Nick Makletzoff Sally McBain Gerry McEachern Lauren McKinnon Glenna McLeod Theresa Michano Dusty Miller Kit Minor Bill Mokomela Carol Nicholson page 5 Linda Nicole Bishop O’Mara Jocelyn Paquette Kay-Dee Peel Dorie Peltier Samantha Peotto Sarah Perrault Coral Peterson Elizabeth Pirn Kelly Piper Pose Pittis Cathy Powell Derrick Powell Sharon Pudas Tamara Rajala Howard Reid Carl Reimer Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Sarah Roeleson Ted Romanowski Dr. Robert Rosehart Cathy Seliba Melanie Shaw Rob Shepherd Michael Sobota Barbara Spencer Laura Spiller La Verne St Pierre Donna Strickland Mike Topp Jeannie Tuomi Jennifer Turcotte Jan Van Geffen Stan Weinsheimer Dr. David Williams �RAMBLINGS OF AN AIDS EDUCATOR As we enter 1993,1 reflect on the fact that I’ve been involved in this work for seven years; five years as volunteer and board member and the last two as ACT-B Education Coordinator. In the last two years, a number of projects have been accomplished AIDS Awareness Week has improved our profile in the community, especially with the display of the Canadian AIDS Quilt last fall. The Native AIDS Project provided some understanding of need for work by First Nations communities. Publishing efforts included "Taking Care: A Guide For Caregivers", "Getting Together" the poster and pamphlet aimed at youth, the completion of "Keewaywin", the video and guide aimed at First Nations communities. Regional outreach tours and advertising have maintained a presence throughout Northwestern Ontario. Community channel television shows, the information phoneline and ongoing presentations, workshops and displays have helped to keep information flowing into the community. Library reorganization has made our resource collection more accessible. This work has been exciting and challenging and I feel good about doing it. One of the things that has become increasingly clear, however, is that there simply is not enough time, money or staff to do all that needs to be done. There is a very evident need to focus our education efforts very specifically in order to achieve maximum results with a minimum of people and money. The question that arises, of course, is how do we go about this? As we enter 1993 (the eighth year of service for ACT-B) there is a lot of conflicting speculation about where the AIDS epidemic is headed. Some researchers say that heterosexuals are not at risk, but at the same time we are seeing many of our new clients coming from that population. While there are suggestions that the rate of HTV infection is dropping in Canada, it is now reported that the number of AIDS cases has been significantly under reported. Meanwhile, the epidemic is raging out of control in many parts of the world. Consider the following. A large majority of those infected with HIV in Canada are gay and bisexual men, but there are an increasing number of women who are becoming infected. Injection drug use, although accounting for a small percentage of cases, is of growing concern. Studies are showing that, gay and bisexual men have made major changes in sexual behaviour, but there are significant numbers, especially among the younger men, who engage in high-risk sexual activities. They are like the rest of the teen population who continue to act as though they are invulnerable to sexual disease. How can we address all of these issues? What are the implications for our education and prevention programs? In Thunder Bay, we are in the process of a major evaluation of our education and prevention efforts, with one aspect being a needs assessment survey. We are determined over the next few months, to look at what we have accomplished and plot our course for the next two or three years. You can help us out in the process of evaluation and focusing. Write us and let us know what you think our priorities for the next two or three years should be and why. See the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay on Television LIFE UNE: AIDS And You Schedule Winter 1993 MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Tues. Jan. 26 8:00 pm. AIDS in Thunder Bay: The human face Tues. Feb. 23 8:00 pm. HTV Testing: live phone-in Tues. Mar. 30 Prevention: safer sex 8:00 pm. Tues. Apr. 27 8:00 pm. The future of AIDS: live phone-in Thank You l To the volunteers, staff, board members and local businesses that contributed to the Christmas baskets for clients this year. Volunteers brought in food, games, gifts and cash. Special mention to Laura Spiller, Anne Ciemoy, Safeway Stores, Zellers Stores, the Saan (River St) and the following theatres: Odeson Victoria, Cineplex Cumberland and Paramount Court Special thanks to Daryle, Michael and Elsie for putting the baskets together. Sheila Berry David Belrose Donation received In memory of David Morrison and Ken Plante page 6 �THE FALL IS PART OF THE DANCE Ernie’s six-year-old daughter knows her dad is very ill. After viewing the Canadian AIDS Quilt in Thunder Bay last October, she began designing a quilt panel for her father. "She took a piece of material and sewed some string on to it in the shape of a heart... It’s really cute," Ernie boasted. put it away. If the time ever arises that-I need a spare piece for my panel, we’ll have it." «' Ernie, a Thunder Bay resident in his late twenties, has been living with HIV for two years. Although he’s full of fun and energy, he knows that one day he may succumb to AIDS. He already started working on his quilt panel to ensure that his life is remembered along with those whose names already appear on the quill’s 400 panels. At times, the HIV causes tingling and numbness in his hands, feel and arms ~ a common symptom called neuropathy - but he’s not allowing it to affect his emotional well-being. "I still haven’t broken down like a lot of people do," he said. "I have HIV and there’s nothing 1 can do about it.. . (so) I may as well look at everything positively." His effervescent personality helps Ernie, his wife and six daughters cope with his HTV even though the threat of AIDS is no stranger to his family. His cousin died of AIDSrelated illnesses last Christmas. Ernie unexpectedly found a quilt panel made for his cousin while helping ACT-B roll out the panels for the quilt display in Thunder Bay. "The panel was just a rainbow with his name on it and his lover’s name - nothing fancy. He was just a plain person," he said. "I’d like to have a real fancy panel but that’s not me." Ernie wants a clown and teddy bear embedded on his quilt piece because "that’s what I am", he said jokingly, and because he’s an avid collector of both items. "All the girls in my family know me well. I know they’ll come up with something grand for me." Unlike Ernie, 34-year-old Ted isn’t sure about how he’ll be commemorated on his quilt panel. The only thing important to him is that his name be included on the national tapestry. "With me being so young, (having a panel on the quilt) is one of the goals I want to achieve before my number is up," he explained. "I would like to have three or four other people volunteering to sit down (with me) and compose a quilt. Or, when I’m gone, they can put whatever they want on it" Ted has been living with AIDS for over a year now. He found out about his HIV while living in Florida. When he was diagnosed with AIDS, he came back to Thunder Bay for the support of his family and friends. Ted’s parents found the news difficult to accept, but his sister took action. She set up a support meeting for Ted at ACT-B. "When I came back to town, I was so emotionally weak that I couldn’t even talk over the phone to ask for information about AIDS. But, everything has worked out positively for me," he said. Since reluming to Thunder Bay, Ted’s health has stabilized, he’s receiving a steady income, has found a place to live and is getting the emotional support he needs from his loved ones and ACT-B. And he’s also lending his support Even though AIDS sometimes drains him of energy, Ted always musters up enough to volunteer with the agency. He fills in at the reception desk, participates in fundraising activities and helps organize special events. He is also a member of the board of directors. But it was the AIDS quilt page 7 presentation that provided him with the most significant volunteer experience of all. It played an integral pan in helping him come to terms with the disease and its wrath. "I had lost some friends (who died of AIDS) and fortunately, their panels were on the quilt. .. . For me, (the quilt presentation) was like a funeral." To Ted’s surprise, the remorse and anguish he experienced while viewing the quilt and acknowledging the lives of those who had died of AIDS was also shared by some of the 1,600 people who came out to look at the artwork. "I couldn’t believe the respect that was shown," he said. "There were complete strangers who didn’t know the people who had died of AIDS, and they cried (for the victims). I didn’t expect that kind of empathy." Sometimes he finds it difficult to accept that a panel may one day be attached to the quilt in his memory, but Ted knows the quill is an important tool for raising public awareness about AIDS and for keeping the memories of those who died of AIDS alive. "The quilt means I will be remembered by the community, by the people that I knew.. .. It’s an everlasting recognition." After weeks of planning and organizing to bring it to Thunder Bay and only four days after its arrival, the quilt panels were rolled back up and sent off to their next destination. "I’m sad about it leaving," Ernie said. "Because, everytime it keeps going (to another location) another piece is added on." Several weeks have passed since its stop-over in the city. But for Ernie, Ted, the ACT-B staff and many of those people who took the opportunity to view it, the quilt and the spirits embedded in it have not been forgotten. "I remember all those colours. They were so vivid," Ted mused. "And, I especially remember one panel with the saying ’The fall is part of the dance.’ For me, those few words mean so much." CAROL BOLD �NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO REGIONAL HIV/AIDS COUNSELLING CONFERENCE UPDATE In the fall of 1992, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay held its first Northwestern Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference here in Thunder Bay at the new Ontario government building. The one and a half day event was made possible through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health. The conference was guided by a planning committee made up of volunteers and staff. Persons living with HIV/AIDS also contributed to the planning, participated as speakers and attended as general registrants. Thanks again go out to the planning committee members: from Thunder Bay, Russell Angus, Vivian Johnston, Paul Johnston, Michael Sobota, Glenna McLeod, Meghan Carroll, Karen Ferland and from Kenora, Rai Therrian. Twenty speakers and approximately 46 health care workers from the Northwestern Ontario communities of Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Kenora, Rainy River/Fort Frances, Marathon, Nipigon/Red Rock, Atikokan and Thunder Bay attended the conference. Speakers from Toronto and Winnipeg also attended. Speakers gave presentations describing their own particular experiences dealing with HIV/AIDS and counselling issues. The talks reflected professional and personal views. At the end of each presentation there was a period when those attending the conference could interact with the speakers and have their concerns addressed. A lot of information was acquired through this process. Many previously unanswered questions were clarified and many new questions arose. Counsellors, social workers, clergymen, nurses, doctors, persons living with HIV/AIDS, partners of persons living with HIV/AIDS and other health care professionals participated in the conference. Although there were many concerns that still needed to be addressed, the conference itself was considered to be a great success. It was unanimous among those who attended that the conference should take place on an annual basis to help health care professionals receive accurate and updated information on the many issues relating to HIV/AIDS counselling. BRING ON THE SPRING THING! The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will be hosting another: HEALTHY SEX CABARET Date: Saturday , March 27^ 1993 Place: Prince Arthur Hotel's Dawson Room Time: 8:00 P.M. Tickets: $10.00 Coordinated by: William Roberts page 8 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 6 Issue 1 - Winter 1993 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 1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2674/1993_reACT-Believe_vol6no2_2.pdf 340ac351cacfd731fb49700aeeac549c PDF Text Text reACT-Be lieve Spring 1993, Volume 6, Issue U AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.0. 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE cabinet ministers and Minister Bouchard. OAN Gathering in Thunder Bay The Canadian AIDS Society, in partnership with the Canadian Public Health Association, the Canadian Hemophilia Association and the Canadian Association of Health Researchers, met with the Minister and presented a detailed analysis of the current level of funding and the requirements to meet the minimum needs as we proceed into the ’90s. The amount needed was set at $55.3 million. The current level of funding was set more than three years ago. The Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) will hold its quarterly meeting in Thunder Bay on July 16-18. The network is made up of more than 30 community-based AIDS organizations. If recent attendance patterns hold true, 100-150 people will participate in the weekend gathering. This will be the third time ACT-B has hosted the OAN, having previously done so in 1987 and 1990. Member organizations take turns hosting, so the meetings move to various cities in the province. A special part of the agenda for this meeting will be the election of the OAN’s First board of directors. This is the culmination of two years of work, leading to the incorporation of the OAN and election of the First board. A local committee of volunteers lias been hard at work since February, planning the hosting details. This is a major event and will require dozens of volunteers to help it run smoothly. We will need minute-takers, informationhosts, chairpersons for meeting sessions, and there will be opportunities for volunteer work in the ofFice before the OAN arrives. If you can assist us with hosting the OAN, please give Sheila Berry a call at 345-1516. Federal Government Announces Renewed Commitment in the Fight Against AIDS For the past nine months, communitybased AIDS organizations across the country have been hammering at the door of Health and Welfare Minister Benoit Bouchard. The federal funding for AIDS, including funding to local groups through the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), was due to expire on March 31, 1993. Our efforts included meeting with local MPs to request their support for a renewed and enhanced commitment to federal funding. As well, a blizzard of correspondence was aimed at key On March 11, just weeks before the expiration deadline. Minister Bouchard announced a renewed federal commitment at $42.2 million. This commitment will extend over the next Five years. The amount represents an increase of S3 million. While any increase is beneficial, this amount is woefully inadequate, particularly because it must address the needs of the all federal AIDS strategies. A new application process for ACAP funds means we do not know whether the ACAP program will be enhanced in Ontario, nor whether ACT-B will be assured of ongoing funding. We wish to thank all those who assisted in the national advocacy campaign. In particular, we are grateful to Iain Angus, MP, Thunder Bay-Atikokan and Joe Comuzzi, MP, Thunder Bay-Nipigon, for their efforts on our behalf. Michael Sobota �Volunteers: " A chance to change tommorow" This phrase will be displayed on the banner to be strung at the usual Southward location on North May Street this year. The Volunteer Centre has chosen this slogan to encourage people to sign up this year and get involved in one of the more than 50 non-profit agencies in the city. It is action oriented and gives the impression that one person can make a difference! Whether you volunteer at one project (task oriented), or give hours on a regular basis, or work on a call basis, what you give is valued. Given the cuts in spending and budgets from both the province and the feds, volunteers will pick up the slack and allow agencies like ours to continue to fundraise and keep the level of services at a high level. Here at the AIDS Committee, we think our voluteers are exceptional. Every individual volunteer contribution is valued and appreciated. On April 19, at the Multicultural Hall on North Court Street, we will be honouring you, our dedicated volunteers for your support over the last year. The power of One, times 300 (the number of volunteers who supported us last year) helped the AIDS Committee accomplish these events; flea markets/yard sales, bingos, pancake breakfast. Healthy Sex Cabaret, make a difference! Candlelight Vigil, office support, newsletter production and distribution, mail campaigns, making of bedroses, sale of posters, mugs, pins, educational displays, Fun Run/Walk, plant a tree (third annual), make a difference! officially open our new office, answer phones, provide rides and support to clients and their families, make a difference! help change attitudes about HIV/AIDS, bring the Canadian AIDS Quilt to Thunder Bay, add three local panels to the Quilt, help re-organize the Resource Library, strengthen our various committees Fundraising, Support, Education - make a difference! The AIDS Committee celebrates your contribution to confronting HIV/AIDS in our community! Whether it was a one time volunteer activity or regular volunteering, collectively you logged 5777 volunteer hours last year! We the staff and Board salute each of you. NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK this year runs from April 18 to 24. The Thunder Bay Association of Volnteer Administrators (T.B.A.V.A.) will display photos of volunteers from all the non-profits. A number of draws will take place from ballots provided to volunteers. However you must bring the ballots to the mall on Friday, April the 23rd or Saturday the 24th. T.B.A.V.A. who host this annual recognition of volunteers, has chosen the theme, "VOLUNTEERS-the Heart of our Community". So stand up and be prepared to be recognized. Sheila Berry PLANNED GIVING Are you aware of die concept of Planned Giving? Would you like to give more than you are able to afford? You plan your earnings, would you like to plan your giving? To use life insurance as a means of planned giving you will need: a) a donor b) an irrevocable beneficiary c) an agency The donor purchases a Life Insurance Policy and makes the beneficiary the "Charity of his/her choice". Some of the advantages of this gift are: 1) The donors net donation could be much larger than hc/she can afford to give in cash. 2) The death benefit is TAX FREE to the charity. 3) It does not pass through the donors estate, thus avoiding any potential problems and costs related to probate. NOTE: You must be insurable in order to do this, eg: healthy and able to afford it There are also other possible options such as a bequest, will or annuities. To inquire further about planned giving please call 345-1516. Sexual Healing New Staff Hello, my name is lan Ritchie. I will be working with Daryle as a support services worker. I am originally from Ottawa but I have been in Thunder Bay for four years, now. I am a sociology graduate from Lakehead University and I am looking forward to working with ACT-B. page 2 The physiological changes characteristic of sexual arousal boost the immune system as well as the circulating levels of hormones and endorphins, so people feel better and heal faster, says Miriam Stoppard, author of The Magic of Sex. "It’s a double whammy to be ill and deprived of sex." Dr. Stoppard advises that sex should not be too strenuous and the positions not too demanding, and tells readers to choose a position in which the sick partner does the least work. Source: Glamour Magazine �ACT-B ADVISORY COUNCIL Fred Ball Norman Bowers Beth Huston Vivian Johnston Dr. Gordon Milne Marie Portier Nicky Tittley Director, Public Health Laboratory ACT-B Board Representative Director of Administration, Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Family Physician Residential Care Worker Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Atkinson Joanne Books Norman Bowers Patsy Chalmers Michael Gravelle Susan Ivany Gabriel Kakeeway Gail Linklater Carol Nicholson Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Ted Romanowski Treasurer Director Secretary Director Director Director Director President Director Director Vice President Director ACT-B STAFF David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Meghan Carroll Daryl Dollan Lawrence Korhonen Ian Ritchie Michael Sobota *¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ * Join us. Become a member! ¥ ¥ ¥ Members set our course at Annual Meetings. They are kept up-to-date about our work.They elect the Board of Directors who keep that work ¥ on track. ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Membership form. ¥ ¥ ¥ Name: ¥-------------------------------------------------------- ¥ Address: ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ¥ ¥ __________________ Postal Code: ¥ ¥ ----------------------------------------- ----------------- ¥ Telephone:______________________________ _ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Enclosed is:____ $ 10 Membership Fee ____ $ 25 Supporting Membership ¥ $ Donation ¥ ¥ ¥ ---------- ¥ Mail to: ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ * ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY P.O.Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 ¥ Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising/Communications Coor. Secretary Support Sen/ices Office Manager Support Services Executive Director ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ To be eligible to vole at the Annual General Meeting, your membership must be up-to-date (30 days prior to the meeting). The A.G.M. is in November. Please renew your membership now. ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ ¥ Please address any comments on reACT-Believe to: P.0. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 (807) 345-1516 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. John Books, Editor Karen Fertand, Writer, Assistant Editor Carol Bold, Writer, Assistant Editor Anne Ciemny, Assistant Editor The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: The opinions and medical information offered by reACTBelieve 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 offered by reACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. : Ontario Ministry of Health : Health Promotions Branch of Health and Welfare Canada : Ontario Trillium Foundation : All of the people involved in general fundraising .which includes the local community, businesses and many individual donations. page 3 �TAK MAK TACKLES HIV by Steven Minuk This article is reprinted with permission from Lexicon, an Arts and Science Magazine published eight times a year. Mailing address: 251 Harbord Street Apt. A, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1G1. Tak Mak is an internationally-known Cancer and AIDS researcher at the Ontario Cancer Institute in Toronto. He has published more than two hundred papers on AIDS, cancer and virology and, some believe, is a future Nobel Laureate. related AIDS is a recent phenomenon^ it didn’t receive any attention. You can acquire an immune deficiency by infection with HIV, or, at a much lower incidence, through exposure to environmental factors or as a result of a congenital defect. Credited with discovering the receptors on the immune system’s T cells, he is now focusing his attention on the virus that apparently destroys them: HIV. We spoke to him about his research activities and some of the controversies now unfolding in the AIDS research field. Because HIV-induced AIDS has become such a major health problem, and received so much media and scientific attention, these other AIDS cases became a prominent news event. In the past, they probably would have been buried in some doctor’s files or reported in some scientific journal. You recently made another discovery about T cells? So you don’t think these non-HIV AIDS cases mean anything? In our laboratory, we recently have been working with mice who have no T-4 cells. Surprisingly, we discovered that even when we removed all those cells, the mice still could mount an immune response. Now we’re trying to determine what agent(s) in the mice were responsible for this alternate immunity, and whether an equivalent kind of cell is found in AIDS patients. No, I don’t I think these cases merely weren’t reported before and there will always be a few people who become immunosuppressed due to environmental or other reasons. Were you surprised by the recent announcements about AIDS patients who have no trace of HIV in their blood? No, I’m actually not surprised. I’m pretty sure that this kind of AIDS has been around for years, but since its incidence is so low, and since HIV- Remember, these HIV-negative AIDS cases are spread out all over the world with no epidemiological connections. They’ve never seen each other, they’ve never shook hands, they’ve never exchanged body fluids, and so we have no reason to believe that they are linked. They’re just spontaneous events and probably happened at the same frequency before HIV-related AIDS occurred. Surely, evidence that you can get AIDS without infection by HIV page 4 wouldn’t be news the research community and the drug companies would want to hear. There’s big reputations and money invested in the current model. Remember, that, while there have been a few reported cases of non-HIV AIDS, millions are getting HIV AIDS. All this isn’t going to change die accepted conclusion that every single one of these people is contracting AIDS through some type of fluid, be it semen or blood. All these cases can be explained using epidemiologically sound arguments and an infectious agent. How do you respond to scientists like Duesberg who argue that retroviruses are harmless and that HIV couldn’t possibly be the culprit it’s claimed to be? Duesberg likes to argue the point that HIV need not be the "cause" of AIDS. I think we all agree that HIV is not the sole cause. I believe that there are co-factors. I think that HIV is necessary but not sufficient for AIDS, but that doesn’t mean HIV isn’t the cause. It’s part of the cause. Most hemophiliacs who have HIV take a lot longer to develop AIDS than, say, prostitutes in Central Africa, who have a very short latency period. 1 think the difference is due to the fact that prostitutes in Africa get exposed to a lot of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. �I think, then, co-factors play a critical role and that HIV by itself does not cause AIDS like the Polio virus causes Polio after a very specific incubation period. Why Is it taking so long to produce a viable vaccine against AIDS? We’ve produced one for the Polio virus. HIV has the capacity to change it’s protein coat with a very high frequency. The same individual may have thousands and thousands of different variants of the virus. Even though you can suppress one or two, you can’t suppress them all. We know that HIV can change up to twenty-five percent of its outside coaL You don’t see that extreme type of variability with the Polio virus. If you were able to make a vaccine against one strain of HIV, that wouldn’t protect you against all the other ones that can mutate. If what you are saying is true, then there could be a lot of people out there who are infected with HIV but test negative because the test relies on a specific antibody for a specific strain. I can’t rule that out. I don’t think it’s likely, simply because the incidence of the disease hasn’t really changed. As yet, there’s no AIDS epidemic where the people affected test seronegative. Wc have those handful of people in the States, but they aren’t epidcmiologically related. HIV can change its coat to some extent, but it can’t become, say, a Polio virus. We would be able to detect a mutant-strain epidemic. What do you think of the recent hypothesis that AIDS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system essentially cannibalizes itself? It’s entirely possible that AIDS is, in part, an autoimmune disease. After all, the virus attacks your immune system cells and your immune system then treats these infected cells as alien and tries to destroy them. Why do antiviral drugs like AZT lose their effectiveness eventually against HIV ? AZT inhibits reverse transcriptase, which is the enzyme the virus uses to replicate its genetic code and multiply. This enzyme is, unfortunaely, susceptible to mutation. As HIV alters its genetic code, at some point an "escape mutant" develops that is resistant to the drug. This is a very clear demonstration of how the evolution of a particular gene can occur. Has AIDS research led to any new discoveries about cancer? AIDS research has lead to an interesting conclusion which we were uncertain about in the past It’s clear now that the immune system plays a pivotal role in checking the growth of cancer. Many patients who have AIDS, if they had normal lifespans, would develop a lymphoma, which is a cancer of your immune cells. Do people who have AIDS develop cancer because they are im mu nosup pressed or because HIV appears to be carcinogenic? I believe that people who have AIDS develop cancer because they are immunosuppressed. There’s no evidence that HIV is a carcinogen. On the other hand, the majority of cancers in otherwise healthy people are not clearly related to immune dysfunction, and we think are a result of mutations on genes called oncogenes. Immune dysfunction is a sufficient, but not necessary, factor to develop cancer. As a medical researcher, do you think world governments are doing enough to fund AIDS research? page 5 This is a difficult question to answer. I think if you take the data as it is - the number of individuals in North America affected by HIV per dollars spent - the numbers I have, suggest we are spending forty times more on AIDS per patient than we are on breast cancer. On the other hand, if you treat AIDS as a potential timebomb that can decimate an entire population, you might say that we should spend a lot more time and money trying to conquer this disease. In Canada, it is true that we don’t spend anywhere close to what they are spending in the US per patient. At the same time, I think what is also lacking is not just money, but leadership in the area of medical research. �Book Reviews AIDS the Spiritual Dilemma by John E. Fortunato Harper & Row Publishers Copyright 1987 When I finished reading AIDS the Spiritual Dilemma, I felt as though I had made a new friend. John Fortunato’s warmth comes through on every page. His own experience as a psychotherapist, a gay man and as an unordained leader in the Episcopal Church, are presented with clarity, sensitivity and frankness. Although he naturally speaks from his own experience as a Christian, Fortunato does not preclude other paths on the spiritual journey, which he refers to as "the journey of the soul toward union with God". I was impressed with his sense of ecumenism, as well as his use of inclusive language throughout the book. Fortunato looks at the many aspects of spirituality as they relate to those affected and effected by AIDS. His approach to sexual/spiritual wholeness is refreshing and enlightening. The author speaks of our need to rc-cmbracc the sanctity of our sensuousness, to celebrate that which is God-given. He also states clearly, his belief that the church has not done well in responding to AIDS and has especially failed to help gay and lesbian people on their spiritual paths. This is addressed further in another of John Fortunato’s books entitled "Embracing the Exile: Healing Journeys of Gay Christians". The author’s approach to the "Why AIDS?" question is one of stark honesty. This is the dilemma - how and why would God allow this horror to exist in the world? There are not now, nor have there ever been any simple answers to this question. In Fortunato’s words,"... if there is no ready answer, no logical explanation for the pain of those dying, for the fear of those who are ill, for the grief of those left behind - if there is no answer, there is for us assuredly a response. Simply stated, this response is love. "Loving - loving as a verb, the act of loving - is the only way I know to bear the pain." Overall, I would highly recommend John Fortunato’s book. It is enjoyable reading and has a conversational feel. The only fault I could find is that the AIDS terminology is somewhat dated. Considering the book was written in 1987,1 suppose this is to be expected. Even so, the message is timeless and powerful. ANONYMOUS TESTING IS AVAILABLE IN THUNDER BAY: PHONE 625-5981 Susan Ivany "The Essential HIV Treatment Fact Book" by Laura Pinsky and paul Harding Douglas with Craig Matroka, M.D., P.H.D. Published by Pocket Books, cl992 429 pages The Essential HIV Treatment Fact Book is a thoroughly researched guide to understanding HIV. The particularly wonderul thing about this book is it’s readability: one doesn’t need to have a medical background to understand the content. The book is divided into four sections: Early Interventions, Managing Complications, Understanding the Science and Practical Matters. Each section deals with specific issues and covers everything from antibody testing, antiviral drugs, how to work with your doctor, symptoms and diagnosis, and what you can expect emotionally. It provides practical information not only to PHA’s and their caregivers, but for medical personnel, counsellors and anyone interested in getting a better understanding of the virus. This book has already proved to be a valuable resource in my work with PHA’s. I have recommended it to my clients and their doctors, and anyone looking for the definitive book on HIV. Daryle Dollan page 6 You can now find out your individual health status concerning HIV. Anonymous HIV testing is available in Thunder Bay. The process is simple. All you have to do is phone 625-5981 to set up an appointment. During this initial phone call, you will be asked for a first name in order to book an appointment. No other identifying information will be asked for. At the appointment, you will receive information to explain just what the test means. During your appointment, you will receive appropriate counselling relevant to your own personal needs. A blood sample will be taken and you will be given a date and time to return for your test results. It may take 3 weeks before results arc ready. If you have any questions about anonymous testing, please call us at ACT-B: 345-1516. Accurate, candid and up-to-date information coupled with sensitive preand post- test counselling is what you should receive if you choose to be tested. We’re here to help assure you receive that. �ACT-B ON TELEVISION Over the past few months, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B) has been using television to promote compassion and increase awareness of AIDS in Thunder Bay. Working with Maclean Hunter Cable TV, staff and volunteers have produced a series of informative programs airing monthly on Channel 7. The first show in November included an introduction to ACT-B, a review of AIDS Awareness Week, and a look at the international context. The December show was a moving documentary of the "CANADIAN AIDS QUILT DISPLAY" in Thunder Bay last fall, including local panels. "THE FACES OF AIDS", aired in January, explored the impact of HIV/AIDS through the personal stories of local individuals. A live phone-in show on "HIV ANTIBODY TESTING" broadcast in February. This lively halfhour prompted a number of questions from callers. The March feature was "GOING HOME", a powerful docudrama in which four members of a rural family describe their reaction to AIDS in the family. Originally produced by the AIDS Committee of London, this program speaks eloquently and directly to the audience. The final show of the series will be another live phone-in show on Tuesday, April 27, at 8:00 pm. This is an excellent chance for viewers to ask questions, or express their views on "THE FUTURE OF AIDS". Don’t worry if you missed a show. Call 7675511 and Maclean Hunter will air these programs as part of Viewer’s Request. Copies of the programs are also available in the resource library. The television series has been a demanding, exciting and frustrating experience. The time and effort required to put together a monthly show has been enormous, and while we started with a team of volunteers, this dwindled to a group of three. The shows that have aired have contained good material, and there is excitement in being part of that creative process. The frustration comes from the lack of feedback about the shows. The live show on testing is the only one that has prompted any amount of viewer response. It is clear that television has been a very important medium for the dissemination of HIV/AIDS information. Is it a medium that we as an agency should continue to use? As the producer of the shows, I have mixed feeling, and evaluation of this years project will determine whether we continue in the future. You can help us out with this evaluation. Please give us a phone call, and give us your feelings on the following questions. 1. Have you seen or heard about any of the ACT-B TV shows? 2. Did you gain anything from the show(s) you saw? 3. Do you think ACT-B should continue to produce TV Shows? 4. If yes, do you have any suggestions for content? Thank you for your help in assessing this part of our programming. David Belrose LIBRARY RESOURCES Over the past months, we have acquired a number of valuable educational resources for the library. If you haven’t been in recently, here is a sampling of some of the new titles. Most are available for loan, but some are for reference use only. FOR LOAN •The Essential HIV Treatment Fact Book by Laura Pinsky and Paul Harding Douglas (review elsewhere in this issue) ♦AIDS Video Series for Family Physicians six videos covering HIV management Part 1 - Overview Part 2 - Pre Post Test Counselling Part 3 - Management of the HIV+ Patient page 7 Part 4 - Oral & Gastrointestinal Manifestations Part 5 - Dermal & Respiratory Manifestations Part 6 - Neuropsychiatric Manifestations •Dr. Bernard Bihari - Forum on HIV Treatment and Strategies (video) presentation by leading physician - two parts •RETROVIR: Living with HIV video on using AZT (zidovudine) put out by Burroughs-Wellcome features Dr. Alex Klein of Toronto •HIV AIDS Education For Nurses Practice Issues and Curriculum Guidelines produced by Canadian Nurses Association •AIDS: The Drug and Alcohol Connection What Health Care Professionals Need To Know especially for chemical dependency caregivers •AIDS-PROOFING YOUR KIDS A Step by Step guide for parents and educators ♦HOMOPHOBIA: How We All Pay The Price by Warren Blumenfeld includes section on running antihomophobia workshops •AIDS AND CANADIAN LAW explores range of legal issues from Canadian perspective ♦TIME OUT: The Truth About HIV, AIDS and You (video) Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall VIDEOS FOR REFERENCE USE ONLY: ♦DEGRASSI TALKS: SEX •DEGRASSI TALKS: SEXUALITY videos/books explore issues including safer sex and sexual orientation ♦LONGTIME COMPANION powerful feature Film follows groups of friends through the 80’s Come in and take a look, or give us a call. We may have what you need. �Philps, is deserving of the highest praise for adding a whole new dimension to the performance. Cabaret Sex Acts, Healthy Fun The last Saturday in March marked the performance of the Fifth Annual Healthy Sex Cabaret. And, indeed, it included all three: health, sex and cabaret. This year’s production was hosted by the eminent and painfully hilarious Dr. Bill, who was assisted by his nurse Cloris Labeea (known internationally for her interpretive dance and apparently too, as a notorious theatre reviewer). Dr Bill was surprisingly organized (for a doctor) and under his direction, the show was an orgasmic success. The Cabaret was brimming with extraordinary talent and a healthy variety of acts. One of the first, Henry the Dancer, was spectacular in his gorgeously daring costumes. He looked better in a skin than most women and, certainly, better than Nurse Labeea. However, on this front, he was in close competition with the Pointless Sisters. Their act was well choreographed, well lip-synched and steamy. Sayble and Sue, a regular act with the annual event, again graced the Cabaret with their euphony. Their voices blended beautifully in the racy hits "Lesbians Who Wear Lipstick" and, my personal favorite, "Captain Penis." Of course, the Cabaret wouldn’t be the same without the Tiny Sex Theatre, a regular feature of the show. Wc were also fortunate enough to see the Rubber Made’s rendition of a Pulitzer Prize­ winning script, revolving around a sequin-clad mystery woman, a clerk and the small, but significant, Vanity Might. The cast was no less than marvelous. "Rub," especially, was Oscar material. "Desert Norm" Sponchia gave the evening a special kick with his musicianship. His program included a new, breathless version of "Safe Sex I" and a new composition "Give My Erection a Direction." The Scxperts provided llic intellectual portion of the evening. Dr. Bill acted as moderator and delivered an array of thought-provoking questions fielded from the audience. The Scxperts were ever-ready with a wise reply and insights into intimate sexual matters. Much was gleaned in their answers to questions, addressing issues ranging from the cunnilingual nature of Thunder Bay to the recommended sexual positions for those with a pacemaker. A Cabaret must - Deb Patterson - came (so to speak) all the way from Winnipeg to perform. Clothed in a backless accordion, she dazzled the crowd with her lyrics and music. Deb contributed a delightful selection of her new songs, in addition to some old favorites. All in all, the audience was treated to an exemplary show that could only leave them thirsty for more. See you next year! And, speaking of euphony, Kim Erickson - stunning as always captivated the audience with jazzy tunes by Fats Waller, George Gershwin and Billie Holiday. Her accompanist, Jamie Fundraising News The last few months have been busy ones for the fundraising department. Wc have been negotiating to have a convenience store sell Nevada tickets for ACT-B. Hopefully, by the time this newsletter hits the streets, the tickets will be available. This promises to be a very lucrative venture. Also, in the planning stages are a major concert at the Community Auditoium, and an evening with comedians Romanofski and Phillipps for early in the Fall. February saw our first recreational ski event. It was at the Lappc Ski Centre, on a beautiful spring­ like day. Though the turnout was a little disappointing, we did manage to turn a small profit. We also met some people associated with the Ski Centre, who were impressed with our efforts and want to work with us to make next year’s event more successful. All on the same day in March, we had a Flea Market and our annual Cabaret. The Flea Market at Trinity Hall was another small success, except for those who shopped... they got the best deals in town. Now, the Cabaret is a different matter. Thanks to William Roberts who coordinated the evening and to all the performers, it was a phenomenal success. Grand entertainment from some of the most talented people in Thunder Bay. April marks the beginning of a new fiscal year. Preceding it, there has been a great deal of thought and planning focused on the budget for the coming year. The fundrasing goal for the 93 fiscal year is $75,000 (net). The Fundraising Committee thinks that with good planning and the help of our friends and volunteers, it is a reasonable goal. To help us track our progress, wc will record money coming in on a Fundraising Thermometer in the reception area of the office. John Books page 8 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 6 Issue 2 - Spring 1993 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 1993 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/17/2675/1993_reACT-Believe_vol6no3_2.pdf 0e4bfe69c21c9f6d3cab7cfd77c2d803 PDF Text Text reACT-Believe Summer 1993r Volume 6, Issue m AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.0.24025 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE WORRIED? YOU CAN GET TESTED ANONYMOUSLY Have you been wondering about getting the test? Concerned about something you may have done in the past but scared to bring it up with your doctor, your family or, with anyone? You want to know your status but don’t want everyone else to know? Don’t want people to know you’re gay - or think you are if you arc not? If maintaining your privacy is important and you genuinely think you’ve risked exposure to HIV, you can get tested anonymously in Thunder Bay. Simply call 625-5981. ANONYMOUS TESTING NOW AVAILABLE AT ACT-B When you call 625-5981, you will be given a choice of locations where you can gel tested. Currently, there are two, at our office, or at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Simply tell the receptionist which location you prefer. Testing is available at our office in the evening hours. Remember: you don’t have to give an OHIP card, or your address or your name. To book an appointment, you simply provide a first name so a time sloL can be reserved for you. And nothing will be reported, whatever your test results are. Except to you. And whatever those results are, remember that we’re here at the AIDS Committee to give you information, help and support. CALL TO BE TESTED 625-5981 LOCAL LAB CAN NOW RUN ANTIBODY TEST Our local testing laboratory has received approval to run the basic HIV antibody test here in Thunder Bay. Previously, when your blood was taken for the HIV antibody test, it had to be sent to Toronto for processing. This frequently took a month of longer for you to get your test results back. After years of lobbying by the Director of Thunder Bay’s Regional Testing Laboratory, Dr. Fred Ball, and by ACT-B, the basic HIV antibody test is now being processed here. The basic test is called ELISA, and is a screening test. Results from this test can now be available within 2 weeks or less, if your test proves negative. If your ELISA test is positive or indeterminate (a category that indicates your test is hard to read and could be positive or negative), your blood sample would then be sent to Toronto for a confirmatory tests. The confirmatory tests aren’t available in Thunder Bay. Your results would come back to you later. If you chose to be tested in Thunder Bay, using the Anonymous Testing service (625-5981), the counsel­ lor will explain that a delayed result does not necessarily mean your test will come back positive. It could. But it could also be indeterminate, in which case it is usually wise to be retested at a later date. Or it could be a “false positive”. A very small number of ELISA test results show up as false when the confirmatory test is done. The importance of the ELISA test being available here is that the government recognizes we should have better health services here in the North. Testing anonymously, combined with faster test results and good, profes­ sional counselling is what we have been advocating for. We hope this makes taking the test easier and more comfort­ able in Thunder Bay. Please call us if you have any questions or further concerns about testing. We’re here to help. Michael Sobota L FIRST CALL FOR 1993 AGM AND MEMBERSHIP UPDATE ACT-B’s 1993 Annual General Meeting will take place in November. Your participation is important to our future direction. Your membership must be valid (new or renewed) at least 30 days prior to the AGM. So check your membership card, to see if you have a current 1993 membership. It is good for the calendar vear. �MEN'S SURVEY The National Survey on Gay and Bisexual Men and II1V Infection Gay and bisexual men in Thunder Bay and Canada are heeding the message of AIDS prevention. A national survey of 4803 gay and bisexual men showed that more than 75% of men who have sex with men consistently practise safer sex. The survey was released recently by the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) and researchers from the University of Toronto and Laval University. This innovative national survey examined the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of gay and bisexual men in relation to 111V infection. The ATDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B) co-ordinated the collection of data in this ar ea. Some readers may recall tliat Llie questionnaires were filled in at die Halloween dance in October 1991. It has taken until now Tor the data to be analyzed and the report to be written. The results of the national survey are consistent with a local Needs Assessment Survey due to be released soon by ACTB. Gay and bisexual men can be proud of the changes we have made in our sexual practices. However, there are still problem areas, and we all need to maintain consistent safer sex practices. More than 80% of the men surveyed nationally reported that they had made a major change in their sexual practices since hearing about AIDS. However, the survey showed that men under the age of 25 were more likely to have anal intercourse without a condom as were men in a relationship. In cities of less than one million, 40 to 42% of the survey participants reported having had unpro­ tected anal sex in the previous three mondis. Rend Raymond, Chair of CAS said “ the results of this survey, the first of its kind in Canada, show that significant change has taken place in gay and bisexual men’s attitudes and behaviours since the arrival of AIDS.” Raymond went on to add “ the work of the community-based AIDS movement is paying off. Our prevention programs are working." Even so, Raymond cautioned, we must avoid complacency as AIDS is far from over. The mam motivation to use a condom, said survey pariicipants, was the degree to which they fell they had control over condom usage during sex. This would seem lo indicate that individuals need to work on their self-esteem and their ability to negotiate safer sex practices with their partner. Of the 4803 men surveyed 65% had been tested for HIV. Men belwceu die ages of 26 and 35 were the most likely to lake the test. The survey suggests that concerns mound confidentiality and public health policies can keep men from taking the HIV antibody LesL. Overall, 11.8% of respondents knew themselves to be HIV positive. Although loneliness was the biggest concern for all survey respon­ dents, men living with HIV had oilier concerns of greater significance. They ciLcd problems ranging from being able to understand medical information about AIDS (3%) to feelings of uneasiness about having sex (25%). Over the winter of 1991/1992, anonymous questionnaires were distributed by volunteers from 26 community organiza­ tions at 124 venues frequented by gay and bisexual men (bars, bath houses and community dances) in 35 cities across Canada, including 'Ihunder Bay. Respondents ranged in age from 16 to 75 years old. Tlic survey was a collaboration between community organizations which serve the gay community and academic institutions, and was financed by Health and Welfare Canada under the National AIDS Strategy. ACT-B is a member of the Canadian AIDS Society, which is a national coalition of community-based AIDS groups confronting HTV infection and AIDS. A special Gay Community Report on the Results of Men’s Survey is available from ACT-B, GLBTB or at the dances. The full report is available at ACT-B. For more information, call David Belrose, Education Coordinator at 3451516. David Belrose page 2 WHAT'S NEW IN THE LIBRARY Listed below are some of the new materials in the resource centre. Come in and check them out. ♦Healing and the Mind by Bill Moyers ♦Managing Your Health: A Guide for People Living with HIV or AIDS by Mark Whitehead and Brent Patterson ♦A Complete guide to Psychosocial Intervention edited by Helen Land ♦Men’s Survey: The Canadian Survey of Gay and Bisexual Men and HIV Infection by Ted Myers el al ♦Ontario First Nations AIDS and Healthy Lifestyle Survey by Ted Myers et ul ♦HIV + Working the System by Robert A. Rimer and Michael A. Connolly ♦Rethinking AIDS: The Tragic Cost of Premature Consensus by Robert S. Root- Bemstein ♦Men & Grief: A Guide for Men Surviving the Loss of a Loved One by Carol Staudacher ♦Living With Loss: Experiencing Bereavement, with Special Attention to HIV/AIDS by Rev. Louis F. Kavar ♦Wise Before Their Time: People from Around the World Living with AIDS and HIV Tell their Stories edited by Ann Richardson and Dietmar Bolle ♦Landscape Without Gravity: A Memoir of Grief by Barbura Lazcar Ascher ♦Voices That Care: Stories and Encouragements for People with AIDS/ HIV and Those who Love Them edited by Neal Hitchens ♦AIDS: The Ultimate challenge by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross ♦A Different Kind of Healing: Doctors Speak Candidly about their Successes with Alternative Medicine by Oscar Janiger, M.D. and Philip Goldberg ♦Healthy Eating Makes A Difference: A Food Resource Kit For People Living With HIV video and book from Canadian Hemophilia Society HELP: Equipment Needed The ACT-B Resource Library could use a VCR to supplement existing equipment. If you have an old VCR sitting around unused, please considering donating it to the library. Give us a call at 345-1516. �ACT-B ADVISORY COUNCIL Fred Ball Norman Bowers Beth Huston Dr. Gordon Milne Bob Richardson Nicky Tittley Join us. Become a member! Director, Public Health Laboratory ACT-B Board Representative Director of Administration, Kinna-weya Legal Clinic Family Physician Businessman Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital Members set our course at Annual Meetings. They are kept up-to-date about our work.They elect the Board of Directors who keep that work on track. Membership form. Name:_______________________ Address: ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS Postal Code: Telephone:________________________________ Enclosed is:_____ $ 10 Membership Fee ____ S 25 Supporting Membership ____ S Donation Treasurer Rick Atkinson Debbie Bird Director Norman Bowers Secretary Director Patsy Chalmers Director Susan Ivany Gail Linklater President Director Rob MacKay Director Bob Richardson Vice President Diane Roberts Ted RomanowskiDirector Mail to: AIDS COMMITTER OF THUNDER RAY P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 To be eligible lo vole a I Ihe Annual General Meeting, your membership must be up-to-date (30 days prior lo Ihe meeting). The A.G.M. is in November. Please renew your membership now. ACT-B STAFF Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Daryle Dollan Lawrence Korhonen Ian Ritchie Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising/Communications Support Service Coordinator Office Manager Support Worker/Health Promoter Executive Director Please address any comments on reACT-Believe to: P.O. Box 24025 217 South Algoma Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: (807) 345-1516 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. : Ontario Ministry of Health : Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Branch : Ontario Trillium Foundation : All of the people involved in general fundraising, which includes the local community, businesses and many individual donations. John Books, Editor Mary-Lynn Bragg, Assistant Editor Dave Myers, Layout, Assistant Editor Ian Ritchie, Editor - Treatment Pages We especially would like to acknoweledge the Secondary School Teachers Charity Fund for their c<?n?rous flQmt'qn,_ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ 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 offered by reACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. page 3 �REATMENT PAGE AIDS and Our Youth: Arc They Getting the Message? It is often said that “our children are our future”. The youth of today face an uphill struggle in trying to reach adulthood. Every generation of teenagers goes through more or less the same biological, emotional and lifestyle changes, but this new generation of teenagers are facing the prospects of a shrinking job market and a killer virus that is transmitted by the one remaining constant in their lives, sex. During the last live years teenagers have been bombarded with commercials, public service an­ nouncements and advertisement posters about the dangers of AIDS and how to prevent it. Wc all have seen the commercials with famous rock stars warning teenagers about the dangers of AIDS. The poster cam­ paigns stating “it can happen to you”. Along with this teenagers have been bombarded with anti-drug messages. Is it possible that wc have desensi­ tized our young adults lo these messages? Do they see a commercial and say to themselves “not another AIDS commercial” and change the channel? I don’t know the answer to this question. One thing I do know is dial teenagers are noi getting the message. Recent studies suggest dial teens arc more educated about AIDS awareness but for some reason they are not turning awareness into preven­ tion. A recent issue in Maclean’s magazine (February 1993) illustrates tills point. In a survey of 1500 teenagers aged 14 - 19, only 38% of sexually active teens say they use a condom every time they have sex. That means that 62% of all sexually active teens are not getting the message of practising safe sex and are vulnerable to any number of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), preg­ nancy and of course AIDS. How many teens arc sexually active you ask? Well, according lo Decima research poll, 60% of teens aged 17 19 are sexually active. To further illustrate this point according to the latest statistics available, in 1989 there were 39,000 teenage pregnan­ cies in Canada. This means that in 1989, 78,000 teenagers (it takes two to tango) were at risk of contracting an STD or AIDS. Another disturbing trend is the continuing increase of STD rales in teenagers. The goal of safe sex messages is to reduce all of these trends. What we are seeing is the opposite. Teenagers are not getting the message. So the question remains. Why are teenagers not practising safer sex? Well the most obvious to everybody is that like all of us dial were once teenagers, the feeling of immortality and individualism is dominant. “Who cares”, “carpe diem” (seize the day), “it won’t happen to me” are all expressions of feelings that most teenagers face. (I know I did). Tliis is a difficult fact to deal with and as educators we must identify this and gear our promotion to answer this phenomena. We must convince adolescents that they must assume responsibility for their actions. Another possible reason that teenagers are not getting the message is because they don’t feel dial they are at risk. Our society has attempted to educate our teenagers about the spread and prevention of AIDS but, at die same time portrayed this disease as a gay or I. V. drug user disease. So of course “it can’t happen to me, if I don’t fit into this category” is natural. Unfortunately, the reality is that if you have unprotected sex, you are at page 4 risk. Harsh 1 know but reality. Currently in Ontario alone, five people test positive for the HIV virus everyday. Our teenagers are having sex and they am at risk. I fear the day when the only option we have left to convince teenagers that they arc just as much at risk as everyone else, is to fill our school auditorium with a panel of HIV positive teenagers. The 9th Annual AIDS Conference in Berlin this year con­ firmed that die highest risk category for contracting the HIV virus is young people between the ages 15-24. I believe that new strategies and new programs need to be developed in order to convince young people that every time they practise unsafe sex, they are putting dicir life in danger. This is not just a disease that attacks certain groups, this is a disease that can affect anyone who has unsafe sex. Awareness of how to prevent the spread of AIDS is high, if only we can find a way to translate that message of awareness into action for prevention. Ian Ritchie ra In Memorium We remember with respect and appreciation Tom and George �Therapeutic Basics For People Living With HIV Infection Many physicians, researchers and healers now agree that ihe best approach in dealing with HIV infection is to start very early with a carefully planned, comprehensive program based on the latest research findings. Your program should include a nutrient-rich, whole-foods diet, nutrient supplementation to replace the nutrients that have been found to be deficient in those with HIV infection, therapeutic agents aimed at boosting the body’s capacity to heal and helping eliminate symptoms, and, depending on die disease stage, the appropriate antiviral, immune-modulating, prophylactic and anti-infective drugs. In addition, die most truly comprehensive approaches include mind/body healing, energy therapies, stress-reduction techniques, and recommendations for rest, relaxation, and appropriate exercise. According to Marcy Fenton, MS, RD, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant to AIDS Project Los Angeles, “Among people with HIV infection, malnutrition can contribute to the development of opportunistic infections, can hasten physical deterioration, and in the case of those with AIDS can be the underlying cause of death. Conversely, an aggressive, individually tailored nutritional program is crucial to slowing infection, increasing the. efficacy of medical treatment and enriching quality of life....Healdi practitioners need to understand the relationship between nutrition and immunity, particularly among those with HIV infection. In addition, practitioners must be aware that good nutrition is not an ‘alternative’ therapy; it is a fundamental component of medical care”. (Focus: A Guide to AIDS Research and Counseling, Vol 5, #2, Jan., 1990, UCSF AIDS Health Project) Which Exams When? If your T4 count is between 500 and 200 examine your options around combination and monotherapy with antiretrovirals. Some doctors like to start you on monotherapy with AZT then add ddl or ddC later on. Others begin with combination therapy. It’s your choice. If monotherapy with AZT fails, move on to ddl or combination of antiretrovirals. Review with your doctor any prior history of STDs or viral infection. Also consider using immune modulators such as cimctidine or naltrexone. An immune modula­ tor is a substance dial boosts or rebuilds the immune system. To date, no substance have been conclusively proven to accomplish this. CONDITIONS ACTION T4/T8 COUNTS Every three months: same lime, same lab. But note that even in the best of situations, T4 counts can vary by 20%. When establishing a baseline, use the mean of three consecutive counts. PCP If you have more than 300 T4 cells but are symptomatic, test for active infection by inducing sputum or bronchoscopy. If asymptomatic, begin prophylaxis with Bactrim as first line of defence when T4 cells reach 200 or T4% drops below 20%. CMV If changes in vision occur, eye exam immediately. HPV/Cervical Cancer Pap smear every 3-6 months. Colposcopy if smear suggests HPV, therapy if appropriate. Candidiasis Local mystatin therapy, then ketoconazole, then fluconazole if candidiasis persists. Skin Problems See dermatologist, treat topically and aggressively. Nutrition Treat nutritional deficiencies through vitamin and mineral supplements. KS Early intervention may be better than later depending on whether KS is rapidly progressing or not. Lesions can be given topical injections with vinblastine. If they cannot be controlled topically then add systemic chemotherapy (but just enough to slow down the progression). Radiation and excision of lesions is possible. Consider CD8 expansions with interleukin 2. Also consider Doxil or DaunoXome. Liquid nitrogen can be used on flat lesions. page 5 �FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE Joyce and Ernie: A Tribute On Saturday, June 12th over 122 people participated in the 5th Annual AIDS Fun Run/Pledge Walk. As a fundraiser and a running event, we were very gratified with the community response. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is grateful to the many Thunder Bay businesses who have generously contrib­ uted prizes or contributed to sponsoring this event. There are many wise men and women who work in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The best of them utilize a combination of personal skill, courage and humour. Joyce and Ernie arc two of the best. Lakehead Travel, Canadian Airlines, Athlete’s Foot, New Balance, Marquis Marketing, Lakehead University, Confederation College, Petrone Homak Garfalo Mauro, Atwood Shaw Labine, Microage, Finnport Inc, Finnish Book­ store, Canada Games Complex, Northern Reflections, Sports, Cineplex Odeon, All The Sports, Thunder Mountain Store, Sweet Thursday, Neebing Road House, Bailey’s Sea &. Ski, Beaver Lumber, Power Centre, Inter City Ford, The Keg, A & A Records (Intercity), The Lady’ a Champ, Japan Camera, Collegiate Sports, Music City (Keskus), Fresh Air Experience, Petries, King’s Stereo, Petal & Pots, Jeannie Tuomi, Gallery of Fine Arts, Boston Pizza, Centennial Golf, Shear Heaven, C & D Sports, J. B. Evans, Creative Croissants, Northern Reflections, Thunder Mountain Store, All the Sports, Neebing Roadhouse, Port Arthur General Hospital, McDonald’s, Robin’s Donuts, Kelly’s Food Service Equipment, Metre Eaters Running Club, Thunder Bay Nordic Ski Club. Thanks also go to the many volunteers of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay and to the Run Committee. NEW EMPLOYEES ACT-B is pleased to welcome the following contract staff to our team: Karen Ferland has been reengaged to coordinate our fall HIV/AIDS Regional Counselling Conference. Susan Gibbs is a S.E.E.D. summer student working as an Assistant in our education department. They came to Thunder Bay about two years ago. They contacted our Glenna McLeod, the Support Co-ordinator at that time, and quietly settled in to a rural homestead. Ernie had been TITV+ before meeting Joyce. His health status never prevented them from becoming partners, and they renewed a commitment to raising their children in a positive, healthy environment. Shortly after they moved into town, both Ernie and Joyce decided to become more active as a couple living wilh HIV. During the past year, they began speaking to public audiences about living together, as a family, with HIV. Ernie volunteered to be in the “opening ceremonies” for the unfolding of the Canadian AIDS Quilt. He spoke movingly about that experience in a previous newsletter article (Winter 1993 Volume 6, Issue I). Together, Joyce and Ernie were interested in reviving a support group and offered to host one at their home. Earlier this Spring, they joined the participants in our annual “Healthy Sex Cabaret”, becoming a very sexy cupid and his love partner, selling bed roses to the patrons of the cabaret. Later this Spring, they were the catalyst for bringing together a committee to develop our first food bank for clients. They named it “Mother’s Cupboard”. Personal reasons made them choose to relocate at the end of May. And it is with genuine reluctance and sadness we saw them go. Joyce and Ernie, thank you for all your contributions while you were in Thunder Bay. We have benefited from your skills, your eagerness and your friend­ ship. We salute you. Michael Soboia Volunteer of the Year '93 Ted came to the AIDS Committee two years ago. He wanted to get involved and do whatever he could to help confront AIDS/HIV in Thunder Bay. Ted was bom and raised in the city, then returned after a long absence. When he first came to the agency, Ted started out volunteer­ ing on the phones, stuffing and folding envelopes, advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS, assisting with coin boxes, yard sales and special events, and so much more. Since his first involve­ ment, he has been a dedicated volunteer, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors, the Fundraising Committee, and the Support Committee. Our bingos will always find Ted hustling those traders on the floor. Last year Ted represented ACT-B at several AIDS/HIV conferences, and was very involved in the Canadian AIDS Quilt Display. Ted is shown here honouring one of his longtime friends whose panel was pan of the Canadian AIDS Quilt. During the course of his volunteering here, Ted has contrib­ page 6 uted over 700 hours, but more than that, he has given much of himself. There is a spccialness about Ted that has endeared him to many of the volunteers and staff. You can’t know Ted without recognizing his witty and sarcastic humour. You can’t know Ted if you don’t sense his sincerity and soft side. We, the staff and Board salute and honour you as VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR ! Sheila Berry, Coordinator of Volunteer Services �PROM ALL WALKS OF UPE Joyce and Ernie* A Tribute On Saturday, June 12th over 122 people participated in the 5th Annual AIDS Fun Run/Plcdgc Walk. As a fundraiser and a running event, we were very gratified with the community response. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is grateful to the many Thunder Bay businesses who have generously contrib­ uted prizes or contributed to sponsoring this event. There are many wise men and women who work in Lhe fighl against HIV/AIUS. The best of them utilize a combination of personal skill, courage and humour. Joyce and Ernie are two of the best. Lakchcad Travel, Canadian Airlines, Athlete’s Foot, New Balance, Marquis Marketing, Lakehead University, Confederation College, Pelrone Homak Garfalo Mauro, Atwood Shaw Labine, Microage, Finnport Inc, Finnish Book­ store, Canada Games Complex, Northern Reflections, Sports, Cineplex Odeon, All The Sports, Thunder Mountain Store, Sweet Thursday, Neebing Road House, Bailey’s Sea & Ski, Beaver Lumber, Power Centre, Inter City Ford, The Keg, A & A Records (Intercity), The Lady’ a Champ, Japan Camera, Collegiate Sports, Music City (Keskus), Fresh Air Experience, Petries, King’s Stereo, Petal & Pots, Jeannie Tuomi, Gallery of Fine Arts, Boston Pizza, Centennial Golf, Shear Heaven, C & D Sports, J. B. Evans, Creative Croissants, Northern Reflections, Thunder Mountain Store, All the Sports, Neebing Roadhouse, Port Arthur General Hospital, McDonald’s, Robin’s Donuts, Kelly’s Food Service Equipment, Metre Eaters Running Club, Thunder Bay Nordic Ski Club. Thanks also go to the many volunteers of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay and to the Run Committee. NEW EMPLOYEES ACT-B is pleased to welcome the following contract staff to our team: Karen Ferland has been reengaged to coordinate our fall HIV/AIDS Regional Counselling Conference. Susan Gibbs is a S.E.E.D. summer student working as an Assistant in our education department. They came to Thunder Bay about two years ago. They contacted our Glenna McLeod, the Support Co-ordinator at that time, and quietly settled in to a rural homestead. Ernie had been HIV+ before meeting Joyce. Ilis health status never prevented them from becoming partners, and they renewed a commitment to raising their children in a positive, healthy environment. Shortly after they moved into town, both Ernie and Joyce decided to become more active as a couple living with HIV. During the past year, they began speaking to public audiences about living together, as a family, with HIV. Ernie volunteered to be in the “opening ceremonies” for the unfolding of the Canadian AIDS Quilt. He spoke movingly about that experience in a previous newsletter article (Winter 1993 Volume 6, Issue I). Together, Joyce and Ernie were interested in reviving a support group and offered to host one at their home. Earlier this Spring, they joined the participants in our annual “Healthy Sex Cabaret”, becoming a very sexy cupid and his love partner, selling bed roses to the patrons of llie cabaret. Later this Spring, they were the catalyst for bringing together a committee to develop our first food bank for clients. They named it “Mother's Cupboard”. Personal reasons made them choose to relocate at the end of May. And it is with genuine reluctance and sadness we saw them go. Joyce and Ernie, thank you for all your contributions while you were in Thunder Bay. We have benefited from your skills, your eagerness and your friend­ ship. We salute you. Michael Sobota Volunteer of the Year '93 Ted came to the AIDS Committee two years ago. He wanted to get involved and do whatever he could to help confront AIDS/HIV in Thunder Bay. Ted was bom and raised in the city, then relumed after a long absence. When he first came to the agency, Ted started out volunteer­ ing on the phones, stuffing and folding envelopes, advocating for people living with H1V/A1DS, assisting with coin boxes, yard sales and special events, and so much more. Since his first involve­ ment, he has been a dedicated volunteer, and is currently a member of llie Board of Directors, the Fundraising Committee, and the Support Committee. Our bingos will always find Ted hustling those traders on the floor. Last year Ted represented ACT-B at several AIDS/HTV conferences, and was very involved in the Canadian AIDS Quilt Display. Ted is shown here honouring one of his longtime friends whose panel was pan of the Canadian AIDS Quilt. During the course of his volunteering here, Ted has contrib­ uted over 700 hours, but more than that, he has given much of himself. There is a specialness about Ted that has endeared him to many of the volunteers and staff. You can’t know Ted without recognizing his witty and sarcastic humour. You can’t know Ted if you don’t sense his sincerity and soft side. We, the staff and Board salute and honour you as VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR ! Sheila Berry, Coordinator of Volunteer Services �UPCOMING ACT-B PROJECTS OPENING MORE DOORS EDUCATION PROJECTS The Education Department at ACT-B is just coming through a period of evaluation and assessment. The Needs Assessment Survey of the gay, bisexual and lesbian communities has provided much useful information, as have the preliminary results of the Education Evaluation Survey con­ ducted by the Northwest Enterprise Centre. Effort is now being focused on a variety of initiatives, with attention to POSITIVELY WELL Gay and Bisexual Outreach, Street Outreach, and Youth. An important ACT-B will be co-ordinating a scries of aspect of Gay/Bisexual programs will workshops/inservices for PHA’s and be a Gay/Bisexual Advisory Group. caregivers. An interest survey is being Persons interested in any of these completed by the target audience. From projects are encouraged to call David at this, a list of subjects for the presenta­ the office. tions will be developed and speakers Publishing is aimed at a new booked for the series. There will be six pamphlet designed to be a follow up to to eight presentations, starting in the Fall our highly successful “Healthy Sex for and running through March, 1994. Gay and Bisexual Men” aimed at maintaining healthy sex. We are also VISION: WHAT SHOULD ACT-B BE? cooperating with other communitybased agencies in the production of A planning committee is busy co­ material. ordinating plans for the 1993/94 board The Resource Library is and staff “retreat”. The overall content undergoing further improvement this this year will be to look at a vision of summer, as Susan Gibbs is working to ACT-B three years into the future. The organize our vertical files and make retreat will take place on Saturday, them easily accessible. September 11. ACT-B will be hosting a 2nd Northwest­ ern Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Coun­ selling Conference. The conference, called “Opening More Doors”, is open to people living with HIV/AIDS, carcpartners and professionals who are or may be involved in counselling. It will take place on October21 and 22 in Thunder Bay. For more information or to register, call Karen Ferland, the confer­ ence co-ordinator, at 345-1516. DONATIONS NEEDED FOR MIDNIGHT MADNESS YARD SALE in August Proceeds to the Support fund call 345-1516 for pick-up IMPORTANT NOTE OUR MAILING ADDRESS HAS CHANGED TO: P.O. BOX 24025 THUNDER BAY ONTARIO P7A4T0 OUR STREET ADRESS AND PHONE NUMBER REMAIN THE ............ ..... SAME_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ page 7 SUPPORT SERVICES Ian Ritchie is working on establishing an alternative therapy resource base. The first goal is to investigate the possibility of offering massage therapy to clients by a regis­ tered massage therapist on a voluntary basis. The second project in the works and which is almost up and running is “Mother’s Cupboard” which will be a food bank for ACT-B clients. Ian is also working on the “Positively Well” campaign which is designed to meet the needs of clients by offering workshops on such issues as nutrition, alternative therapies and women and AIDS. SUPPORT GROUP We had some interest expressed by a few PWA’s about trying to get the (on-again-off-again) support group up and running. Those that were interested were instrumental in getting the group started, and in keeping it going. Many thanks to Ian Ritchie (who really hates being called “Ritchie”, by the way) for his perseverance and chauffeuring abilities... and especially to Rob for his charm, wit, intelligence and general allaround-nice-guy kind of facilitating. BUDDY SYSTEM Yes! I know you’ve heard it before but it really is happening... sort of. We are more or less at the matching up stage now... the questionnaires are out to both volunteers and clients, and all that remains is some matching up, training, and (aargh!!!) paperwork. Still alot of work to be done, but with the help of wizards like Sheila, Louise, Liz and Rob, we’ll have it in place and fully opera­ tional before you can say “John Robbins”, ha, ha. �OTHER VIEWS U With Love, From Ralph AIDS and gay men are inextri­ cably intertwined. After the virus is defeated and there is a cure for AIDS, (yes, Virginia, that day will come!) the gay community will look back at all this with the same sense of terror and grief with which Jews remember the Holo­ caust. In Canada 86% of the AIDS related deaths are gay and bisexual men. Nine thousand gay and bisexual men have died from AIDS in Canada, and probably another 45,000 are II1V positive. Think about it. What would a parade of 9,000 gay men followed by another 45,000 look like? Try to fathom the loss we have known, and the loss to come: love, creativity, energy, humour, anger, beauty, passion, faith, spirit, tenderness,... these losses must fuel our zeal for prevention of HIV in the gay community. On May 6, the resulLs of Men’s Survey ’91 were released to the Cana­ dian public. Gay communities all across Canada, including those in prairie cities participated in the survey of 5,000 gay and bisexual men, which provided one of the most sophisticated and comprehen­ sive pictures of gay sexual life and attitudes ever completed, anywhere. Men’s Survey *91 confirms things that my gut instincts have been telling me for a long time. Until AIDS is vanquished we dare not ease up on our prevention education efforts and our struggle to create an environment that supports healthy choices for men who have sex with men. Community based AIDS organizations that have gone through a “degaying” process in an effort to obtain broad based credibility must re-examine their priorities to be sure they haven’t thrown out the baby with the bath water. Homophobia, which robs us of our power, must be rooted out wherever it exists, but especially in community based AIDS organizations. AIDS organizations must redouble their efforts to develop strong jicer based safer sex education programs in the gay community. AIDS organizations must strengthen their alliances with gay and lesbian groups, agencies and business. Safer sex education programs must become ever more sophisticated. Maybe we can’t eroticize condoms after all. Maybe posters of hunks wearing condoms are not the most effective way to convert us ordinary looking types to the beauty of the condom. New ap­ proaches must be found. On the prairies, where thousands of gay men first come out, and move to the big cities, it is crucial that AIDS education is part of their “cultural formation”. Governments must lake their responsibilities for gay youth seriously. It is a scandal that the needs of gay youth remain virtually unknown and unaddressed by schools in our towns and cities. How many of us were sexually active long before leaving high school? The answer should tell you the importance of high school safer sex education that includes the needs of gay youth. Ralph Wushke - reprinted from AIDS Saskatoon newsletter 'you'll never be more than alive' To what extent are our identities as gay men entwined with visions of death? I know mine is inextricably so. Horrible as this seems at first, it is something of a gift...a terrifying gift. I was around 19 when AIDS first became identified with the death of thousands of gay men. I distinctly remember saying to myself, “No, I’ll never be able to come out now.” Almost a decade later when I finally came out, 1 knew a lot more about myself and a lot more about the transmission of HTV. I was less scared. But now my fear is increasing. page 8 AIDS is hitting closer and closer to home. I’m still afraid of dying from AIDS and I’m afraid that all my friends will die and I’ll be left alone. I know these fears won’t go away; I need to process them or they will con­ sume me. When I look outside the gay community, North America seems to be a shopping mall of cultural denial. So much is conspicuous by its absence - death being the most obvious item. The denial of death is evident in medical and research priorities, business ethics, consumerism and youth worship; emphasis is placed on vague, unattainable future goals to the detriment of current emotional and social needs. The price-tag for this is hefty; by denying death, we deny life. The general denial of death, fuelled by fear and ignorance, is married to homophobia, hiding the epidemic which ravages our community. People don’t want to know thaL we are dying because they don’t want to know that they are dying. As long as it doesn’t happen in their livingrooms, death won’t happen. Well, like it or not, there is a virus, a truck, a stroke out there for all of us. In a sanitized, safetywrapped world, reminders of our fragile mortality are a privilege. Tire notion of safer sex, of making informed decisions about acceptable levels of risk, is central to this privilege. Aware­ ness and risk-taking are how I, as a gay man, deal with death. I’m talking about much more than sex. We can be more aware of our personal needs and the needs of those around us. More importantly, we can act on those needs. You see it in the clenched fist at AIDS rallies; the tender embrace at public vigils and private wakes; the fierce laughter and play of people beyond altitude; and the quiet support of care­ givers -- people who live a more ferocious life. For me, it is important to connect with and sustain these isolated acts of passion, to keep taking emotional risks with the people I love. Proud lives are not just for the dead. Gordon Bowness -reprinted from article in Xtra � 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 6 Issue 3 - Summer 1993 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 1993 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/17/2676/1993_reACT-Believe_vol6no4_2.pdf d57d15e318de631a201bfeae52cb8fe7 PDF Text Text reACT-Believe Fall 1993, Volume 6, Issue TV AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.0.24025 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL COMMUNITIES MOVING TO SAFER SEX The recent Needs Assessment Survey of the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities in Thunder Bay shows that most people have heard the message about AIDS, but not everyone has been able to consistently change their behaviour. To help develop and focus local education efforts, we wanted to get a clearer picture of the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities in Thunder Bay related to HIV infcction/AIDS. We also wanted to look at preferred methods of education about I11V infection/AIDS. Of the people who answered the survey, 47.5% had reduced risky sex in the past year and 46.5% felt they were already safe. Many had never tested, and/or did not know their HIV status. Most people clearly understood the risks of unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse and sharing used syringes. Unfortunately, for some knowledge does not always translate into safer sex behaviour. Some 39.4% of respondents indicated they had unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse in the past year. The predominant reason given for this was "being in a relationship". While some reported relationships of up to nine years, others were in relationships for as little as three months, and yet did not use condoms. Other significant factors were forgetting to use a condom in the heat of passion, or when drunk or high. Others felt safe because they had tested HIV negative. There is a clear need for clarification of the Safer Sex Guidelines around issues of oral sex, as many people were not clear about the risks. We wanted to find out the ways people have learned, and would like to learn more about HIV/AIDS. It is clear that television has been a major source of information about HTV/AIDS, and would be the preferred way of learning more in the future. However, respondents indicated they were interested in a range of ways of learning more. This will have to be considered carefully in planning future campaigns. A number of recommendations developed out of the study: a) ACT-B prevention and education programs need to be targeted, focusing on specific issues such as "safer sex as a social norm", alcohol and drug use, negotiation skills, and relationship status and risk. b) Anonymous testing needs to be marketed more effectively, and additional anonymous test sites might encourage increased use. c) Planning for prevention and education campaigns needs participation by the target community, and should consider diversity in content structure and delivery. d) An advertising campaign to bolster the community would support changes that have occurred, and encourage continued progress toward safer sex as the social norm. The results of the survey are already being incorporated into planning for education campaigns. Copies of the report are available from ACT-B. SECOND CALL FOR 1993 AGM AND MEMBERSHIP UPDATE ACT-B’s 1993 Annual General Meeting will take place on November 10. Your participation is important to our future direction. A renewed membership must be valid at least 30 days prior to the AGM. So check your membership card to see if you have a current 1993 membership. New memberships must be approved at the Executive Meeting on Oct. 6. Memberships are good for the calendar year. �"OPENING MORE DOORS" NORTHWEST ONTARIO REGIONAL HIV/AIDS COUNSELLING CONFERENCE Thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Health, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is once again hosting its second annual "Opening More Doors" counselling conference regarding HIV/AIDS. It will be held at the Prince Arthur Hotel, 17 North Cumberland Street, here in Thunder Bay, Ontario on October 21 and 22, 1993. On the evening of Thursday, October 21, 1993 there will be a short information session of basic HIV/AIDS information and women’s Issues; creating risk awareness for women leading to early diagnosis of the HIV/AIDS virus and its symptoms, followed by a period to network and socializing when refreshments will be served. On Friday, October 22, 1993 during our day session, various workshops will be held on: 1) Anticipatory issues relating to dying, death and the grieving process. 2) Counselling family members of someone with HIV/AIDS. 3) Gaining and maintaining trust; setting and maintaining professional boundaries in the counselling relationship. 4) Counselling issues relating to drugs/alcohol and/or other chemical dejxmdencies. Breakfast and a light lunch will be served at intermission during these workshops. Current registrations are from the Thunder Bay area and some smaller communities in the Northwestern Ontario. We anticipate a broader range of participation from these smaller communities. A nominal registration fee is required although accommodations and travel grants for out of town guests are available. All PHA’s (Persons Having HIV/AIDS) will have the registration fee waived. If you would like further information on our upcoming "Opening More Doors" Northwestern Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference please call the conference coordinator, Karen Ferland, at the ACT-B office 345-1516 between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Registrations are limited but we do have some space available. SUCCESSFUL HOSTING OF OAN IN THUNDER BAY After nearly six months of preparation, ACT-B welcomed the Ontario AIDS Network fOANJ to Thunder Bay for its quarterly meeting, on July 16-19. The OAN has thirty-six member organizations. Approximately a hundred people were in attendance for the week­ end meeting. The highlight of the weekend was the conclusion of a two year organizational development plan which resulted in the election of the first OAN Board of Directors. The OAN board is made up of representation from geographic regions of the province as well as the people of colour caucus, women’s caucus and the people living with HIV/AIDS caucus. Here arc the elected directors on the OAN board: Northwest region: Steve Brown Southwest region: Terri Grant-Galli Southeast region: Dale Lockhart Toronto region: Russel Armstrong People of colour caucus: Roberta Munroc People with HIV/AIDS caucus: John Burgess-Murray Women’s caucus: Deborah Aylcs At Ixirge director: Steve Lough At Large director: Peter McGuire At Large director: Jim Murrant Prior to the newly elected board, the OAN was coordinated by a Steering Committee. Our thanks go to two ACTR members who served on the Steering Committee during the long years of organizational development: Michael Sobota and David Belrose. In addition to serving as the Northern rep on the page 2 Steering Committee, David chaired full sessions of the OAN at a number of quarterly meetings. Thanks are extended to the hard working ACT-B volunteers who planned and implemented the hosting of the OAN. The hosting committee was co­ chaired by Board member Diane Roberts and staff member Sheila Berry. Significant logistical contributions were carried out by staff member Lawrence Korhonen. TELEVISION COMMERCIAL TO BOOST LOCAL PROFILE OF AIDS AND ACT-B Watch your local television channel this fall for a public service commercial about AIDS and ACT-B. The commercial, being created by McEachem Marketing and Communications, will feature prominent individuals from the city, as well as the board, staff, volunteers and friends of the agency. In brief cameos, people will indicate their concern about AIDS, and urge people in our community to get involved. To help in the work against AIDS, call 345-1516. This project is being funded partially by a grant from the Thunder Bay Foundation. In Memorium We remember with respect and appreciation Max and Murray �ACT-B ADVISORY COUNCIL Fred Ball Norman Bowers Bulh Huston Dr. Gordon Milne Bob Richardson Nicky Tittley Join us. Become a member! Director. Public Health Laboratory ACT-B Board Representative Director of Administration, Kinna-weya Legal Clinic Family Physician Businessman Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital Name: Postal Code: Telephone^ Enclosed is: Treasurer Director Secretary Director Director President Director Director Vice President Director Director $ 10 Membership Fee S 25 Supporting Membership S Donation Mail to: AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY P.O. Box 24025 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 To be dig*till' to vote at the Annual General Meeting, your membership must be up-to-date (30 days prior to the meeting). The A.G.M. Is in November. Please renew your membership now. ACT-B STAFF Christn Alsch David Relrose Sheila Berry John Books Daryle Dollan Lawrence Korhonen Ian Ritchie Michael Soboia Membership foim. Address: ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Atkinson Debbie Bird Norman Bowers Patsy Chalmers M ah Ion Inksetler Gail Link la ter Rob Mac Kay Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Ted Romanowski Rob Shepherd Members set our course at Annual Meetings. They arc kept up-to-date about our work.They elect the Board of Directors who keep that work on track. Secretary Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising/Communications Support Service Coordinator Office Manager Support Worker/Healtli Promoter Executive Director The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: Please address any comments on reACT-Believe to: P.O. Box 24025 217 South Algoma Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807) 345-1516 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 9;3Q : Ontario Ministry of Health : Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Region : Ontario Trillium Foundation : All of die people involved in general fundraising, which includes Lhe local community, businesses and many individual donations. John Books, Editor Mary-Lynn Bragg, Assistant Editor Dave Myers, Layout, Assistant Editor Ian Ritchie, Editor - Ethical Issues The opinions and medical information offered by reACTBelieve 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 offered by reACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. We especially would like to acknoweledge the Student’s Council at P.A.CJL and the Molson Companies Donations Fund for their generous donations. page 3 �YOURS TRULY, LANCE PERRY I am a 10 yr. old boy who has lost my father to AIDS. 1 didn’t know much about AIDS until my Mom explained to me why my Dad was sick. Wc went to the hospital to see him and it was pretty scary. I wasn’t allowed to touch him and that made me angry. After awhile Dad and I talked. He didn’t have much strength so Mom and I left and went home. I asked Mom what was wrong and at first she told me Dad had arthritis and a lung infection. She didn’t explain to me until later that he had AIDS. 1 didn’t understand what AIDS was. I thought a man had to be gay to gel it. Mom explained about Dad’s drug problem and told me Dad had gotten the virus from a dirty needle. I felt bad at first then I tried to forget about it. 1 just went in my room and played super nintendo. It wasn’t long after our visit that Dad died. It made me angry that we didn’t have more time together. At the funeral Mom cried a lot. As I was looking around I saw a girl who looked like me. Mom explained to me that she was my sister that we had the same Dad. I’m glad that I met her cause we can share our feelings about loosing our Dad. Sometimes we talk about him. We talk about how nice he was and stuff like that. Wc don’t talk about AIDS and stuff cause it’s still too hard. What I want to say to other kids is that its o.k. to cry. It helps get rid of the anger. But sometimes the anger takes over cause I can’t make the other kids understand how I feel. I don’t wish there were more kids like me but I know there are some. I wish there was a place or some way we could get together to talk. Maybe then I wouldn’t get so angry. I also wish that there were more books at school about AIDS and feelings to help me and the other kids understand more about them. If you are a pre-teen that may lose or have lost someone you care about to AIDS and would like another kid to talk to, join the: LANCE PEN PAL CLUB Write to me at: MAINLINE 2385 AGRICOLA ST. HALIFAX, N.S. B3K 4B8 ANONYMOUS TESTING The HIV antibody test is a simple process consisting of drawing a vial of blood. The vial is marked with an identifying number (the same number is given to you. and is marked on your file, instead of a name). The blood sample is then sent to a Ministry of Heal ill laboratory and is tested for the presence of antibodies to the HIVirus. If you are in a high risk group, or have reason to believe that you have been exposed to the virus, antibody testing is recommended, and is the only way you will know for sure thaL you have been infected with the virus. If you are an intravenous drug user and have shared syringes with any other individual, you are in a high risk group. Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner is the most common method of transmission. If you were a recipient of blood products BEFORE 1986 you should also consider being tested for the presence of antibodies. It is important for people to be tested if they think they may have been exposed to the virus. The earlier one is aware of an HIV positive status, the sooner they can take action to remain healthy, such as diet supplements, prophylaxis (preventative medications) for AIDS related opportunistic infections (O.I.’s), etc. It is important to protect your partner from contracting the virus by using a latex condom and (if necessary) a water based lubricant. In Thunder Bay, anonymous testing is available at three locations, and appointments are arranged through the District Health Unit, by calling 625-5981. page 4 MY DREAM IS A REALITY I have recently written a book called, "Letters to My Son, A Healing Journey". This book is made up of letters written to my son, who was killed OcL 30th, 1972. It was a collection of letters written to him, in memoriam, and after twenty years I had this dream of compiling them into a book. It is a journey for me in healing myself from the loss and also other crises that occurred in my life. I have written this book in the hope that it could bring comfort and hope to others that have to deal with a loss or who struggle with their pain. 1 lost my brother to drowning in 1942, my father to heart failure in 1956, my son to a car accident in 1972, my second brother to heart failure in 1986 and my mother to heart failure in 1986. I'hat was my whole family. I am well qualified to express my feelings on loss. I do not feel sorry for myself, rather I treasure my memories and am thankful for the joy and love I shared with my family. I appreciate my two daughters, my son-in-laws, and my six grandchildren and the memories I am building with them daily. There is no wish to seek monetary gain in publishing and selling this book, but rather a truly personal satisfaction of realizing a dream and in sharing my memories. My son and family will always be close to my heart. I am donating 100 books to the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, 100 books to the Smith Clinic, and 100 books to the Bereaved Families of Ontario. I hope that my book will truly "touch" and "comfort" those in despair, and in time they will not grieve what they have lost, but remember, with love, what they had. The monies will benefit the organizations who support, comfort and care so very much. Please look for my book in October and purchase one for yourself or a loved one in the name of love! Hugs to you, Anne Ciemny �ETHICAL ISSUES PWA - Person Who9s Accountable BY EMILY CARTER Imagine that it’s your job to care for a patient with advanced Alzheimer’s who is prone to outbursts of abusive language and behaviour. In fact, the back of your legs are black and blue because each time you turn your hack on your charge, he smacks your calves with his walking stick, believing you to be some kind of barnyard animal in need of correction. Can you hold the patient responsible for his behaviour? Likely not, no matter how infuriating. Now ask yourself who would you rather be: yourself with the bruised legs or an incontinent and confused victim of an inexorable disease. If you pick option one, if you choose to be yourself, you are accountable for your actions. No slipping strychnine into the patient’s metamucil. Two extremes in the discourse over the accountability of HIV positive persons are highlighted by concerns over "non-compliant carrier" laws and a recent news story from Portland, where an infected man was recently convicted for multiple episodes of unsafe sex with partners ignorant of his HIV status. There is a thin tightrope between laws that can adequately deal with such malice, yet don’t trample the rights of already disenfranchised communities. Let me make it clear like your Aunt Dodie’s kitchen window that any legislation regarding Reprinted from PWAlive Volume 5 No.1, Spring 1993 sexual activity cannot be specific enough. If there is even the slightest breeze blowing through it redolent of homophobia or prudery, the legislation is ethically invalid, and, hopefully, legally void. However, having this disease is not much fun, and knowingly placing another person in a position where they might get it, is, quite simply, assault with intent. The charmer in Oregon who’s been up to some unsafe sex with unsuspecting partners gets no sympathy from me. What he is is a perpetrator. I’ve heard people say they might understand without condoning the rage and dispair that could lead to this kind of violent behaviour, but some tilings can neither be understood or condoned. Our community, however, has reacted violently against legislative solutions to situations of this type, concerned that such legislation might be abused, and used as potential "anti-gay" laws. Again, 1 need to state unequicocally that no one in this community is condoning intentionally unsafe sex. But there has been a lot of talk about any "non-compliant carrier" laws as a de-facto tool of oppression, rather than something akin to a sane handgun law. Of course we don’t have sane handgun laws. Of course it’s a creepy truth that our sex lives are of more interest to legislators than what people page 1 might do with their firearms. Of course we are oppressed. So what? The ball is in our court. If we as a community can not effectively intervene on individuals who are knowingly spreading HIV, then we need to accept the fact that someone has to. Beneath these facts, which should be obvious, lies a more fundamental issue: namely, how do we in the PWA/IIIV community perceive ourselves? There are some who take the position that PWA’s need not be pinned to the same terms of a contract to which other’s are held. In a few cases this might be true, but there is no body of ethical decision makers anywhere on this planet with enough moral clout to decide who should and who should not live up to his or her end of life’s bargins. We’re all supposed to at least try. As a member of the PWA/IIIV community, I have been thrilled with many of the actions taken on my behalf by AIDS activists. However, I get a little nervous when I get the idea that I am being held up as an example of someone who doesn’t need to live up to her end of the social contract. To view me as a person to whom right and wrong do not apply diminishes not only my rights, but also damages my perception of myself as an autonomous, decision making individual. �My reasoning here is simple, and contains a healthy dose of self interest. Like many people in my situation, I’ve spent a great deal of time and effort to establish myself as a functioning adult capable of negotiating a social contract. I refuse to accept the definition of a marginal pariah that the world at large would like to impose. Likewise I refuse to be seen as a helpless, victimized martyr to whom the rules do not apply. If I should lose my faculty for making decisions, that would be another matter, hut as yet I have not. With my faculties intact, I have not only rights but responsibilities. If I am seen as a person who need not live up to her end of a contract, who in their right mind would enter into a contract with me? Just as medical, financial and political institutions bear a responsibility towards citizens with HIV or AIDS, 1 bear a responsibility in my daily life towards all those I come in contact with, regardless of whether or not various institutions are living up to their end of the deal. Let’s take this whole argument out of the realm of the murderous and put it back into a realistic and relevant context. Simply put: the system may be stacked against me, I may not qualify for disability benefits until I’m legally dead; I still don’t get to smack my kid or kick the dog with impunity. generally lies outside the realm of right decision: we just do the best we can and work with what we’ve got. But if we perceive ourselves as passive victims, we are entirely too dependent on the kindness of strangers. As my doctor told me when I showed up at his office eleven pounds thinner from final exam stress: "We can keep you healthy a much longer time if you participate in the process". It is my right to participate in the process, along with my responsibility. 1 intend to hold on to them both, right up until I start confusing my family members for livestock. Bereavement Support Group A new support group for people that wish to discuss their grief and bereavement issues is going to start in November. Barbara Ostaff will be the facilitator for the group. Barbara was a nurse for 21 years. She has 4 years of Pastoral education where her focus was palliative care, addictions and survivors of sexual abuse. Barb has served as a volunteer for ACT-B as well as Via Vitae. If you are interested in more information of this group or have any questions please call Ian at 345-1516. If I accept the definition of myself as unaccountable victim, the results could be just as detrimental to my health as to my ethical base. Our health -: - page 2 BOOK REVIEW IMMUNE POWER: A COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR HIV BY JON D. KAISER, M.D. Immune Power is a comprehensive healing program for HIV to be used in combination with standard medical therapies. Dr. Kaiser advocates a natural therapy program that includes healthful recommendations on diet, nutrition, herbs, exercise and stress reduction. Dr. Kaiser feels that when these natural therapies are combined with psychcological support and the standard medical approach, a much more effective treatment plan emerges. Dr. Kaiser believes the top priority for the treatment of HIV is keeping the immune system strong and free of co-factors. Dr. Kaiser has been in private practice in San Francisco for the last seven years. "Ninety percent (90%) of Kaiser’s patients have remained stable in their diagnosis or improved the strength of their immune system." If you are interested in reading this book we have it available for loan in our resource library. �POSITIVELY WELL PROGRAM The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will be hosting a variety of workshops over the next six months, October 1993 through February 1994. These workshops were designed to focus primarily on PHA’s (Persons Having HIV/AIDS) and their families/caregivers with particular concerns regarding their individual health status. These workshops were selected by PHA’s (Person Having HIV/AIDS) and their families caregivers through a "Needs Assessment Survey" carried out by our Support Services Department at ACT-B. Below is a schedule outlining the topics, facilitators and timelines. A few of these workshops will also be designed for local dietitians/nutritionists, physicians, massage therapists and other related health care workers. These particular workshops will be held in addition to the listed ones, at different times and locations. If any of these workshops relate directly to you and you would like to attend or you would like to obtain more information on them, please call our Support Services Department or the program coordinator, Karen Ferland from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We will be bringing you an update in our winter newsletter. SCHEDULE as of SEPTEMBER 14, 1993 (subject to changes) Contact/Person Subject FROM Date of Event Positive Youth Outreach Representatives HIV/AIDS prevention /youths prospective Toronto, Ontario October 4/93 5:00 - 7.HO p.m. Suvory Productions Sheila Murphy Nutrition for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Montreal, Quebec October/ November/93 Feather of Hope Ken Ward Spiritual Awareness Edmonton, Alberta November 9/93 5.4)0 - 7.4)0 p.m. Natural Health & Healing Centre Dr. Brian Schroeder Holistic Therapies Thunder Bay, Ontario December 4/93 2.4)0 - 4.4)0 p.m. Tylara Institue Dr. Terry Hill ACT / Wayne Fitton & Evett Perreault Grief & Bereavement Nolalu, Ontario January /94 Alex Higherest Safe sex after diagnosis of HIV/AIDS Toronto, Ontario Toronto, Ontario January! February 194 The schedule below is open to Health Care Workers Contact/Person Subject From Date of event Savory Productions Sheila Murphy Nutrition for Persons Living with HTV/AIDS Montreal, Quebec October/ November/93 Natural Health & Healing Centre Dr. Brian Schroeder Holistic Therapies Thunder Bay, Ontario November 24/93 7.4)0 - 9.4)0 p.m. page 5 , �VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION FYI - From January ’93 to June 30 ’93, ACT-B volunteers contributed 2122.5 hours in support of HIV/AIDS work in our community. The number of active volunteers for that period was 112. volunteers keeps ACT-B in good shape! Thanks to Rick, Diane, Gail, Norm, Ted, Rob, Rob, Susan, Joanne, Michael, Michael, Carol, Debbie, Patsi, and Bob, Russell, Alanna and Karen. On behalf of ACT-B staff, clients and Board, we appreciate your support! OAN CONFERENCE - Approximately 75 delegates attended from 36 community based AIDS agencies across the province. Our volunteers contributed in many ways: baking, minute-taking, organizing, working at the reception and the dance, being on hand at the meetings, photocopying/collating, and inputting data into the computer. Thanks to the following volunteers for helping to make the Ontario AIDS Network Conference held in Thunder Bay, mid July, a wonderful success. Thank you all: Anne, Alanna, David, Diane, Susan, Rob, Val, Karen, Careline, Michael, Christa, Ian, Adrienne, Flo, Lawrence, Liz, Vi, Bonnie, Kevin, Stan, Brian, Jody, Jackie, Jan, Madeline, Jeanette, and Brad. We received many compliments about the conference and wc’rc passing them on to you! BINGO VOLUNTEERS - Thank you for your continued attendance and support: Marge, Karen, Careline, Norm, Michael, Laura, Rob, Theresa, Sonya, Madeline, Diane, Ted, Ernie, Joyce, Murdock, LaVeme, Alanna, Val, Ian, Susan, Jane, Joanne, Christine, Michelle, Norma, Wendy and Bill. ANOTHER GIANT MIDNIGHT MADNESS YARDSALE! Appreciation goes out to volunteers who luffed out the frenzy at the recent yardsale. Alanna, Daryle, Pius, Kristin, Bonnie, Careline, Sarah, Susie, Norm, Rob and Val. Over SI000 was raised from this event and will go to the Emergency Assistance Program to directly assist clients. BEHIND THE SCENES - The ongoing commitment of volunteers, such as Board Members and committee- Sheila Berry The "F" word (with a dollar in my pocket & a tongue in my cheek) There are a number of community events coming up in the next few months. Mark them down on your calendar. During AIDS Awareness Week you will see our coin boxes in different locations with a basket of Red Ribbons beside it. Take a ribbon. The Red Ribbon has become the most recognised symbol of showing support for AIDS. Show your support. Wear a ribbon. Socials: ACT-B will sponsor a social and dance at the usual Fort William location on October 9th, November 13th and on New Year’s Eve December 31st. pages Of course, you’ve noticed that the A.G.M. will be on November 10th. You will find something new at this year’s meeting... a silent auction. Board members, staff and friends have donated various small treasures which will be available for bidding. So come prepared to cast your ballot for the new board and possibly lake something home from the old one. It’s all about support after all. This is your AIDS Committee. Also in November, on the 20th, there will be a combination Flea Market, Craft & Bake Sale at a local hall... just in time for Christmas. Proceeds will go to the Emergency Financial Assistance Program (formerly the Support Fund). And while we have Christmas in mind, you might warn to start thinking about what you would like to contribute to the client Christmas Baskets. Just on the other side of the New Year, stay Lunctl for our 2nd Annual Ski Day, an Art Auction, the infamous Cabaret and a Film Premiere. This is a major picture, which though released earlier in the big three cities, we will premiere in Thunder Bay. The Fundraising Committee is looking for a few good people to serve on the committee or to be part of a Project Team which has responsibility for a particular fundraising project. If you are interested in community animation, in finding innovative and fun ways to involve people in this cause... we need your ideas, your enthusiasm and sometimes just help with boring mind numbing tasks. Call 345-1516 to see how you can help. �UPCOMING ACT-B PROJECTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS AIDS INFORMATION LINE 345-7233 RESOURCE CENTRE 217 S. ALGOMA ST. PRESENTATIONS ON REQUEST GAY/B1SEXUAL MEN’S OUTREACH includes an advisory group, workshops, discussion/support groups, dance outreach. MAINTAINING HEALTHY SEX is a project to develop a next generation healthy sex brochure for gay/bisexual men, addressing issues around consistent safer-sex behaviour. YOUTH/STREET OUTREACH is community development work, assessing needs, networking, providing services as requested. AIDS AWARENESS WEEK is an annuaJ event to raise community awareness. REGIONAL OUTREACH ADVERTISING involves placing ads in regional newspapers for community development. REGIONAL OUTREACH ADVERTISING The Regional Outreach Advertising Project is a campaign to maintain a presence and develop community awareness in the region. This involves placing ads in about fourteen regional newspapers during the fall and winter. If you see any of them please give us some feedback. ACT-B BOARD AND STAFF PLAN A VISIONING RETREAT Act-B has reached the natural conclusion of a three year visioning plan. Many changes and tangible accomplishments have occurred during these years. Following the election of our new board of directors at the upcoming Annual General Meeting in November, the board and staff will schedule a mid-winter retreat. Former board and staff member Karen Maki lias accepted the invitation to be die facilitator for our retreat. MOTHER’S CUPBOARD Well, Mother’s Cupboard is up and running. Unfortunately the cupboard is almost bare. Donations of nonperishable food items would be greatly appreciated. They can be dropped off at 217 S. Algoma or call 345-1516 to arrange a pick-up. NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS ACT-B WILL HOLD IT'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10, 1993 AT TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, 30 ALGOMA STREET SOUTH, THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO. DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM. THE MEETING BEGINS AT 7:00 PM FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONDUCTING THE AGENCY'S ANNUAL BUSINESS AND TO ELECT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1993/94. ALL MEMBERS MUST HAVE VALID MEMBERSHIPS TO VOTE. IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP STATUS CALL THE RESOURCE CENTRE AT 345-1516. NEW MEMBERS MUST HAVE A VALID PAID UP MEMBERSHIP SUBMITTED TO ACT-B BY 5:00 PM OCTOBER 5, 1993. Take pride in yourself Take care of each other page 7 �AIDS AWARENESS WEEK - PROMOTING HEALTH FOR EVERYONE CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY. OCT. 3. 1993 AIDS Awareness Week Brunch - Lakehead University 11:00 am H1V+ Youth Speakers MONDAY. OCT. 4. 1993 Official opening 11:30 am - Tree Planting Ceremony - Marina Park HIV+ Youth Speakers to visit high schools AIDS Programming - Agora - Lakehead University - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm TUESDAY. OCT, 5. 1993 Kecia Larkin at Lakehead University - 6:30 pm HIV+ Youth Speakers to visit high schools WEDNESDAY. OCT, 6. 1993 Condom Games - Agora - Lakehead University HIV+ Youth Speakers to visit high schools Candlelight Vigil - 7:30 p. - Assemble at ACT-B - 217 S. Algoma Street Healthy Sex Workshop for Gay/Bisexual Men - 7:00 pm LIVES FRIDAY. OCT. 8. 1993 Sue Johannson, Safer Sex Educator - noon - Agora - Lakehead University SATURDAY OCT. 9. 1993 Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Social - Usual F.W. Location, Doors open at 9:00 pm ALSO....Watch for our information displays and ribbons at various locations throughout the City...AND....MacLean Hunter television for AIDS Awareness Week programmes. For more information call: The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 345-1516 Lakehead University Health Services 343-8246 * iim tO * ’ THURSDAY, OCT. 7, 1993 �VOLUNTEERS!! ACT-B Volunteers - In order to keep postage costs down, I will be using the Newsletter as a vehicle for communicating with you. Please check out the Volunteer Section and the Insen to find out what you may be needed for. Contact me at the office to sign up for projects or events that interest you. Post this insert in a handy place as a reminder of upcoming events. First: If you have a change of address, name, telephone number, work or school schedule, or would like to discuss your volunteering (area of interest, time commitment, etc.), give me a call. This is to ensure that you continue to receive the Newsletter and keep our lines of communication going. WHAT I NEED FROM YOU ! CRAFTS Many of you have indicated that you do some form of craft, knitting, sewing, drawing, poetry, woodworking, needlepoint, etc. Would you donate an item to our Volunteer Craft/Bake Sale/Flea Market, Nov. 27, at the Trinity Hall. Just call me to indicate your donation. BAKING ACT-B will need baking for the following events. Oct. 06.----------- Candle Light Vigil Nov. 10 ............... Annual General Meeting ** Nov. 27 ----------- Craft/Bake Sale/Flea Market Dec. 16 ----------- Holiday Drop In Note: Please disregard the Nov. 20th date published in the Re-ACT-Believe Newsletter BINGOS People to work monthly bingos; floor attendants, Nevadas Tues. Sept. 28, 1993 Tues. Oct. 26, 1993 Tues. Nov. 23, 1993 Tues. Dec. 28, 1993 Tues. Jan. 25, 1994 All Bingos are held at the Diamond Bingo Hall, South Syndicate Ave. Rides can be provided to and from the hall. Workers should be at the hall by 6:00pm if possible, unless helping to set up at 5:00 pm. HOLIDAY DROP IN Volunteers, clients, staff and Board Members are invited to drop by the ACT-B office from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm Dec. 16 for some refreshments, decorating the tree, or to do some Holiday crafts. All welcome! �HOLIDAY BASKETS Each year, the AIDS Committee delivers Holiday Baskets to People Living With HIV/AIDS. The generosity and goodwill of volunteers, people in the community, and and local merchants have enabled us to put together, some wonderful holiday baskets. Some of the items we include in the gift baskets are; ornaments, candles, cookies, candies, chocolates, teas and coffees, stuffed animals, mitts, gloves, scarves, socks, games, and non-perishable food items, theatre tickets. Note your cash donations to the Holiday Baskets has allowed us to purchase oranges which are left till just prior to delivery. Baskets to put the items in are also needed as well as volunteers to decorate and make up the baskets on Dec. 21, and 22. AIDS AWARENESS WEEK Volunteers are needed to staff ACT-B Display at the following malls and Confederation College. Oct. 4 (Confederation College), Oct. 5 (Northwood), Oct. 6 (Thunder Bay Mall), Oct. 7 (Victoriaville), Oct. 8 (County Fair), Oct. 9 (Keskus). Times are from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm. A four hour shift from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, or 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm, or 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm would really help us out. Ideally we would like two volunteers for each shift, or I would consider you bringing a friend if we talked a little first. Pick a day and a shift, or more if you wish. VOLUNTEER BUDDIES Some of you have expressed interest in becoming a Buddy to an HIV positive person or a Person Living with AIDS. As was mentioned, there will be some extra training involved. Also, I would like to hold a preliminary meeting to talk about guidelines, commitment, confidentiality, and ongoing peer support. This meeting is very important if you want to become a buddy. Call me or leave a message at the agency if you want to be a part of this exciting new program! The meeting date will be Oct. 14. Time: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Location: ACT-B Board Room. Other training for Volunteer Buddies will include: Grief Issues ---------------------- 6 to 8 hours Universal Health Precautions-------3 hours Issues for Caregivers-------------- 6 to 8 hours Workshops will be held in the evenings or on the weekends depending on availability of facilitators and optimum attendance. There may be other concerns that could necessitate oilier workshops or a monthly meeting for Volunteer Buddies. For Volunteering Please call Sheila at 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 6 Issue 4 - Fall 1993 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 1993 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/17/2677/1994_reACT-Believe_vol7no1_2.pdf dfd19633cd3021733e92714384ea6a5e PDF Text Text reACT-Believe Winter 1994, Volume 7, Issue I AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.0. Box 24025, Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE AGM FEATURES TRIBUTE TO TED ROMANOWSKI GUEST SPEECH BY KEN WARD ACT-B’s 1993 Annual General Meeting was held on November 10, 1993, at Trinity United Church. Approximately fifty people were in attendance. The meeting was opened with a smudge ceremony and prayer by Native elder Tony DePerry. Tony also gave a welcoming address and wished us well in our continuing work. The business portion followed with reports from the President of die Board, the Treasurer and the Executive Director. In his remarks, Michael Sobota (Executive Director) noted that last year, for the first time in Canada since records have been kept, more than 1,000 Canadians had died from AIDS. He added that this number was expected to be exceeded for the next few years. A special tribute was given to Ted Romanowski, upon his retirement from the Board. Ted had served on die ACT-B Board of Directors since 1991, and contributed countless hours as a volunteer over the years, while living with the daily challenge of being HIV+. A framed tribute to Ted was read by Sheila Berry, Volunteer Coordinator and presented by Norm Bowers, Secretary on the Board. The Nominating Committee interviewed and accepted eleven candidates who wished to run for the Board. There were nine positions available. All eleven candidates were in attendance, and spoke briefly about themselves to the assembly. Members then voted by written ballot for the candidates of their choice. The 1993-94 Board of Directors, including the nine elected at the Annual General Meeting are: Richard Atkinson Norm Bowers Sarah Bunn Alanna Downey-Baxter Mahlon Inkscttcr Gail Linklater Rob MacKay Ed Prinselaar Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Pius White Derek Zulesky The guest speaker for the evening was Ken Ward. Ken is a 33 year old Native Cree. He was die first Aboriginal in Canada to go public with his HIV diagnosis. He is the founder of the "Feather of Hope Aboriginal AIDS Prevention Society". Ken’s address was titled "Living With Hope". He spoke movingly about how his live has evolved and the challenges he faces daily as a Native living with HIV in Canada. lie concluded his talk by generously giving gifts to individuals in the audience and to ACT-B. ACT-B EXECUTIVE OFFICERS CHOSEN FOR 1993-94 The Board of Directors, at their December 15, 1993 meeting, elected dieir Executive Officers for the coming year. The selection of officers was made particularly poignant by the news dial long term board member Norm Bowers had decided to step down. Norm was leaving the board for personal reasons. He had served as Secretary on the Executive Committee for the past four years. The board respected Norm’s wishes and accepted his resignation with sincere regret. Officers for the 1993-94 year arc: image courtesy of Feather of Hope Aboriginal AIDS Prevention Society Edmonton, Alberta President: Vice-President: Treasurer: Secretary: Gail Linklater Diane Roberts Rick Atkinson Derek Zulesky �HOLIDAY BASKETS Several brightly wrapped baskets went out to clients during Christmas week. Volunteers and local businesses donated a variety of gifts and treats to fill the baskets and to show community support for local people living with HIV/AIDS. Items donated included; mixed nuts, chocolates, shortbread cookies, candies, mandarin oranges, sweatshirts, mitts, stuffed toys, toiletries, Christmas ornaments, dream-catchers, note pads, nuts and bolts, crocheted lap warmers, and jewellery. The AIDS Committee would like to acknowledge the following businesses, volunteers, staff and individuals who collected, donated and/or delivered the gifts: Zellers County Fair, Safeway Canada, Superstore, Magnus Theatre, Odeon Theatre (Victoria), Financial Concept, Guy and Barbara Rivard, The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, The Body Shop. Mrs. Arnold, Anne Ciemny, Michael Sobota, Sonya Matijck, Marge Cross, Daryle Dollan, Brad Hetsler, Melissa Mauro, Adam Graham, Sarah Wall, and those who contributed, but did not wish acknowledgement. The Holidays Baskets were well received and very appreciated. Thank you for making it happen! the needs indicated by clients’ surveys and advice from volunteers and staff. We, at the agency hope that a program like this will help enhance our support for local people living with HIV/AIDS. Call 345-1516, if you would like more information about this program or would like to become a buddy, a new training program will begin in the spring. Ask for Sheila. LAZY BOY NEEDED !! A client is in need of a comfortable Lazy Boy chair in good condition. Donation of the chair would be to the AIDS Committee so that it could be loaned out to clients. We would gladly pick it up if you call us. Ask for Sheila. WANTED AFFECTED PERSONS SUPPORT GROUP A new "Affected Persons Support Group" will be starting early in the new year. This group is open to anyone who has been directly affected by IIIV/AIDS (ie. partners, mothers, brothers, sisters, fathers, lovers, etc.). Mary Lang has agreed to facilitate ihe group. Mary has been a volunteer for ACT-B for more than four years, she has also facilitated the 1IIV+ Support Group. Mary is a social worker with the Lakehead Regional Family Center and we are pleased lo have her as a facilitator. The first meeting will take place on Wed. Jan. 26, 1994 from 7:30-9:30 pm. The group will be limited to 8-10 people in order lo keep il personal and workable, so please lei Daryle or Ian know if you or a loved one would like to attend. If anyone has a couch, chair, bed or any other furniture they would like to donate to a client. Pols, pans, plates, etc. are also needed. Please call either Daryle, Ian or Kim at 345-1516. WAXING UP for AIDS A health, lun and fitness day Sponsored by the LAPPC SKI CENlHt 'TV Sheila Berry - Volunteer Coordinator BUDDY PROGRAM Well it’s official-almost! Our first group of Buddies arc approaching graduation. After seven sessions and almost 36 hours of training and group work, the AIDS Committee hope to pair up volunteers and clienLs early in the new year. The goal of the Buddy Program is to try to meet clients’ requests for more personal contact, practical assistance with rides, errands and housekeeping, as needed. Since this is the first time around for this program, the training has developed according to It In Memorium Wc remember with respect and appreciation: Doug and Russell TIME: 10 am to 4 pm DATE: February 19th At theLAPPE SKI TICKETS: $10.00 (includes a day of skiing or ice skating and lunch) LAPPE members need not pay lor skiing. Tood can be purchased separately. Chili, hot dogs, ho! chocolate and apple cider available Proceeds lo the AIDS Committee ol Thunder Bay Tickets available at 217 S. Algoma St. or call 345-1516 page 2 �ACT-B ADVISORY COUNCIL Join us. Become a member? Fred Ball Beth Huston Vivian Johnston Dr. Gordon Milne Bob Richardson Nicky Tilllcy Derek Zulesky Director, Public Health Laboratory Director of Administration, Kinna-weya Legal Clinic Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Family Physician Co-chair, Businessman Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital Co-chair. Health & Safety Officer, Lakehead Board of Education ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Atkinson Sarah Bunn Alanna Downey-Baxter Mahlon Inkster Gail Linklater Rob Mac Kay Ed Prinselaar Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Pius While Derek Zulesky Treasurer Director Director Director President Director Director Director Vice President Director Secretary ACT-B STAFF Christa Alsch David Bel rose Sheila Berry John Books Daryle Dollan Lawrence Korhoncn Ian Ritchie Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising/Communicalions Support Service Coordinator Office Manager Support Worker/Heal 111 Promoter Executive Director The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: : Ontario Ministry of Health : Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Branch, Health Canada : Ontario Trillium Foundalion : All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. We especially would like to acknowledge all those who contributed to the Christmas baskets, and the Thunder Bay Lottery Corporation. Members set our course at Annual Meetings. They are kept up-to-date about our work. They elect the Board of Directors who keep that work on track. Membership form. Name:__________________________________ Address: ________________ Postal Code:______ Telephone:_______________ Enclosed is:____ $ 10 Membership Fee ____ $ 25 Supporting Membership $ Donation Mail to: AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY P.O. Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 410 To be eligible to vote at the Annual (General Meeting, your membership must be up-to-date (30 days prior to the meeting). The A.G.M. is in November. Please renew your membership now. Please address any comments on reACT-Believe to: P.O. Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807) 345-1516 9:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. John Books, Editor Mary-Lynn Bragg, Assistant Editor Ian Ritchie, Editor - Treatment Pages The opinions and medical information offered by reACTBelieve 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 offered by reACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. page 3 �RETHINKING AIDS A Book Review [This article contains some technical terms and difficult jargon, and assumes some knowledge of medical aspects of HIV/AIDS.] The generally accepted medical view is llial Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is seen as necessary and sufficient to suppress the immune system to the point where the infected person is susceptible to die range of opportunistic infections dial define AIDS. This view is by no means universally held. Some researchers and others have suggested that the simple HIV=AIDS scenario is inadequate to explain AIDS, and a variety of other explanations have been proposed. Over the years, diere has been significant and increasing awareness that HIV=AIDS does not explain many of the unusual aspects of the AIDS epidemic. In fact a Group for the Scientific Re-appraisal of die HIV/AIDS Hypothesis has been formed by some researchers. Theories ranging from cofactors to autoimmunity have been proposed. Most controversially, molecular biologist Peter Duesberg has stated that HIV is harmless, dial AIDS is caused by recreational drug use and/or AZT. The issue of the role of HIV in AIDS has been documented in die recent book RETHINKING AIDS: THE TRAGIC COST OF PREMATURE CONSENSUS by Robert S. Root-Bemsiein. This book looks at die information available about AIDS, and presents strong arguments for re-examination of die nature of AIDS, and the role of HIV. After exploring some of llie anomalies in AIDS that are not explained by die H1V-A1DS hypodiesis, it goes on to demonstrate that there are a variety of othe: factors which weaken the immune system at work in people at risk for AIDS, some infectious and some non-infectious. Non-infectious factors include semen, addictive and recreational drugs, anaesthesia and surgery, prescription drugs, malnutrition, blood transfusions, clotting factors, and age. Infectious factors include various bacteria, fungi, yeast, and parasites: such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes viruses (HSV), Epstcin-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis viruses, Human T-Lymphotropic Viruses (HTLV), Mycobacterias, Mycoplasmas, Candida, and others. Also explored is the presence of autoimmunity (in which the body’s immune system begins to attack itself and odier parts of die body) in many people at risk for AIDS. Root-Bemstcin presents four alternative hypotheses for explaining AIDS, and suggests that basic research needs to be done to explore these possibilities. The hypodieses are: 1. HIV is Necessary and Sufficient to Cause AIDS This is the widely-accepted view, on which most research and treatment options are based. There arc a number of anomalies that are not explained by this hypothesis. For example, there are great variations in the time to development of AIDS, as well as great variations in symptoms, in different individuals and groups. There are even reported cases of AIDS where HIV is not present. 2. HIV is Necessary but Requires Cofactors This hypothesis suggests diat IIIV requires other factors to be present prior to, simultaneous with, or subsequent to HIV infection, in order for AIDS to develop. Some of the cofactors proposed include adenoviruses, CMV, EBV, hepatitis viruses, HSV, HTLV 1, Mycoplasmas, Mycobacteria, heroin, cocaine, "poppers", and malnutrition. Both Gallo and Montagnier (credited as codiscoverers of HIV) have presented versions of this hypothesis. 3. AIDS is a Multifactorial, Synergistic Disease This hypothesis proposes that AIDS results from a combination of immunosuppressive factors, in which HIV, although usually present, may not be necessary to cause AIDS. Some of tiie immunosuppressive factors implicated in this theory include: allogcnic(causing an immune response) agents such as blood, clotting factors, semen, etc.; drugs such as heroin, morphine, cocaine, nitrites, antibiotics, anaesthetics, etc.; multiple infections such as HIV, CMV, EBV, HBV, HSV, HTLV, Mycoplasmas, Mycobacteria, Candida, Toxoplasma. Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, etc.; and autoimmunities such as antibodies toxic to lymphocytes, optic or peripheral neuritis (damage to nerves), dcmyelinization (destruction of sheath covering nerves), thrombocytopenic purpura (bleeding into skin and mucous membranes), etc. Duesberg is the most radical theorist in this camp with his view that HIV is harmless. 4. AIDS is Caused by Autoimmunity In this hypothesis, which has several versions, AIDS is caused by an autoimmune response within the body, perhaps uiggered by IIIV, or perhaps caused by multiple antigens as in RootBcrnstein’s theory of multiple-antigenmediated autoimmunity (MAMA). Autoimmunity may be the primary cause of AIDS, or it may be a secondary phenomenon brought on by the combination of diverse infectious agents. page 4 �Treatments The following irformation has been reprinted with permission from the Toronto PWA Foundation newsletter "Friends For Life-Update" (Winter 1993/94) p. 4-5. HIV Drug Use Toronto study of 310 men sheds light Reported by Mark Whitehead Making choices about ways to maintain your health and prevent illness can be very complicated for people living with HIV or AIDS. This is especially true in the area ot medications. There are many different drugs being studied that may be useful (or people with HIV, but very few have actually been approved by the government. Unfortunately, many questions remain about the effectiveness of some of those that have been approved. Nonetheless, there are a number of drugs that are being used by varying numbers of people with HIV in Toronto Use of Antiviral Drugs by 310 HIV+ Torontonians with T4 Counts at All Levels I None 32% | AZT Alone 38% HI AZT + ddC 8% others are doing may help shed some light on the difficult choices you are making. Most people (65%) were taking some kind of anti-HIV drug when the study was done. Thirty-eight percent of the group were taking AZT. Seven percent were taking ddl alone; 6 percent were taking ddC alone; 8 percent were taking ddC combined with AZT and 6 percent were taking ddl combined with AZT. Thirty-two percent of the 310 people weren’t taking any anti-HIV drugs when the study was done. PCP is the most common opportunistic infection among people with HIV. (PCP stands for Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia). Forty-one percent of all diagnoses of opportunistic infections are PCP. Fortunately, PCP is also the most effectively prevented. The risk of developing PCP increases if your T4 count drops below 200. 1] AZT + ddl 6% ddl Alone 7% B ddC Alone 6% □ d4T Alone 3% Earlier this year, the Community Research Initiative of Toronto (CRIT) and AIDS Action Now! (AAN1) produced a report that summarized what drugs are being used by a group of 310 men who are participating in CRITs Observational Data Base (ODB). (An ODB is a central database with information about the treatment choices of people living with HIV or AIDS.) Their report showed some interesting trends. This article summarizes its highlights. Please keep in mind. This information is not intended to tell you what you should be doing. Rather, it's presented to help create a snapshot of what this group of people are doing at a particular point in time. Knowing what Of those with T4 counts below 200, ninety-two percent were taking some kind of medication to prevent PCP. Forty-eight percent were taking septra, 16 percent were taking dapsone, and 19 percent were taking aerosolized pentamidine. About 18 percent of people with T4 counts below 200 weren’t taking any medication to prevent PCP. The most common drugs that were being used to prevent or treat other opportunistic infections were acyclovir, ketoconozole and fluconozole. Fifty-eight percent of people with T4 counts below 200 were taking acyclovir (for herpes) and 43 percent were taking either fluconozole or ketoconozole (for candidiasis and other fungal infections). The records of some people showed that they were also taking one or more other treatments in the hope that they would help strengthen their Continued on next page �Treatments Use of PCP Prophylaxis by 141 Torontonians with T4 Cell Counts Below 200 immune system. These included cimetidine, antabuse, naltrexone. NAC. trental, and hypercin). For example. 13 percent were taking cimetidine, and 7 percent were taking NAC. However, since many of these immune system treatments don't require a prescription, they may not have been recorded in the individual's file. For this reason, information on these treatments may be less reliable than for the other drugs. The authors of this study believe these results are reasonably representative of the Toronto HIV community at large. The study sheds valuable light on the treatment choices being made by many people living with HIV or AIDS. opportunistic infections. But care should be taken in interpreting these results. Each of us living with HIV needs to make some difficult personal decisions about how we manage our health. The conclusions we come to are equally personal. What is right for one person, may not be right for another, especially in those instances where a drug's effectiveness is not proven with a high degree of certainty. And in any case, this study focused on traditional western medicine, that is, drugs. There is a wide array of alternative and complementary approaches to staying healthy that each of us is wise to explore. These results are based on a sample of men living with HIV or AIDS. CRIT is trying to increase the number of women participating in the ODB. If you want your records included, just speak to your doctor. If your doctor needs more information, he or she can call CRIT at 416-324-9505. You can also get a copy of the original study report by contacting CRIT at the same number. Most Commonly Diagnosed Opportunistic Infections Other 12% Earlier this year, AIDS Action Now! developed a standard of care for people living with HIV or AIDS called AIDS/HIV Management Goals (The back of this booklet tells you how you can get a copy). In comparing the practices revealed in the study with Management Goals, the authors saw some important shortcomings. In particular, they were 'quite alarmed' by the relatively large number ol people with T4 counts below 200 who were taking no medication to prevent PCP, since it is the most effectively prevented of all Lymphoma 5% MAI 5% Cryptosporidium CMV 10% KS 19% PCP 41% (Several people 0 were diagnosed with more than one infection) r 1 O T 2 3 4 5 O O O O Percent Winter 1993/94 �Root-Bemstein suggests that all of these hypotheses need to be thoroughly researched, in order to get a clear understanding of the processes at work in AIDS, with implications for treatment and prevention. If any of hypotheses 2 to 4 arc valid, that will have major impact on the development of appropriate treatment options. What are the implications of these ideas for prevention and education programs? It is important to note that whichever of the hypotheses turns out to be correct, the prevention and health promotion messages dial have been put forth are still valid. Multiple infectious immunosuppressive agents arc implicated in hypotheses 2 to 4. Therefore, if we concentrate prevention efforts on the transmission routes of sexual activity and blood, we give individuals the information that can protect them from the range of possible infection sources. Although hypotheses 3 and 4 suggest it is possible to have AIDS without HIV, Rool-Bemstein says, "I believe Duesbcrg is wrong in ignoring the role of HIV in AIDS. It is certainly highly correlated with the syndrome....It is just as big a mistake to ignore the potential role of HIV in AIDS as it is to ignore the roles of all the other immunosuppressive agents that afflict AIDS patients."(p. 343) There is a continuing need for strong sal'er-sex and oilier prevention messages, based on a solid health promotion approach. While RETHINKING AIDS challenges much conventional ihoughi about AIDS, it also offers a valuable theoretical approach for research to improve our understanding of the processes that lead to AIDS. We hope that the medical and scientific research community pays attention to this book. The work being done by community-based AIDS groups already takes into account the uncertainties of science. We need to continue to be prepared to adapt as new knowledge and understanding becomes available. IN SUMMARY * The role of I LI V in AIDS is not clearly understood. * Research is needed to determine exactly the processes leading to AIDS. * Prevention programs must continue to stress safer sex and health promotion. David Belrose Education Coordinator ******************************* Root-Bemstein, Robert Scott RETHINKING AIDS: the tragic cost of premature consensus. New York: The Free Press, 1993. 512 p. gay/bisexual men’s ADVISORY GROUP A Gay and Bisexual Men’s Advisory Group has been established to provide advice and assistance to ACT-B on work with the gay/bisexual male community, including the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of prcvention/education programs Meetings are usually held quarterly, to exchange information and provide a liaison to the community. Two meetings have been held thus far, and a productive brainstorming session, with follow up priority soiling, has helped to shape the focus cf planning. There was strong agreement on the need to develop initiatives aimed at supporting gay and bisexual youth. Additional participants on the advisory group are inviLcd. The next meeting is scheduled for March 9, 1994. Call the office if you are interested. BISEXUAL MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP A monthly support group for bisexual men has been meeting since September 1993. In a safe and confidential environment, bisexual men can meet, discuss issues of common interest, explore feelings, and share concerns, including issues around safer sex. Participation in the support group is open to bisexual men. While sponsored by ACT-B in the formative stages, it is hoped that the group will eventually be able to operate independently of this agency. MAINTAINING HEALTHY SEX In development since August 1993, this project will produce a next generation healthy sex brochure for gay/bisexual men. Addressing some of the continuing issues that work against consistent safer-sex behaviour, this brochure will replace the very successful "Healthy Sex for Gay and Bisexual Men" (limited quantities of this will continue to be available). Using exciting images and text, we expect this brochure will be an important contribution to the maintenance of consistent safer-sex behaviour among gay and bisexual men. Due in spring 1994, the publication date will be announced later. POSITIVELY WELL UPDATE Well, we are halfway through the Positively Well program. On January 6, 1993 Alex Highcrest will be in town from Toronto to speak with our members. Alex will be talking about safer sex after diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. In the works is a PH A retreat in March. For more information about these workshops and the retreat, please call Ian at 345-1516. page 5 �POSITIVELY WELL The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is pleased to announce that Dr. Lark Lands and Dr. Chester Myers will be in Thunder Bay on Feb. 26 1994. They will give two presentations, one lu our members and one to health care workers in Thunder Bay. If you have any questions or wish more information, please contact Ian at 345-1516. Dr. Lark Lands, M.S., Ph.D. Dr. Lands, author of "Positively Well: AIDS as a Chronic, Manageable, Surviveable Disease (new edition to be published Winter, 1994), is a health educator and consultant to the Carl Vogel Center, a non-profit AIDS education and resource center. She worked as a scientist for a large Washington, DC area think tank, the MITRE Corporation, for six years, where she conducted research and designed experiments. She used her research expertise to investigate the area of health enhancement and worked with many hundreds of people living with HIV to develop complementary programs. For eight years, she has compiled information on a total, aggressive, complementary approach to HIV infection and authored numerous fact sheets and monographs summarising her findings. Her articles are widely reprinted in AIDS newsletters and are distributed throughout North America and Europe. Thousands of requests for her "Treatment Strategy" monographs are received annually at the Carl Vogel Center. Dr. Lands has given her "Positively Well" seminar worldwide and is a frequent speaker at AIDS conferences. In both her seminars and private health education practice, she attempts to provide a base of information to educate HIV+ people on the elements needed for a comprehensive health plan. She encourages all those with HIV disease to work closely with their primary care MOTHER’S CUPBOARD physicians who can best monitor their progress. Dr. Chester Myers, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. Dr. Chester Myers, holds both honours B.Sc and M.Sc. degrees in physical chemistry from Dalhousie University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (biophysical chemistry) where he investigated the mechanism of action on one of the digestive enzymes. In addition to publishing in the scientific literature and authoring several patents, he has written extensively on topics regarding health and HIV. The latter include articles in The Positive Side, Canadian AIDS News, and monographs available from the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), the Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), and various other organizations. WOW!!!! Mother’s "empty" Cupboard is starting to fill up. The support from our community is fantastic and overwhelming. For those of you who may be wondering what a "Mother’s Cupboard" is, I will explain. Mother’s Cupboard was the brain child of two former members Joyce and Ernie, who saw a need for a food bank to provide food for our members. In our last newsletter I asked our members and friends for donations of non-perishable food. A special thanks to Celia Gibbs who asked her church (Current River United) to donate food to Mother’s Cupboard. The AIDS Commiltee of Thunder Bay would like thank the following organizations and people: ComCare, Current River United Church, Celia Gibbs, Saan and all the anonymous donors. If you or your organization wish to make a donation of non pershible food, please either bring it down to our office or call Ian, at 3451516, and I will arrange a pick up. Letters to my Son Letters to my Son is a small book written by Anne Ciemny, who is a long time volunteer of ACT-B. After losing her son, Rick in a motor vehicle accident, Anne began a yearly ritual of writting a letter to him on the anniversary of his death. Letters to my Son, contains those letters from 1972 to 1992, a long journey of agony, memories and healing. Keenly aware that our clients, their friends and loved ones and the staff of this agency must deal with our grief, Anne has graciously donated 100 copies of the book to ACT-B. Proceeds from the sale of those books will go to the AIDS Committee. Copies can be obtained from our office or by calling 345-1516. Thank you, Anne for your generous gift. t rfiALffS JOWttrt page 6 �BOOK REVIEW "WHERE EAGLES DARE TO SOAR" Indians, Politics and Aids by Kevin White (Book and Video) available through NORAM Inc. Box 243 Kahnawake, PQ JOL I BO Kevin White is a 31 year old Chapleau Cree who is living with AIDS. He recently (October /93) launched his book and video entitled "Where Eagles Dare to Soar". The book and video have been promoted as "an education tool for health professionals in native communities." Kevin is an affable, feisty individual in person. This certainly is evident in his book, as well. However, the book is more an exjjose on the aboriginal and nonaboriginal elites in Canadian politics and business, than it is an educational tool on AIDS. In fact, there arc only a very few pages in which the virus itself is referred to. Further, there are some statements that actually contradict everything we know about how the virus is transmitted. For example, he states, "For all I know Indian Affairs could have put the virus in my coffee at The Junction’ to try to kill me off" (page 61). Further on in the book, in the one chapter that deals almost exclusively with the disease, he states, "Parents have to talk to the kids and warn them how AIDS is transmitted through sexual contact." This is an excellent message, but on the same page he states "Parents have to talk to their kids about sexuality. You can’t put it on the back burner. It is important now today. If not, this will kill our people. For all I know Indian Affairs invented this virus and gave it to me" (page 96.) Kevin does "his people" a disservice sending this kind of message. He knows as well as I do, that the virus is primarily spread through unprotected sex (anal or vaginal) with an infected person, or through sharing blood (frequently through intravenous drug use) with an infected individual. From evidence in the book, it is clear Kevin’s lifestyle led to his contracting HIV. His message that somehow Indian Affairs is responsible for his contracting the virus can only serve to instill hysteria... something we have had to battle against since day one. I am not without sympathy for Kevin’s plight. Certainly, the experiences he suffered as a child and youth have contributed to his present situation. The historical suppression of aboriginal Canadians (and everything that accompanies that, such as inadequate health care, substandard housing, etc.) has played a role in limiting Kevin’s (and any other native Canadian’s) choices later in life. AIDS, like cancer, is a disease that does not discriminate. It is affecting (and infecting) aboriginal, white, black and Asian people. It is now largely preventable, through practising safer sex (using a latex condom for intercourse) and not sharing needles and syringes with others. This is the message Kevin should be sending to other aboriginal Canadians. The corruption in Canadian business and politics, whether native or non-native is a separate message, and this is what the book is about. Daryle Dollan WI MEMBER THUNDER BAY LOTTERY COUP. SUPPORT o 10TTEIY IICINCI I 9 9 3 3 9 13 Presenting: Dr. Bill’s Waiting Room The Notorious Healthy Sex Cabaret ■Za doctoar vutt zee you tioozu Saturday March 12, 1994 Prince Arthur Hotel Doors open at 7PM Tickets: $15 available from the AIDS Committee in mid February Co-ordinated by Dr. Bill (William) Roberts page 7 �The Three Saving Graces: or fundraising before the fiscal year ends Since Iasi writing in the newsletter, the AIDS Committee has marked up a few modest fundraising efforts. However, fundraising revenues are lagging behind our goal. Our fiscal year, ends on March 31st, so a lot is riding on the fundraising events of February and March. But then, we’ve saved the best for last. In the next few months, there are three to watch for: our 2nd Lappe Ski Day, an art auction and the notorious Cabaret. Lappe Ski Day Tickets for the Ski Day (February 19th) are S10 and available from the office. The ticket is for one day of skiing at the Lappe Centre and food from die kitchen (perogies, hot sausage and hot drinks). Members of the Ski Centre need not pay the S10 fee but can purchase food from the kitchen. Dr. Bill’s Waiting Room The 6lh Annual Healdiy Sex Cabaret, a night of surprises, adult humour and all round fine entertainment will be on March 12th at the Prince Arthur Hotel. Tickets are $15 this year and will be available from the office. Get your tickets early for this sellout, popular event. The Doctor is wailing! "The Answer To AIDS Is A Caring Community" On February 26th, the AIDS Committee will hold its first art auction. ART AIDS; Put Yourself in the Picture will be at the Valhalla Inn. Tickets are $25 (for which you will get a charitable receipt of S10). The response from the local craft and artistic community has been very gratifying. We have easily met our goal of donated craft and art work. Put Yourself in the Picture will be a slightly different auction; shorter, jazzier, with an eclectic mix of some of the finest craft and fine art work produced in Thunder Bay. Before the auction begins at RPM, meet die artists who have generously donated their work to this cause. This is an opportunity for arusts and patrons to get acquainted. Jamie Philps will be at the piano, adding jazz compositions to the start of the evening. "Whenever, we take time from our busy schedules to contribute whatever we arc able, we add meaning to our lives", David Ramsay. Plan on attending this event, an evening of colour, warm music and community support in the midst of Winter. How can we thank all of you enough? 1 want you to know how much we need your help, and how deeply, deeply we appreciate what you have given to ACT-B. I recently received a charitable receipt for a small donation 1 made to ACCESS; The AIDS Committee of Sudbury. Their thank you card contains the words dial are die title of diis column. 1 share that sentiment with all of you who have helped us during the past year. Again and again you have responded to our requests, from the simple need of an extra volunteer on a community bingo night, to your willingness to participate in our first agency Public Service television commercial, to direct contributions of dollars in support of our services. We are struggling in very difficult economic and emotional limes. Your generosity, be it your time or skills or dollars, has buoyed us up on many a needy occasion. Thank you. Each one of you is helping provide ail answer to AIDS. Each one of you is proving this is, indeed, a very caring community. Michael Sobola Executive Director A benefit art auction Saturday, February 26th from 7PM to 11PM at the Valhalla Inn ca» S45'15 ART AIDS Put yourself in the picture. Tickets are $25 available from the AIDS Committee Cash bar complimentary hors d’oeurves Over 50 of Thunder Bay's finest art and crafts will be up for bid, with prices ranging from under $100 to over $1,000. Raffle draw for Linda Lundstrom Laparka coat. ART AIDS sponsored by Thunder Bay Celluar and CBQ Radio. � 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 7 Issue 1 - Winter 1994 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 1994 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/17/2678/1994_reACT-Believe_vol7no2_2.pdf 562be000bba3419f295b87946d3988cf PDF Text Text reACT-Believe AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Spring 1994, Volume 7, Issue n P.0. Box 24025, Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE Boulevard is once again die sile lor the AIDS Commitlcc’s annual Fun Run/Plcdgc Walk. This will be the sixih time we’ve asked the residents of Thunder Bay to join us in a stroll or run and show their support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. In the past, we have been blessed by good weather and if that holds true for this year, we expect our largest turnout ever. The 5 kilometer course will start and finish at Birch Point which was very popular last year. There is not a nicer place to test your time or walk with friends than Boulevard. Sponsoring From All Walks of Life, in 1994 are: Molson Companies, Lakehead Travel and Canadian Airlines. Prizes will be awarded for best times in all age categories and for preselected mystery times. There will be refreshments afterwards, plus a chance to add your artistic touch to the Big Picture Project. From All Walks of Li fe is an appeal to recognise that HIV/AIDS has already affected all of us. We have lost many and it has changed our society. From All Walks of Life is also an appeal for your financial support. This agency depends more and more on local fundraising to maintain the level of service, it offers. We hope that all of our volunteers and members will take up the challenge and collect as much as they can. Small donations do add up to grand totals. If you collected pledges last year, we hope you will again. In 1993, thirty-four people collected over $3800. This year our goal is $5000. The person who returns with the most pledge money will receive airline tickets for two to Toronto. Pledge sheets are available with the registration forms and from our offices, call 345-1516. "One dollar at a time." Jennifer collected pledges going door to door in her neighbourhood, asking friends and strangers for whatever they wanted to give, one or two dollars maybe five and somtimes even more. She raised S600 in this way. You may have a different approach. It doesn’t matter. Whatever is comfortable and works for you. The funds collected help directly on the front lines of the fight against AIDS in Northwestern Ontario. So help make this year’s Fun Run/Pledgc Walk an unprccendented success. Join with your friends and neighbours on June 11th at Boulevard Lake. And help us prove, " The answer to AIDS is a caring community." Your registrarion form is on the last page of this newsletter. Under the BINGO! Play. Work. Play. Win. Everybody wins. Once a month, ACT-B hosts a community bingo at the Diamond Bingo hall (570 South Syndicate Avenue). Over the years, this once monthly night has generated thousands of dollars for ACT-B services. It is a crucial part of our regular fundraising. We invite you to participate. Come out and play (every night there are over fifty winners and somebody goes away with $ 1,000). So come out and play. That helps our attendence figures. Or come on down and be a volunteer for a night. Tasks are simple (if you can make accurate change, you are already well trained as a bingo volunteer!). Volunteers arc asked for five hours of time. Bingo volunteers arc special. ACT-B hosts an annual appreciation event just for our bingo helpers. We need your help. Come on down to play or to help die players. We’ll all win. �DEAR DIARY I went to the doctor a few months ago. I quizzed him about some blood work that I had done in October of last year. He said I probably didn’t want to know the results. For posterity sake I enquired about my dreaded T4 count. It was a meagre "10". What is the norm? "1400". Who cares I say! In 1993.1 can remember at least 16 people who died of some AIDS Related Horror. I wonder what their T4 counts were. T4 counts are something that doctors use to gauge how well our immune system is at fighting infections. Three weeks ago I changed my entire drug regime. Lets sec, I quit AZT. Aeylovir, Hypericum, Keloconazole and those wonderful Monostat 7 suppositories. You might ask, wliat is keeping the "girl" alive? The magical properties of prescription drugs and Ativan. Although in the past and present, I have identified myself as a recovering addict, so resorting to Ativan takes a lot of thought. After five years of supporting the nice people at Wellcome Burroughs I found that I was still alive after taking AZT. I can think of at least 20 friends that have succumb to the toxicity of AZT alone since 1986. About a year and a half ago, I started using Aeylovir (200mgX3). Having found out recently that this dose contains lactose, to which I am intolerant, I decided to cease this too. This was replaced by Acyclovir 300mg X3 which are lactose free. Ketoconazole and Monostat 7 go together and were replaced with Fluconazole. I should have been using this well over a year ago. My doctor at the lime was cost conscious. So what if my entire digestive tract was being eaten away by Candida. Save the government a few bucks, he’s expendable, he’s going to die anyway. Oh, if I were only someone important. Say the nephew of one of those provincial plugs who are in power presently. Or even better, a distant relative of that Chretien fellow, or "Brian". Remember him, he made our drugs cost more. He probably got a kickback from the drug companies on the way. Most recently I have considered amputation of part of a finger on my right hand. I could mail it to one of tliose provincial plugs 1 was talking about earlier. There is only one drug that will arrest this infection and it’s not covered. The doctor informs me that it could take 3 months to get this on a section 8 of the ODBP. Meanwhile tire pharmacist says it will take 6 weeks to 6 months for this medication to take effect anyway. Maybe my whole arm will fall off and I can bang on the door at the War Amp Society and get a replacement or two. While for the winter and tanned for the summer. Maybe they will even install accessories. You know, a cigarette lighter in the index finger, a cordless screwdriver in another, or maybe they could give me retractable eating utensils (Swiss Arm;y Knife etc.). Oh, well none of this seems to apply anyhow. 1 have strikes against me from the start. I’m just another poor fag that those moralistic fanatics would like to toss into die fire anyhow. Oh, and my attitude has gotten me into trouble in the past. Years ago they used to look at me and say "you’re Angry". Come back when you have a handle on things. Well everyone, wake up and smell the roses. What you see is what you get! I didn’t ask to have AIDS, it happened before the world knew about AIDS. People in my age group never had a chance. That doesn’t make us any different than those poor innocent victims dial got HIV from a Blood Transfusion. You know, the acceptable way of acquiring HIV. There will be no memorial service for me when I’m gone. I have stipulated that in my will. If people don’t like my attitude while I’m alive I’ll be dammed if I want diem at a memorial service when I’m gone. page 2 So if you want to know me you will have to start soon, for time wails for no man. And be aware that Iggy and Pooh(my partner) take the majority of my time as it is. How to pul a lifetime into an 8 year relationship? Perhaps I’ll be around for the cure. Some days 1 feel like I’m holding my breadi for nothing. Today I’m alive so don’t treat me like a corpse. I’m so sick of "hows Ron doing". Ask me yourself for god sake. My brain cells are still intact. But don’t ask unless you want to know. For 1 just might tell you how it really is, without the candy coadng. Time to go, Poohs getting hungry and life goes on for another day. Sincerely Yours Ronald H. Rogers Person (Having, With, Living with) AIDS Thunder Bay, Ontario. GLOSSARY A l l VAN used to treat anxiety and tension. May be addictive and create dependence. AZT (also known as Retrovir or Zidovudine) This is a Nucleoside Analog, that is suppose to kill or stop the rcplicauon of HIV in the body but will not kill chronically infected cells. ACYCLOVIR (also known as Zovirax) This is a prophylactic against recurrent herpes simplex virus. HYPERICUM (also known as St. John’s Wort) is derived from the St. John’s Wort plant and has shown to have anii-HIV activity in the test tube, a synthetic form is now in clinical trials. KETOCONAZOLE (also known as Nizoral) used as a prophylactic for candidal infections. MONOSTAT 7 a vaginal suppository to treat yeast infections, has been used by some people orally. �ACT-B ADVISORY COUNCIL Fred Rail Belli Huston Vivian Johnston Dr. (Jordon Milne Bob Richardson Nicky Titllcy Derek Zulesky Director, Public Health Laboratory Director of Administration, Kinna-weya Legal ClinicPublic Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health U nit Family Physician Co-chair, Businessman Supervisor or Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital Co-chair, Health & Safety Officer, Lakehe3d Board of F.ducation Join us. Become a member! Members set our course at Annual Meetings. They are kept up-to-date about our work. They elect the Board of Directors who keep that work on track. Membership form. Name: ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Atkinson Sarah Bunn A. Downcy-Baxler Mahlon Inkster Gail Linklaler Ed Prinselaur Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Ron Rodgers Pius White Derek Zulesky Address: Treasurer Director Director Director Postal Code: Telephone^ Enclosed is: President Director Director Vice President Director Director Secretary Mail to: AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY P.O. Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 410 ACT-B STAFF Chrisla Alsch David Relrose Sheila Berry John Books Darylc Dollan Lawrence Korhonen Ian Ritchie Michael Sobol a $ 10 Membership Fee S 25 Supporting Membership S Donation Secretary Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising/Communicauons Support Service Coordinator Office Manager Support Worker/Health Promoter Executive Director To be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting, your membership must be up-to-date (30 days prior to the meeting). The A.G.M. Is In November. Please renew your membership now. Please address any comments on rcACT-Believe to: P.O. Box 24025 Doniow-n North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: (807) 345-1516 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 pan. : Ontario Ministry of Health : Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Branch, Health Canada : Ontario Trillium Foundation : All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. John Books, Editor Mary-I.ynn Bragg, Assistant Edit Ian Ritchie, Editor of Treatment Pages The opinions and medical information offered by rcACTBelieve are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the stalf or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered by reACT Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Wc especially would like to acknowledge all those who contributed Art AIDS: in particular the many artists. Bearskin Airlines and McEachem Marketing also our thanks to W. Bowers for donating a fridge to the office. page 3 �CONDOMS, SAFER SEX AND ABSTINENCE Over the past couple of years there has been a growing assault on HIV/AIDS prevention education (hat stresses safer sex and the use of condoms. These attacks, from such groups as "Focus on the Family" suggest the unreliability of condoms, stale that there is no such thing as "safe sex", and promote abstinence as the only solution. It is important to address these issues, and offer a different perspective. First of all, in HIV/AIDS prevention work we do not presume to tell people what to do. We try to offer up-to-date, accurate information that will allow individuals to make their own behavioral choices, based on clear understanding of potential risk. We use the term "safer sex" to talk about a series of sexual options that reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other STDs. In suggesting a range of choices for a person, we talk about abstinence as a viable option, especially for those who don’t feel ready for sex, or are not prepared to talk about it with their partners. For those who are sexually active, or may become sexually active, we do promote the correct and consistent use of condoms as the most effective way to reduce risk during intercourse. What follows arc facts about condoms, condensed from SIECUS Report, Oct/Nov. 1993. ARE THERE NEW STUDIES ABOUT CONDOM EFFICACY? Yes, good news about condoms was released in the summer of 1993 in die form of two clinical studies. The research shows that latex condoms are highly effective against the sexual transmission of HIV when used consistently and correctly during sexual intercourse. Both studies monitored people at extremely high risk for HIV infection, by studying heterosexual couples in which one person was HIV-positive and the other was uninfected. With repeated exposures to HIV, condoms proved to be highly effective for couples using condoms consistently and correctly. (For more detail on the studies and other references, contact ACT-B.) THF. TRUTH ABOUT LATEX CONDOMS The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention released an update report on the effectiveness of condoms in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on August 6, 1993 (Vol 42, No.30). The updated information confirms the federal government’s 1988 recommendations for using condoms to prevent the transmission of HIV and STDs, and provides new information about consistent and correct condom use. PEOPLE WHO ARE OPPOSED TO EDUCATION ABOUT SAFER SEX ARGUE THAT CONDOMS BREAK ALL THE TIME. IS THAT TRUE? Condoms rarely break. When they do break, it is almost always related to user error rather then condom quality. Using oul-ofdalc condoms is a leading cause of breakage. Other common reasons lor breakage include finger-nail tears, exposure to heal or sunlight, reusing condoms, or unrolling the condom before putting it on. Mineral oil, the WHAT ABOUT OTHER STUDIES THAT INDICATE CONDOMS HAVE A HIGH CONTRACEFI1VE FAILURE RATE? None of the studies which indicate a high condom failure rate distinguishes between consistent and inconsistent condom use. Additionally, the most recent study which considers the difference between consistent and inconsistent condom use shows that pregnancy rates are estimated to be as low as 2% for couples who use condoms consistently and correctly. page 4 leading ingredient in oil-based lubricants such as baby oil, petroleum jelly and hand cream can cause a 90% decrease in condom strength after as little as 60 seconds exposure. IS IT REALISTIC TO THINK THAT PEOPLE WILL USE CONDOMS CONSISTENTLY AND CORRECTLY? Yes. The two new studies and several others clearly demonstrate that consistent and correct condom use is possible if the couple is highly motivated. WHAT ABOUT MICROSCOPIC HOLES IN CONDOMS THAT MIGHT ALLOW HIV TO PASS THROUGH? Laboratory studies prove that sperm and disease-causing organisms cannot pass through intact latex condoms. Sperm has a diameter of 3 microns (.003 mm). STD-eausing organisms are much smaller - from 1/4 to 1/90 the size of sperm. Still, laboratory tests show dial none can penetrate an intact latex condom. This includes HIV. Condoms are required to undergo demanding tests, including tests for holes before they are sold. If any holes are found, the condoms are discarded. WHAT ABOUT THE USE OF NONOX YNOL-9? Laboratory studies indicate that while nonoxynol-9, a foam spermicide, kills HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens, there is no evidence that using it without the use of a condom is effective for preventing sexual transmission of HIV. Further, one randomized controlled trial among women identified as sex workers in Kenya found no protection against HIV infection with the use of a vaginal sponge that has a high dose of nonoxynol-9. None of die other barrier methods used by women, such as a diaphragm, a cervical cap, or the sponge has been proven effective �TREATMENT PAGES VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS INFORMATION AND DOSAGES GATHERED FROM DR. LARK LANDS, DR. CHESTER MYERS, DAVID BAKER AND RICHARD COPELAND AND THE BULLETIN OF EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENTS FOR AIDS (BETA). COMPILED BY IAN RITCHIE - SUPPORT SERVICE WORKER/HEALTH PROMOTER FOR PHA’S. THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL HEALTH FOOD STORES. I AM CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING FOR A DISCOUNT ON BULK ORDERS WITH SUPPLEMENTS PLUS OF TORONTO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION. ALL VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD BF. FREE OF ADDITIVES AND PRESERVATIVES. ALL ADDITIONS TO YOUR PROGRAM SHOULD BE MADE IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN. THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY DOES NOT ENDORSE OR RECOMMEND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS. ALL ADDITIONS SHOULD BE MADE IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN. MULTIPLE VITAMIN- - SHOULD BE BIOAVAILABLE AND HYPOALLERGENIC - SHOULD CONTAIN CITRATES, PICOLINATES, ASCORBATE ETC. - SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE 50-100mg OF B6. B6 SHOULD BE IN FORM OF PYRIDOXAL PHOSPHATE RATHER THAN PYRIDOXINE. VITAMINS BETA-CAROTENE - 20 000-200 000/iuDAY - BETA CAROTENE IS CONVERTED INTO VITAMIN A IN THE BODY AS NEEDED. - NEEDED FOR WHITE BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION AND MATURATION. VITAMIN C - 5-20g/DAY - BOWEL INTOLERANCE VARIES BUT USUALLY WILL APPEAR AROUND 25-30g/DAY, IF THIS HAPPENS SIMPLY REDUCE INTAKE. - PROTECTS MACROPHAGES AND OTHER PHAGOCYTE FROM OXIDATIVE STRESS. ALSO MAY HAVE ANTIVIRAL EFFECT. VITAMIN A - POSSIBLY TOXIC AT MORE THAN 25 OUOiu DAY/LONG TERM. - SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN IF YOU ARE TAKING BETA CAROTENE. VITAMIN E - 800-1600 iu/DAY IMPORTANT IF ON AZT INCREASES DISEASE RESISTANCE. GREATER THAN 1200 iu/DAY CAN CAUSE �MINERALS SELENIUM - 50-200mcg/day - MORE THAN lOOOmcg/DAY CAN BE TOXIC - MORE THAN 200mcg/DAY MAY SUPPRESS IMMUNE FUNCTION. ZINC - 25-75mg/DAY - CONTRIBUTES TO FUNCTIONING OF IMMUNE SYSTEM KILLER CELLS. - EXCESS ZINC MAY PROMOTE YEAST AND BACTERIAL INFECTIONS. - SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH 2-4mg/DAY OF COOPER. OTHER SUPPLEMENTS GLUTATHIONE - 150 mg 3xDAY NAC - 1800-2000mg/DAY SHOULD BE DIVIDED UP TO 3x DAY CONVERTS INTO CYSTEINE. MAY CAUSE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION ABOVE 2g/DAY. COENZYME Q10 - 30-300mg/DAY IMPORTANT IN ENERGY FUNCTION. MAY FACILITATE NORMAL IMMUNE FUNCTIONING. GENERALLY CONSIDERED NONTOXIC. L-CARN1TINE - 3-6g/DAY - POSSIBLY REDUCES WASTING AND IMPROVES IMMUNE CELL PROLIFERATION. - GENERALLY CONSIDERED NONTOXIC. B12 - lOOOmcg 3xDAY (IM) SHOT. - COVERED BY ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PLAN (ODB). BE WARY OF TAKING ACETAMINOPHEN-CONTAINING MEDICATIONS SUCH AS TYLENOL TOXIC TO THE LIVER AND REVERSES THE EFFECT OF NAC. ALTERNATIVES INCLUDE ASPIRIN AND IBUPROFEN. REFERENCES: BAKER, DAVID RN MSN AND RICHARD COPELAND: "STAYING HEALTHY WITH HIV” 1993. G1LDEN, DAVID: "NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION IN HIV DISEASE" BULLETIN OF EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENTS FOR AIDS , SAN FRANCISCO AIDS FOUNDATION, MARCH 1994. LANDS, LARK, DR: "NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION NEEDS IN HIV INFECTION" 1994. MYERS, CHESTER, DR: "THE POSITIVE SIDE" WINTER 1993/94. �against HIV. ISN’T ABSTINENCE THE ONLY FOOLPROOF WAY TO PREVENT HIV INFECTION? Refraining from intercourse with infected partners is the most effective HIV prevention strategy. This is an especially important message lor young people. Periodic abstinence, however, carries risk for HIV infection. A 1988 National Survey of Family Growth found that 26% of people who believed they practised abstinence did not actually practice it consistently (i.e. they had intercourse). This fact has been interpreted as meaning that even abstinence has a 26% failure rate. Like condoms, for effective protection by using abstinence as a method, consistency is key. SO CONDOMS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE FORM OF PROTECTION? The Centers for Disease Control strongly support condom use for the prevention of pregnancy, STD and HIV infection. partners and the frequency of intercourse. Having received education was also associated wiLh more consistent condom use. Unfortunately, most programs are not very comprehensive and need to be improved gready. WHY WOULD GOVERNMENT PROMOTE CONDOMS WHEN THEY ARE NOT 100% FOOL PROOF? The CDCP states that consistent and correct condom use substantially reduces the risk of HIV infection during vaginal, anal, and oral sexual activity. The government promotes many other health behaviours that significantly reduce risk, but may not entirely eliminate it. Additionally, research has provided definitive evidence that using a condom is 10,000 times safer than not using a condom. WHY DID THE U.S. GOVERNMENT RECENTLY RELEASE RENEWED COMMITMENT TO ITS RECOMMENDATION FOR CONDOM USE? AREN'T PEOPLE ALREADY USING CONDOMS? Actually most sexually active people are not using latex condoms every time they have sexual intercourse. For example, a U.S. national study of heterosexual adults with multiple sexual partners found that only 17% of those surveyed reported using condoms all the time. WHAT ABOUT EDUCATION PROGRAMS ABOUT CONDOMS? A 1992 study reported in Family Planning Perspectives found that AIDS education and sexuality education for adolescents results in decreases in the number of sexual page 5 WHAT DOES "CONSISTENT USE" OF CONDOMS MEAN? Consistent use of condoms means using a condom with every act of sexual Intercourse from start to finish. WHAT DOES "CORRECT USE" OF CONDOMS MEAN? Correct use of condoms means the following: 1) A new condom is used every time a person has sexual intercourse, whether it is anal, oral, or vaginal Intercourse. 2) The condom Is put on after the penis Is erect and before it touches any part of a partner’s mouth, anus, or vagina. (If the penis Is uncircumcised, the foreskin is pulled back before putting on the condom). 3) The condom Is put on by pinching the reservoir tip, then unrolling It all the way up the shaft of the penis from head to base. (If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for the semen to collect after ejaculation. Air must not be allowed In the tip, otherwise the condom might break). 4) If the condom breaks during sexual Intercourse, the penis should be withdrawn Immediately, and a new condom should be put on the penis. 5) After the ejaculation and while the penis is still erect, the rim of the condom should be grasped between the fingers, and the penis with the condom on should be removed carefully so no semen Is spilled. 6) Water-based lubrication should be used to prevent condoms from breaking, oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline, baby oil, cooking oil or vegetable jelly should never be used with latex condoms. They can cause the condom to break. 7) Condoms should be stored in a drawer or closet, somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Changes In temperature, rough handling or age can make the latex brittle or gummy. Never use condoms that are damaged or discoloured, brittle, or sticky. Do not store them In a wallet or car glove compartment for a long time. �PFLAG - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Is someone you love gay or lesbian? A group is forming to support families and friends of gays and lesbians. This is a self-help group designed to promote understanding and foster a more supportive community environment. For more information, please contact Ian at 345-1516 or Brooke at 344-8834. 1 -800-268- Y O UT H Beginning May 1, the Lesbian, Gay, Bi Youth Line will provide toll-free peer support and information services within Ontario to, and concerning, youth of all cultures and abilities who may identify as lesbian/gay/bisexual/qucer/twospirited/transgendered. The lack of support for such youth is well-known, and is particularly pronounced in the isolation of Noriwestem Ontario. This service will not only provide peer support but be able to make referrals to appropriate local resources. The development of self-worth and esteem is vital to HIV/AIDS prevention work. Please help promote this service in your area, and contribute to the health of our youth. Call toll-free 1-800-268YOUTH. An Open Message... ...To Gay Men and Lesbians in Northwestern Ontario: With courage and compossion, gay men and lesbians have contributed to the community response to AIDS in Northwestern Ontario.Your efforts are making a difference, here at home and around the world. Take care of each other .take pride in yourself. Everyone Can Help You, your friends, neighbours, co-workers all of us together have been affected in some way by this global epidemic We can continue to care for each other in many ways, assist someone who is HIV positive, or work to increase awareness and understanding in our community To find out how you can help, contact the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, the resource centre you can rely on. We share your concerns about AIDS. We are proud of the work we've done together. Call us or write: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bey (ACTB) P.O.Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet thunder Boy. Ontario, P7A 4T0 (807) 345 1516 Krcvrd'Vtg msmirce?, and hi No1 In western Qrtorio Working Group ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Education Committee (ACTBED) In order to better move into the coming months and years, the Education Committee has been revived. With emphasis on social marketing, community development, and continuing outreach, we expect to use the committee to be a major part of the development of ACT-B education programs. Our target audiences include gay/bisexual men, youth, injection drug users, women, aboriginals among others. Immediate priorities are the first two, in line with the Ontario HIV/AIDS Plan to the year 2000. My hope is that the committee will develop and lake on prevention and education projects using a health promotion approach. This is your chance to get involved and make a difference. Call for details. Food Bank Well our Mother’s Cupboard food bank is gelling low again. If you wish to make donations to our food bank, please call lan or drop off your donations at the office. Thanks, Ian. This is a call for PHA’s to form a working group to organize this years "Positively Well Project". We hope to have 4 to 6 sessions this year. If you have an interest in this, please contact Ian at 345-1516. Women and HIV Project OAN Grants for PH A Projects Congratulations to Liz Walker, who has been named key contact person in Northwestern Ontario for the National Women and HIV Project. Liz invites all those women who are infected or affected to contact her for more information at (807) 345-4687. Or you can contact the project co­ ordinator Karen Potts of Edmonton at (403) 488-5742, fax (403) 488-3735. The Ontario AIDS Network is facilitating funding for regional PHA projects. There arc guidelines for how these grants are awared as well as application forms. Guidelines, forms and the application process were all reviewed and approved by the PHA caucus of the OAN. Information and materials are available at the ACT-B office. Phone 345-1516 and ask for lan. page 6 �The Shape of the Future At a board and staff retreat, held for a full day on January 29 and an additional evening on February 16, the possible future for ACT-B began to lake shape. Working with facilitator Karen Maki, the board and staff reviewed the strengths and challenges presented by the agencies current goals and objectives. This was followed by imagining what ACT-B should look like three years down the road. This lead to an exercise listing what actions/directions the agency should move toward. At the follow-up evening "sequel", facilitated by Keith Nymark, board and staff voted on what they believed the priorities should be for the coming three years. Top priorities were "Social Marketing and Self Promotion" and "Care For The Caregivers". These were followed by "Balancing the Budget", "Expanding Client Services", "Diversifying the Financial Base", "Community Development" "Maintaining Existing Services to Clients" and establishing a "Committee to Look At Physical Plant and Equipment Needs". These broad categories will be developed into more specific detail by the board and/or appropriate committees. These priorities will guide our practical evolution over the coming years. Michael Sobota THANKS The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay would like to thank all those who made Art AIDS: Put Yourself in the Picture, our first annual art auction, the success it was. We salute the assistance of Bearskin Airlines, CBQ Radio, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, MacEachem Marketing, the many local businesses which contributed to the silent auction and our loyal and hardworking volunteers. We are especially indebted to over 50 of Thunder Bay’s finest artists and craftspeople who gave so Final Positively Well Session Dr. L. Lands and C. Myers The final session of the positively well program finished with a bang. Dr. Lark Lands and Dr.Chcstcr Myers gave a fantastic presentation on HIV and Nutrition. The pace was fast and a lot of information was shared. One of the most interesting pieces of information dial was reported was that for people who arc on Acyclovir 200mg tablets, as a prophylaxis and lactose intolerant you should switch to the 800mg tablets because the 200mg tablets of Acyclovir contain lactose but the 800mg do not. Dr. Lands also recommended: - a prophylaxis dose Acyclovir of 2400mg/day (consult physician). - B12 shot (Intramuscular 2cc). - Fluconazole for the treatment and prophylaxis of thrush instead of Kctoconazole. - a low fat diet instead of a high fat diet - use of Pcplimine or Nutrin 1.0 instead of Boost or Ensure, which contain sugar which in turn feeds Candidiasis. - recommends NAC 1500mg/day. All of the above treatments should all be done in consultation with your primary care physician. This presentation was extremely practical and full of useful information, we hope to bring them back again next year. Ian Ritchie generously of themselves. With a net revenue of $6,200, the auction was our most successful fundraising event ever. The winner of the Linda Lundstrom LaParka raffle was Sheclagh Lehmberg. Thanks also to Karen Ferland for organizing the Lappe Ski day in February. Doctor Double Bill and his talented staff need to be commended for another superb evening of entertainment in his tropical waiting room. This year’s Cabaret was irreverent, steamy and enjoyed by all. page 7 Volunteers and the STARS!! Our volunteers are as varied as grains of sand, patterns on snowfalkes, stars in the universe, each wonderfully unique. And I suppose, if I could count all llie volunteers throughout lime, they would number as many as the stars. Their deeds shine as tiny beacons in a world so busy, complex and sometimes dark. If I run the risk of sounding a little soppy about these special people, I mean to. For they are most valued and appreciated: by staff, and some arc staff, by clients, and some are clients, and by the Board, and all Board members are volunteers. Without our volunteers we could not keep up with increased demands on services and fundraising. We would not have seen our Buddy Program become a reality. We could not do so many things so well. So, in case you forget to stop and know how important you are and how brigliLly you shine in confronting HIV and AIDS in our community and area, lei me remind you and thank you for your support. You are special, very special. Thank you so very much. Sheila, Volunteer Coordinator Wi MEMBER O F T I I E THUNDER BAY LOTTERY COKP. SUPPORT Q lOJIfIT tICINCf * f 9 J J M S �L akehead T r avel A gency L td . Canadian molson © FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE Things you need to know: When: The race starts at 10 a.m. sharp, Saturday June 11. 1994. Registration Form Where: Boulevard Lake (Birch Point) Age (As of June 11)_____ Registration: To register, mall in your registration to the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, P.O. Box 24025, Downtown North Postal Outlet, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0. (Please do not send money through the mail.) Or, at the AIDS Committee office at 217 S. Algoma Street. Remember to sign the Liability Waiver and to indicate whether you would like a T-shirt or baseball cap. Race Kits: Race Kits can be picked up at the AIDS Committee office, on Thursday & Friday, June 9 & 10, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. They will also be available on race day at 9:00 a.m. at Boulevard Lake. Divisions: Men and Women Junior under 20 Open 20 - 29 Senior 30 - 39 Master 40 - 49 Veteran 50+ Entry Fee: $ 15.00 - non-refundable. $2.00 for those under age 16 (no T-shirt or cap with lower fee). The Course: 5K course at Boulevard Lake. For more information, contact the ACT-B office at 345-1516. Name__________ Address_________________ City_____________________ Province/State__________ Postal/Zip Code _________ Phone ( )_____________ Club/School_____________ Gender: Male Female_ T-Shirt Size: Large_____ X-Large_____ or Cap:___ Liability Waiverplease read and sign In consideration of the acceptance of my entry. I for myself, my executors, administrators and assignees, do hereby release and discharge the race sponsors, promoters and organizers including all claims of damages, demands, and action whatsoever in any manner arising from my participation in the FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE 5K Fun Run/Walk. I attest and verify that I have full knowledge of the risks Involved in this event and I am physically fit to participate. Entry Deadline: Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m., Friday. June 9. 1994. No late registrations will be accepted. Signature (of parent or guardian if under 18) Sponsors: Make cheque payable to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Molson Companies, Lakehead Travel Sc Canadian Airlines. � 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 7 Issue 2 - Spring 1994 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 1994 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/17/2679/1994_reACT-Believe_vol7no3_2.pdf 42cfb189b6da0dc6c3e440d0b874e9d7 PDF Text Text reACT-Believe , Fall 1994 Volume 7, hue HI “ASK QUESTIONS. TALK ABOUT IT. BREAK THE SILENCE.” This year’s AIDS Awareness Week will focus on creating healthy altitudes about youth and sexuality and a positive social environment lor HIV positive youth. The 1994 slogan is: “Ask questions. Talk about it. Break the Silence,” I'hc key is to impress upon our commu­ nity the importance of providing youth with clear, complete and unbiased information on HTV/A1DS and sexuality. Recognizing that young people make important decisions every day, AIDS Awareness Week 94 is all about giving them the information and skills they need. Despite a basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, young people today are not practising safer sex consistently. With 30,000 unplanned pregnancies and 75,000 cases of STD’s among Canada’s youth every year, we know young people are having unprotected sex, and also placing them­ selves at risk for HIV infection. Skills around confidence building, safer sex negotiation and condom use need to be developed among adolescents to help them deal with the important decisions they face. Infection is now spreading faster among the youth population (age 15-25) than it is in the general public in Canada. Here in Thunder Bay, we may still have lime to impede the spread of AIDS in this population if we act fast. This will depend largely on initiatives, like AIDS Awareness Week 94, that are focused AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.0. Box 24025, Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE specifically on young people. The week pesents a variety of interesting events. Information tables, as well as our ART AIDS MURAL will be on display at the college, the university and high schools The key is to impress upon our community the importance of providing youth with clear, complete and unbiased infor­ mation on HIVIAIDS and sexuality. " " during the week. The annual Candlelight Vigil and Tree Planting will again provide the community with an occasion for important reflection and emotional release. Another event appropriate to the week’s theme will be a youth “Coffee House” with the Regional Multicultural Youth Council on Friday evening, featuring entertainment and discussion. A “Women’s Healthy Sex Night” which will be held the following evening, prom­ ises to be a lively night for all involved. Details of these events will be available soon. Keep your eyes open for a sched­ ule of events in various publications around the city. Over the summer, youth outreach initiatives have been developed to include young people in the planning of AIDS Awareness Week. If yourself or any friends arc interested in participating please call Tara at the AIDS Committee. WEEK OPEN CALL TO ALL ACT-B MEMBERS CONCERNING THE 1994 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The 1994 ACT-B Annual General Meeting will be held in November. An exact date and location have not yet been confirmed. To be eligible to vole at the AGM, you must have a valid current membership, or take out a new membership at least thirty days in advance of the AGM. Please check your membership card. If it does not say valid for the calendar year 1994, you’ve expired! GoodGricfl Hurry to renew your membership. Call ACT-B, drop in to our office, or use the handy membership form located elsewhere in this newsletter. �TED ROMANOWSKI Ted Romanowski, dedicated past board member and hard working volunteer, died on August 24, 1994. Ted was first appointed to the ACT-B Board in 1991 and re-elected to another term in 1992. During his time on the board he repre­ sented ACT-B at two Annual Meetings of the Canadian AIDS Society (in Halifax, 1992 and Montreal, 1993) as well as nu­ merous meetings of the Ontario AIDS Network. Ted was especially dedicated to fundraising for ACT-B’s Emergency Financial Assistance Fund. The Fund makes emergency financial aid available directly to people living with HIV/AIDS. He regularly assisted at agency yard sales, flea markets and monthly bingos. He played a key role in the visit of the Canadian AIDS Quill to Thunder Bay in the fall of 1992. Ted was named our Vol­ unteer of the Year in May 1993 and given a special tribuLe when he stepped down from the Board last November. He was a generous, kind and caring individual. We remember. STAFF CHANGES The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay extends generous thanks to Bart Johnston, who was on placement with the agency for the summer. Ban assisted our Support Services department, as well as staffed our phones and reception desk. We wish him well in his continued studies this fall. As well, we extend our appreciation to Tara Lewis, who has been our summer Education Assistant. Tara developed various education initiatives concerning t hunder Bay youth. She too will be reluming to school this fall (but will still be associated with ACT-B). We are pleased to welcome Sheila Berry, our new Support Services Coordinator, Jo-Ann Jacomb, our new Volunteer Coordinator and Tara Lewis, our 1994 AIDS Aware­ ness Week Coordinator. MINISTRY OF HEALTH CON­ SIDERING THUNDER BAY NEEDLE-EXCHANGE PRO­ POSAL Earlier this summer, ACT-B, together with other members of a local planning committee, completed a proposal for the establishment of a formal needleexchange program in Thunder Bay. The proposal had unanimous endorsement from various local agencies represented on the planning committee. It also received approval from the Board of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. It has now been forwarded to the Ministry of Health for consideration. We are hopeful that this long needed program will soon be a reality in Thunder Bay. OPEN CALL FOR NOMINA­ TIONS TO THE ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS The 1994-95 Board of Directors will be elected at the Annual General Meeting in November. This is an open call to anyone interested in serving on the Board. Consider joining a team of experienced and dedicated board mem­ bers. People living with HIV/AIDS arc encouraged to consider running for the board. If interested, call the ACT-B office: 345-1516 for an interview and in­ formation package. The Nominating Committee will consider applicants until November 1st. play and hopes to perform parts of it in our Safer Sex Cabaret. She regularly performs with the trio Broadway Bound! Jo-Ann brings a wealth of experience from her previous life as a "helping professional”. She spent 10 years working at various non profit agencies in Thunder Bay. Her last vocational challenge was instructing in the Develop­ mental Services Worker Program at Confederation College. She has also worked at the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Lakehead Association for Community living and Hogarth/ Westmount Hospital. Jo-Ann believes strongly in volunteering and is eager to meet all of the dedicated ACT-B volunteers. She is proud to be a member of the ACT-B crew and is ETERNALLY GRATEFUL that Sheila Berry is here to provide training and support In Memorium We remember with respect and appreciation: Kevin, Vivienne and Ted HELLO On August 2,1994, Jo-Ann Jacomb joined the ACT-B team as volunteer co­ ordinator. She comes to us from the “arts” community where her primary focus has been music and theatre. She graduated from Lakehead University with a Fine Arts Degree in Music, majoring in voice and also an Arts Administration Diploma from Confedera­ tion College. Jo-Ann won the 1992 “Thunder Bay’s Funniest Person” award. She has written and produced her own i QUESTIONS CREATING HE AITHY ATTITUDE S ABOUT YOUTH A SEXUALITY TALK ABOUT IT BREAK THE SILENCE AiDt AWAHNttt WtK* OCTOIH J-f. It«4 �ACT-B ADVISORY COUNCIL Fred Ball Beth Huston Director, Public Health Laboratory Director of Administration, Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic Public Health Nurse, Thunder Buy District Health Unit Family Physician Co-chair, Businessman Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital Reverend, United Church, Council of Clergy Co-chair, Health & Safety Officer, Lakehead Board of Education Vivian Johnsluri Dr. Gordon Milne Boh Richardson Nicky Tittlcy Don Uhryniw Derek Zulcsky ACT-B BOARD OF DIRECTORS Treasurer Director Director Director President Director Director Vice President Director Director Director Secretary Rick Atkinson Sarah Bunn A. Downey-Baxtcr Mahlon Inksetter Guil Linklater Ed Prinselaar Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Ron Rodgers Rob Shepherd Pius White Derek Zulesky ACT-B STAFF Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Lawrence Korhoncn Tara I .ewis lan Ritchie Michael Sobola Jo-Ann Jacomb Secretary Education Coordinator Support Service Coordinator Fundraising/Communications Office Manager A.A.W. Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Executive Director Volunteer Coordinator UNITED WAY SUPPORT ACT-B is the recipient of a 1994 United Way “New Initia­ tives” grant. This grant is specifically for ACT-B to increase library resources in the subject areas of abuse and family support. The amount is $450, and will be made available to us in January, 1995. This is a one time grant only. Our agency docs not currently receive on-going support from the United Way. We are grateful for this financial assistance, and thank the United Way. Gay and Lesbian Positive Alanon Family Group Meeting every Thursday at 6 pm. at the Unitarian House, 129 S. Algoma Street, back door. For details, call 344-5980. FAREWELL TO DARYLE After two years of service Daryle Dollan our Support Serv­ ices Coordinator has left to retire in the bush up in Armstrong. Daryle brought a lot of unique and interesting characteristics to the job. We all wish Daryle the best of luck. VITAMINS, VITAMINS, VITAMINS The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay has worked out an arrangement with “Buyers Club” to purchase vitamin and nutritional supplements. If you need further information concerning vitamins please contact Ian. Subsidies are available. Please address any comments on reACT Believe to: P.O. Box 24025 Dontown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A4T0 (807) 345-1516 (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) John Books, Editor Heidi Jeske, Assistant Editor lan Ritchie, Editor of Treatment Pages Tlie opinions and medical information offered by reACTBelieve 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 offered by re.ACT-Believe should be used with your own THANK YOU The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders; : Ontario Ministry of Health : Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Branch, Health Canada : Ontario Trillium Foundation : All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. We especially would like to acknowledge recent donations from: Anita MacDonald, the students of McKenzie School, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Sear’s Employees Charity Fund, Bearskin Airlines and Sportop Marketing. 3 ��RESOURCE CENTRE The ACT-B Resource Centre Library is a collection of materials in a variety of formats containing information on HIV/AIDS and related issues. We subscribe to specific treatment information newsletters with the latest information on HIV/AIDS treatments. This information is available to everyone with a personal, professional or academic interest in HIV infection, AIDS or related issues. The Resource Centre Library is located at 217 S. Algoma Street, at the comer of Algoma and Cornwall. Come in and take a look from 9:30 to 5:00 weekdays. See what we have available. SOME RECENT ACQUISITIONS BOOKS AIDS Treatment News Volume 3 (Compilation) 1994 AIDS: A Global Health Crisis (Posters by Burroughs WcUcome) 1993 The Anarchist AIDS Medical Formulary: A Guide to Guerilla Immunology 1993 Dying With Dignity: Understanding Euthanasia 1992 The Essential Guide To Prescription Dmgs 1994 Living with Dying, Dying at Home (Care Team Resource Manual) 1993 Living With The AIDS Virus: A Strategy for Long-term Survival 1991 A Time For Caring: A Pastoral Approach for persons with AIDS 1989 Two Teenagers In Twenty: Writings by gay and lesbian youth 1994 Understanding Sexual Identity 1990 VIDEO A Time For Caring: Pastoral Care For Persons With AIDS 1989 30 min. Forefront: An HIV Update 1994 Edition 7 20 min. Forefront: An HIV Update 1993 Edition 6 20 min. Healthy Sex Cabaret (ACT-B) March 12,1994 Tapes 1&2 240 min. Homosexuality: What The Bible Docs And Does Not Say 1985 70 min. Nutrition And HIV Workshop: Lark Lands and Chester Myers Thunder Bay, Feb. 26,1994 Parts 1&.2 200 min. Scared To Death (homophobia) 1993 29 min. TREATMENT RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN ACT-B’S LIBRARY - PART 1 The following is a list of newsletters and journals that we subscribe to and are available either in our library or they can usually be found on Ian's desk. They are available to anyone but must be either read in the library or photocopied. If you need any more information or would like to read any current or back issues see Ian. AIDS Treatment News- Published twice monthly by John S. James out of San Francisco, Ca. Contains reports on experimental and standard treatments, interviews with physicians, scientists, other health care professionals and people living with HIV/AIDS. They also collect information from meetings, conferences, medical journals, and computer databases. Free to those who cannot afford a subscription. 1-800-TREAT-1-2 or 1-800-873-2812 Treatment Update Published monthly by the Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) in Toronto, Ontario as a resource for individuals considering experimental treatments and/or therapies for AIDS and HIV - related illnesses. Free to those who cannot afford a subscription. 1-800-263-1638 Treatment Issues- Published monthly by The Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York. Contains information on experimental AIDS therapies, new treatment therapies, information on approved and underground drugs, clinical trials and other information related to HIV/AIDS. This newsletter offers a sliding scale for PHA's. BETA- Published quarterly by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. This bulletin contains information on alternative AIDS and HIV research, meetings, conferences and clinical trials. 1-800-959-1059 Being Alive- Published by Being Alive, People with HIV/ AIDS Action Coalition, Los Angeles CA. This newsletter contains information on medical treatment, nutritional information and personal stories. Free to those who cannot afford a subscription. 1 -213-667-3262. Journal of the Physicians Association for AIDS CarePublished monthly, this journal contains information on conferences, new treatments and new drug therapies. In our next newsletter, Part 2 will contain treatment and health promotion books that are available in our library. 5 �AIDS AWARENESS WEEK 1994 CREATING HEALTHY ATTITUDES ABOUT YOUTH & SEXUALITY SATURDAY, OCT. 1,1994 Positively Well Speaker Francis Robichaud Lecture, video and discussion on DNCB for people living with HIV/AIDS MONDAY, OCT. 3, 1994 Tree Planting Ceremony - Marina Park 12 noon ART AIDS MURAL to visit high schools TUESDAY, OCT. 4,1994 ART AIDS MURAL at Lakehead University and Confederation College WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5, 1994 ART AIDS MURAL at Lakehead University and Confederation College THURSDAY, OCT. 6,1994 ART AIDS MURAL visits high schools Candlelight Vigil - 7:30pm Meet at ACT-B for silent walk to Unitarian Hall FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 1994 “Coffeehouse” Youth Social with Regional Multicultural Youth Council 8:00pm Victoriaville ART AIDS MITRAL visits high schools SATURDAY, OCT. 8, 1994 Women’s Healthy Sex Night - 8 pm ART AIDS MURAL at Intercity Mall Condom Blitz at selected local bars SUNDAY, OCT. 9, 1994 ART AIDS MURAL at Intercity Mall Other possible events include university & college workshops. Club VIP event, social marketing initiatives and various displays set up throughout the city in connection with youth groups. For more information: call Tara Lewis at the AIDS Committtee of Thunder Bay 345-1516. 6 “OPENING MORE DOORS” 3rd Annual Northwestern Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference Thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Health, the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is hosting its third annual “Opening More Doors “ counselling conference regarding HiV/AIDS. It will be held at the Prince Arthur Hotel here in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on October 20 and 21, 1994. On the evening of Thursday, October 20, 1994 there will be a session on “Issues relating to smaller centers, interaction with PHA’s (Persons Having HIV/AIDS), barriers that PHA’s face living in North­ western Ontario”, followed by a network and socializing period when refreshments will be served. On Friday, October 21, 1994 during our day session, various workshops will be held on: 1) Pre and post test counselling 2) Counselling family members and psycho-social issues 3) Issues relating to the grief process 4) Women’s issues creating risk awareness. Breakfast and a light lunch will be served at intermissions during these workshops. We currently have a broad range of participation from many smaller commu­ nities throughout Northwestern Ontario. A small registration fee is required although accommodations and travel grants for out of town guests are avail­ able. All PHA's (Persons Having HTV/ AIDS) will have the registration fee waived. If you would like further information on our upcoming, 3rd Annual, “Opening More Doors” North­ western Ontario Regional HIV/AIDS Counselling Conference please call the conference coordinator, Karen Ferland, at 1-807-345-1516 or 1-807-768-0699. Registrations are limited but we do have some space available. �MOTHER’S CLIPBOARD BUDDY PROGRAM The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay has been running a food bank in our agency for the last year. Thanks to the generous donations from our commu­ nity we have managed to provide food I'or people who are in need. Unfortunately we have exhausted our supply of food and Mother’s Cupboard is now bare. If you or your organization wish to donate food or start a food drive please call Ian. POSITIVELY WELL This year’s “Positively Well” program will have more of a complementary therapy focus. The first presenter will be Francis Robichaud. Francis, a DNCB advocate and user, will give a presentation on DNCB which is a complementary therapy. He is a volunteer for the PWA foundation in Toronto where he also facilitates a DNCB support group. Francis will be in Thunder Bay on Saturday October 1st. Chester Myers will be reluming to Thunder Bay on November 19-20,1994. Chester will be speaking on diet and nutrition with HTV. The nexL presenter is Sandra Johnson from the “RISE Program”. The “RISE Program" was designed as a health education course, for stress management and lifestyle modification through mental focusing and meditation. 1 would like to thank the steering com­ mittee who sat down and decided who they would like to see and hear. Without their input this year’s Positively Well would not be as focused and client driven. For more information call Ian. The Buddy Program, long in coming, has been running for about six months. Vol­ unteers with a special interest in working with clients, must invest about 35 hours in training and then commit to a mini­ mum of one year to the person with whom they are matched. Buddies are there for support: sometimes spending time together, talking on the phone, running errands, bringing some home cooking by, driving someone to an appointment, or accompanying someone on an afternoon out. The terms of the relationship arc agreed upon between the client and the buddy. ACT-B’s role is mainly that of support to both the buddy and the client. I know that one person living with AIDS in their own apartment found the regular telephone contact com­ forting. Requests continue to come in for buddies, and we are doing our best to make good matches. If you are inter­ ested in the buddy experience, call Sheila or Jo-Ann at 345-1516. WImember r O THE THUNDER BAY LOTTERY CORP. SUPPORT Q COMMITTEE DITTY by Leslie Lipson, University of California at Berkeley Oh give me your pity! I'm on a committee, Which means that from morning to night. We attend and amend And contend and defend Without a conclusion in sight. We confer and concur. We defer and demur, An reiterate thoughts of all sorts. We revise the agenda With frequent addenda And consider a load of reports. We compose and propose, We suppose and oppose, And the points of procedure are fun. l 0 IT l I T t I C f N c £ * f ♦ ! j ♦ I 3 But though various notions Are brought up as motions, There's terribly little gets done. We resolve and absolve, But we never dissolve, Since it's out of the question for us & AVAILABLE FROM THE AIDS COMMITTEE To bring out committee To end like this ditty Which stops with a period - thus. WE thank SPORTOP MARKETING FOR THEIR GENEROUS ASSISTANCE! 7 �SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING Donning iheir red ribbon caps or red ribbon T-shirts, over 145 people partici­ pated in the 1994 From All Walks of Life fun run/pledge walk. Our run fun at Boulevard Lake met its goal of raising S6.000 for the AIDS Committee. It was the biggest and best in the six years we’ve had this event. Our thanks go out to the many dedicated volunteers for their help organizing the fun run and to the many local businesses which contrib­ uted prizes. The top ihree pledgers and the prizes they were awarded were: 1. Mike Topp: tickets for two to Toronto donated by Canadian Airlines, Lakehead Travel and The Westbury Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel 2. Maria Fiorot: a sports bag donated by Collegiate Sports 3. Brad Hetsler: a gift certificate for a massage and green fees. Thanks to all of you who gathered pledges, no matter how much. AHEAD Look for the Big Picture: the AIDS Mural this fall. During AIDS Awareness Week, it will tour several local High Schools, Confederation College, Lakehead University and finish at Intercity Mall on Saturday and Sunday, October 8th & 9th. It wll also appear at the Regional Counselling Conference “Opening More Doors” at the Prince Arthur Hotel on October 21st and 22nd. As well we hope it will find a place in many local malls in the coming months. This project is perfect to collect pledges for. Call the office for pledge sheets. Perhaps on World AIDS Day (December 1st), we could stage a day with art and fill a lot of squares on the Mural. As we head into the cool fall months other events are in the planning stages. We will have one of our famous yard sales in October. A Pancake Breakfast will occur sometime in November. It will be scheduled before you head out for a day of Craft Sales. Planning has already begun for the 2nd annual ART AIDS: Art Auction which will be early in 95. Stay tuned for further developments. NOTICE...NOTICE...NOTICE...NOTICE...NOTICE...NOTICE...NOTICE...NOTICE...NOTICE Due to budget restraints, reACT-Believe will be issued three times a year instead of four. As well reACT-Believe is asking nonsubscription readers to return the enclosed form if they want to continue to receive this newsletter. Members, clients and volunteers will continue to receive the newsletter. COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL Dear Reader: Name For several years you have received reACT-Believe Organisation at no cost. The AIDS Committee will continue to mail you reACT-Believe at no charge if you indicate that Address you want to receive it. However, we need your help now. If this newsletter is useful, let us know. If you can help us pay for it, please do so. Postal Code PLEASE CHECK Yes, I want to continue receiving reACTBelieve I would like to make a contribution to cover the cost of reACT-Believe. 1 am enclosing a cheque for to the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. For those that can afford it, S15 would be appreciated. ___ No, I do not want to receive reACT-Believe any longer. Please mail this form to: reACT-Believe c/o AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 24025, Downtown North Postal Outlet, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 Recipients of complimentary copies of reACTBelieve that do not respond to the survey form will be deleted from the mailing list. � 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 7 Issue 3 - Fall 1994 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 1994 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/17/2680/1995_reACT-Believe_vol8no1_2.pdf 473554b1cde166a7ea40aae8a49c405a PDF Text Text tevc The Committee of Thunder 7hflnk "J^ou for Caring/ ^ntcr, 1995 ^JYvedie <£xch«nge f)rograms; ^ 1994 was a year Response challenges for ACT-B new - Olliers are ongoing issues--we face c near daily basis. j«*»X quote from a Nov 01 article in During the twelve months-of 199^-^ locaTTimes-News reads, "Handing, out • we saw an increased caseload while ai the same lime experiencing more losses than we ever have before. We changed keyv .staff positions and redefined their roles (Support Services and Volunteer Coordinators). And we were pressured by the stark realines of frozen government funding, increased needs and an ever more competitive local fundraising environment. The latter is where you deserve our heartfelt thanks During 1994. many, many of you volunteered your nme specifically in ways that helped raise needed dollars in support of our services Many local businesses, employee organizations or service clubs made direct contributions to our work. Again and again you have responded to our requests, from the simple need of an extra volunteer on a community bingo night, to assisting with die collection of donanons for our annual holiday baskets for clients, to direct contributions of dollars We are struggling in very difficult economic and emotional rimes. Your generosity - be it your skills or vour nme or your dollars - has been vital to us this year Thank you. Each one of you is helping provide an answer to AIDS. Each one of you is proving tiiis is. indeed, a very caring community. Michael Sobota Executive Director gleans needles to drug users appears to cut ' their risk'of AIDS nr half, a: new tTS. study • • • -** ' concludes .WVI UK ..Gnrfeatly Tih • Canada, there are some 49 needle/exchang&programs running, nine in Ontario alone: (Projects such as The Works in Toronto as well as projects in Kingston, and in Sudbury operate in a cooperative community effort to reduce die spread of HTV amongst.injection drug users (IDUs) and tiieir sexual partners. Looking at the bigger picture, needle exchange programs, when appropriately designed for the communities they serve, can do a lot more. IDUPs are not lunitkt-to. heroin and cocaine. Steroidi use is also a cora&riip-ask well as home-made substances andiother'socalled "recreational intravenous drags" A priority of any needle. exchange program is cfeanmg . upjpj^boarhoods," therefore creating- safer "Streets . and playgrounds, that are free from dirty needles. This can. tie accomplished in .a controlled. manner througfra. needle, exchange’ program' by providing clear. needles or "works" m exchange, for used or dirty ones Used needles :are- placed in specially designed;;: "Sharps" ^containers ..while, waitingsfor* transport .;£fa" a proper...disposaU^'ate;| Simultaneously as needles are beings exchanged^ educanon about safer :sex| pracnces^ongorng. The importance p£nQk| sharing, ^£:f>and cleaning needles emphasiz^-|b prevent the spread of'j and otherfrdjseases. both through-®' drag use hopes of ^--pirigfito. is^so-thdtr^ee a rrusring relationshipestablished''with a service user, that person would encourage others to bring in their used needles, putting '"Volume 8, v7ssue l some responsibility back on the drug user to help make the program work. Although it would not be realistic to expect that every injection drug user would enter into rehabilitation, the door is kept open for those who would choose that route If the program is deemed trustworthy by the people who use it—it will work! "However, building the trust means building community support for the program. Players such as the police, the local district health unit, the local .AIDS committee, other agencies who are currently doing outreach work, and injection drug users are integral to a successful program. Here in Thunder Bay we know ihai injection drag use is happening. We know from our feedback from the local police, from agencies who are in direct contact with IDUs. We also know from the Ministry of Health and Health Canada that new infections of HTV through intravenous drug use are reflected in the data We know from the experience of other successful needle exchange programs that there is no evidence that the programs contribute to increased drug use, and in fact, the incidence of HIV through injecnon drag use has decreased significantly in some areas where needle exchange programs are operanng. For about the past three years, a commmee of conscientious local people have been working together to address the issue of injection drug use and the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases in our community. A lot of careful thought and planning has gone into the possibility of running a needle exchange program here. Although funding is nor yet in place, there is a more pressing issue— getting community supporr for a well run needle exchange, in order that IDUs will come forward and use it! Sheila Berry, Coordinator of Support Services �^ocal ^JYews 1994 {Annual Qeneval ^ecting Thunder Report £7?\nnongmous Tcsl^n9 ACT-B's Annua] General Meeting was held November 9, 1994 A record crowd of nearly 300 people rumed out for the event ACT-B had invited Svend Robinson (MP Burnaby B C ) to return to Thunder Bay as the keynote speaker for the annual meeting Mr Robinson's address was titled "Whose Life Is It Anyway - The Ethics of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide" The subject is a timely one. demonstrated b> the enthusiastic crowd that came to the meeting, and by the range of questions asked of Mr Robinson following his address I he meeting also featured a "silent auction" which raised $600 for ACT-B's Emergency Financial Assistance Program The funds in this program are available directly to people living with HIV/AIDS who experience emergency financial needs ACT-B's Board of Directors was also elected at the meeting The U'94-95 board consists of returning An Ontario Ministry of Health evaluation report of anonymous HIV antibody testing indicates that people in the Thunder Bay region choose anonymous testing over other options by double the provincial average. There are three options available in Ontario for anyone who wishes to gel the antibodv test Onlv the anonymous testing option gives you complete assurance that no identifying infoimation about vou will he attached to your test and that your test results will be reported only to you In Ontario, most people gel tested using what is called the "nominal" system (getting tested through your doctor). Some people chose the "non-nommal" system (getting tested through a clinic that takes your personal information and keeps a file on you but codes the file) The provincial average for choosing anonymous testing is approximately 7% However in Thunder Bay. it is over 14% (and has been as high as 20% during some periods) Cteariy Thunder Flay supports anonymous testing. To access anonymous testing simply call 62559g 1 to ser up an appointment there are. various different locations where you can go to be tested Ask the recepnonist when you call (you have more options than being directed ro the Thunder Bay District Health Unit) The test is free You need not give any identify ing information Your tesi result will be reported only to you AC I -LI supports anonymous testing We re glad you do, too1 veteran directors Richard Atkinson. Aiarma DownevBaxter. Midi Ion Inksetter. Gail Lmklater. Bob Richardson. Diane Roberts. Pius White and Derek Zulesky They are joined by newly elected directors Richard DeYuono. Adele Evans. Rob Mac Kay and Darryl Williams. ACT-B thanks all past board members for their skills commitment and contribution to the agency's development, in particular Sarah Bunn. Ed Pnnselaar and Rob Shepherd who concluded their terms of office this year. And congratulations to the 1994-95 Board of Directors' AIDS Supports BODY IGNORANCE ATTACKS THE SPIRIT ATTACKS THE People living with hiv aids need support and love. You can i get HIV AIDS by being a Iriend. Trade in fears for facts! For more information, call • 807-345-1516 AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY �^^ocus on ^Aindrnising ZAV and £01111119 ax cACT'-JS..... There is something in the wind More and more people in our community are feeling it is OK lo support our fight against this disease and against homophobia and AIDS stigma. Its not a lot'of people just yet but I sense a shift of attitude which is very reassuring. As of writing this late in December, with the warm sun shining on the north, I wonder if there wall he any snow for die Snowshoe Obstacle Race, at the Winter Carnival Mediacoiii. a local advertising company, will organise and sponsor this event on behalf of the AIDS Committee On January' 28th. Poui person teams can enter for a registration fee of S20 (with Carnival Pins) or $25 (without) The evening of that same day. our second annual art auction will take place Art AIDS: Pul Yourself in the Picture will start at 7 pm at the Garibaldi Hall on Algoma Street Tickers are $20 We hope to improve on the $6,000 we made at the first an auction .. time will tell. If you are keen on being part of an evening of magic and compassion, fine an and stimulating company i$2u is too small a price for ail of this) please, join us at the Garibaldi ij tAe moat paateiljut etnuiueA ohc •iuccec-i. "2(lAe*t (fou do a tAiucf. eta it atitA alt (four atiCfAt. “ ut (yum atAole tout i*cto it. p it UMt-k (four tcrAoHdiitif. "Se active. l$e cuen^etic. S*e entAuJcaotic cutd faUttyul. a*td <fOU atilt aco*nfiti-lA (four objective. IRalfiA TtJaldo s&tercau £ommittec of ^Thunder acknowledges There will be a Casino at the Ortona Legion Hall on February 7. X and 9th March will feature our coinboxes in Robin's Donut locations during the Nordic Games Our volunteers will once again be canvassing door-to-door with rhe Kidney Foundation A portion of the funds collected will be allocated to the AIDS Committee. And we will finish off the month and rhe fiscal year with the inimitable and very popular I leaithv Sex Cabaret. Our seventh annual Cabaret will run for two days March 31st and April Fools day Dr Double Bill will be the Master of Ceremonies and entertainments during an evening of ribald satire and hot music and thanks our various funders; Ontario Ministry of Health Health Promotion and Social Development Office Ontario Region Health Canada Ontario Trillium Foundation All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. We would especially like 10 acknowledge ail Those who contributed to Ail AIDS, in particular rhe many anists. Bearskin Airlines and McEachem Marketing: also our thanks to W, Bovvers for donating a fridge to rhe office. �Education jVews Social ‘YKJcirketing £ampcngn Social marketing is "the design, implementation and control of programs designed to influence the acceptability of a social idea or cause by a target group " [Philip Kotler] Social marketing can be used to inform, persuade, or remind people about a particular issue or idea. ACT-B has been funded through the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP) of Health Canada to earn out a social marketing campaign. The overall goal of the ACAP project is to reduce barriers and create supportive social environments lor people living with HIV7AIDS, while the specific objective is to create and place a local and regional print advertising campaign, based on ihe concepi of social marketing The basic thrust of this campaign is to develop advertising messages about various subjects related to HIV AIDS and place these ads in newspapers throughout Northwestern Ontario. The campaign focuses essentially on print media for two reasons it is economical compared to electronic media and because local newspapers have historically shown wide and consistent readership I or the first year of this campaign, we decided on an "anti-stigma" focus relating to 11I V AIDS We began by consulting with staff, with other health care professionals with clients, and with our Advisory Council to get suggestions for the campaign on anti-stigma We have run a series of three small size print ads. appearing September. October and December of 1994 The ads have appeared in 14 regional newspapers as well as the ChronicleJournal Times-N'ews and the Thunder Bay Post The fourth ad in the series will appear about the time this newsletter is distributed Two of the ads are displayed in this newsletter In order 10 evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign, we have developed a tracking survey. Our plan was to make phone calls to about 60 individuals throughout the region alter each ad placement, with an additional six calls as controls each time This has been a major effort involving the diligent and much-appreciated efforts of a group of four volunteers The results of this tracking survey are just now being tabulated and assessed. One preliminarv result seems to indicate that, while attitudes towards HIV AIDS and people with HTV AIDS are not as negative as vve might have thought, many people still base their level of support on the manner in which a person became infected I he results of the survey, along with the observations of our volunteer surveyors, will help to shape the development of the campaign over the next two years In the second and third vear a poster and brochure 4 will be published to accompany the campaign Ihese will carry the messages into specific locations and be less time limited. We need your assistance in this process If you have seen any of our ads. please give us your feedback on them. If you have ideas about the direction the social marketing campaign should take, please let us know HIV DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE PEOPLE DO The virus Coes not care about gender, race, or sexual orientation. By the end of 1993. 13 3?9 people in Ontario, from all walks of life, had been diagnosed with HIV infection. Trade in fears for facts! For more information, call: 807-345-1516 AIDS COMMUTES OF THUNDER HAY J/outh v7ssues f}xoject As the Ontario representative to the Canadian AIDS Society's newly developed NATIONAL PROJECT WORKING GROUP on youth issues. I am excited to bring a new focus lo my work with ACT-B This YOUTH ISSUES PROJECT is committed to creating ait opportunity for youth to speak out about their own realities and experiences around HIV AIDS What are tite issues for youth with respect to HIV AIDS prevennon education, care and support’ Ultimately, this project is a needs assessment for youth ji nsk on a national level Risk groups include young gay men. young heterosexual women, youth in care and street involved youth The goal of the project is to coordinate 20 consultations across the country, including one in Thunder Bay Having this consultation in our city, will ensure that the voices of Thunder Bay youth will be heard on a national and regional level I am in the process of identifying potential participants for the consultation, as well as am organizations willing to sponsor participants from outlying communities to attend. Ifvou or your organization know of any youth that would benefit from attending tins meeting or have any questions or thoughts about the project, please contact Tara Lewis at 345-1516 �TV s5^e c& ^7oin us for an fashioned ^leigh %'de! We appreciate our volunteers! yhc ^/uture has happened to our society when we willfully living and sleeping children cast out because of sexual accept on of people the street their homes orientation and men and women dying alone because they To show our appreciation foi your dedication to voluniecring. ACT-B will be hosting a sleigh ride at Gammondale Farm on Thursday. March 2. 1995 from 7 00 p.m lo 9 00 p m All volunteers and their families are welcomed! There's lots for 'kids" of all ages to do visit the animals in the bam. swing on the tire in the has loft sip on hot chocolate. . . and enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride! Please make plans to come! RSVP lo Jo-ann (345-1516) b> Februarv 29th, To gel to Gammondale Farm: Take highway 61 approximately I kilometres past the airport. ! urn right on the 4th concession road. Gammondales is located approximately 2 kilometres down 4th concession on the right hand side /petition AC 1 -13 has posted a petition calling parliament to act quickly to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and to adopt all necessary measures to recognize the lull equality of same-sex relationships in federal law. Please drop by the office at 217 S Algoma if you are interested in signing this petition have contracted ^/j/7bar values and instilling in a disease. beliefs are our children? we ^bey (earn from example and their example is us. \y7h<\X are we doing to the future of our civilization? anonymous �JOIN THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY TODAY! I want to be a member of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay! ___ __ Our strength is our people! People who give time and money. People who show their support by becoming MEMBERS. Enclosed is my $10.00 membership fee. I want to be a Supporting Member. I have enclosed $25.00. I would like to help more! Here is a donation of $ ________ Marne: Address: City: Where does your membership contribution go? Directly into the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This money supports people living with HIV/AIDS in our community. It helps to cover health related expenses (such as vitamins or paying the heat By becoming a member of ACT-B, you also have a say in the direction that the agency takes. You may: ¥ attend and vote at the Annual General meeting; ¥ stand for nomination to the Board; ¥ elect the incoming Board members. Province: Postal Code: Telephone: ACT-B is a registered charity. Receipts for income tax purposes will be issued for every donation of $10.00 or more. (Receipts will NOT be issued for Memberships, only for donations.) Please mail cheque to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay ON P7A 4T0 �profiles /people are our life blood/ ^erc we take rhc opportunity to profile a cherished volunteer and a staff member. ^/Jinda ^beiln Terrific volunteers enter the doors of the AIDS Committee regularly and Linda MacKay is one of these treasured people Linda has only been volunteering since the fall of 1994. bur has made a substantial contribution to ACT-B already' The eldest of 10 children. Linda was bom in Halifax and moved to Thunder Bay at the age of 3 Surrounded by family, she soon learned to give time and help to others. Linda began volunteering over 20 years ago when her two children were young. She was a parent, teacher at Corpus Cliristi school and then moved on to volunteer at St Joseph's Hospital in the Psvdiologv Department. When asked why volunteering is so important. Linda modestly replies. "1 like helping people I don't expect to get anything out of it. I’m more of a giving than a receiving person. It makes me feel good and I like to led like I'm part of the team. " At the AIDS Committee. Linda assists with reception and clerical work two times each week She was also instrumental in organising the donations for the silent auction at the Annual General Meeting. With her help, vve raised $600 for the client Emergency Financial Assistance Fund. The AIDS Committee could not function without the tireless dedication of volunteers Thank-you I .inda' Sheila Berry has worked at the AIDS Committee for the past four years, first as Volunteer Coordinator and now as Support Services Coordinator Her interest in people has been evident from an early age "I've always had that social pull. 1 can remember when I was really young my sisters and I used to pul on a variety show in the from yard - make a tent raid invite people and charge 25 cents admission. I have a picture of six of us who had put on a show and donated the proceeds ro the Red Cross. I’ve always remembered myself as being social" It would have been difficult to be anti-social in the Bern household. Sheila comes from a blended family of I s 1 Sheila's vocational travels have been diverse; from R.YA to Copytrox Technician She explored the technical world and received an Electrical Diploma from South Porcupine College in I immins L pon graduation. Sheila gained employment at a woodworking factory T never realized that 1 had a knack tor working with thy hands Through the woodworking shop. I worked at various machines, learning how to operate the equipment, and made high quality pine furniture <SHCi Always a believer in education. Sheila began working toward psychology degree "because I knew that someday J would once again like to work with people" Her background in management and RNA training made Iter a good candidate for the position of volunteer coordinator Sheila finds her new posnnon quire challenging and wants to focus her energy on building community support for people living with HIV AIDS "Situations can be very complex at times for individuals and families. The best that I can do is be sincere and supportive." •• • �yi)(*nk you thunder Jgny! JT}e CommUtcc °f ^7bunder Jgag wishes to thank the following businesses for donating goods and services in 1994- A & P Foods Alexander & Alexander, Reed Stenhouse Lrd Athlete's Foot Atwood Shaw Labine Bearskin Airlines Bell Canada Bev Porter's Limited Boston Pizza C & D Sports Canadian Airlines Canadian Tire (County Fair) CBQ Radio Centennial Golf Course Chapleau Cree First Nation Cineplex Odeon Films, Canada C.J.S D. Incorporated Collegiate Sports Command & Post Transfer Corporanon Condom Companion Cranton Wellness Centre Emco Distnbution Group Everest of Thunder Bay Fresh Air Experience Hammerskjold High School Student's Council J U. Colonego Construction Limited Janzen's Pharmacy Jennifer's Antiques Lakehead University Lakehead Travel I .imited Lakehead Board of Education Linda Lundstrom Fashions (Toronto) SSR & Garrison Junior Rank Club M & M Meats MDS Laboratory Magnus Theatre Marlin Travel Merlin's Tea Room Mid Can OK Tires Ming Auto Beauty Centre Molson Breweries Mount Bald\ Ski Area Nipigon Red Rock District High School Student’s Council Non-Teaching Charity Fund of Lakehead Board of Education North Star Audio Video Northco Foods People’s Co-op Prince Arthur Hotel Prospector Restaurant Rainbow Printers .Secondary School Teachers Charily Fund ‘TVJother's £upboard A huge thanks to the newly formed Mother's Cupboard food bank committee Our first meeting was a success The members are Pius WTute, Linda MacKay, Erin McCarthy, Paula Pterman, Ann Garwood, Don Uhrymw and Ian Ritchie. We would also like to thank the following organizations for donating food in December. Current River United Church Knox United Church Beta Sigma Phi, Ontario Psi Master Chapter If you or your organization wishes to make a donation of non-perishable food items, you can contact Ian Ritchie at 345 1516 or drop off vour donation to 217 S Algomu St. Seais Employees Chanty' f und Sheai Heaven Silver Mountain Store Sooler Photo Sporlop Marketing St. James Stereo St Joseph Heritage Staff Fund Superior Trailers Sweet Thursday Bookshop Talcher Office Products Inc Students of McKenzie School The Framing Post The Painted Turtle The Bodv Shop The Finnish Bookstore File Senator Norman M Paterson Foundation Thompson Timber Inc. I hunder Bay Travel Limited Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Thunder Bay Auto Pans T hunder Bay Wins' Unpainted Furniture Vanderwees Poulrrv Farms Western lire Auto Supply W omen of the Moose Port Arthur Chapter *1212 Zellers (County l air) 7 �/potpourri ^hristuins Jgaskers I his Christmas, 20 baskets were delivered to clients and their families. Without the generosity of businesses and volunteers, this event would not be possible. Thanks go out to the following people who made tins year's endeavour such a success. A special thanks is extended to the coordinator Trish Broeckel. Thank-you Trish, for your hard work and dedication1 You are indeed our "Good Fairy"! Zellers Intercity Zellers County Fair Plaza Safeway Arthur St. Safeway Redwood Safewav CFP Safeway Court St Safeway Red River Road The Body Shop Global Experience Video Village Merlin's Tea Room McDonalds Bandito Video Galaxy Bowl cjlb’ Boston Pizza The Kidney Foundation Thunder Bav Symphony Orchestra Magnus Theatre Linda MacKav Mildred Arnold Matilda Arnold Anita McDonald Lakohead University Students Adele Evans David Abramskv Ed Pnnselaar Eva Green Trish Broeckel Hazel Wohm Bern Kruzick Anne Ciemnv Jan Bell Coral Peterson Kim Mauro Floranne Faulkner Richard DeY'uono Kathryn Arnold Stan Weisheimer Maryanne Gabriel Marge Cross Marla Hollingsworth Sonja Matijek Resource ^/librnrn The ACT-B Resource Centre Library has a collection of materials in a variety of formats covering information on HIV AIDS and related issues We subscribe to sev eral treatment information newsletters with the latest information on HIV Sc AIDS treatments This information is available to everyone with an interest Much of the material is available for loan, while the remainder may be used in the library Reference material may be photocopied at ten cents a page Wo have recently purchased some new' resource materials. From a spiritual perspective, there are two books that offer valuable support Gavin Harrison has written a very powerful book titled In The Lap Of The Buddha From a background of abuse and as a person living with AIDS, he offers suggestions around meditation that are both practical and simple to understand. Gardening with Clay: Reflections on AIDS by Ronald 0 Valdiserri is a compelling senes of essays dedicated to the author's brother who died of AIDS. The issues of euthanasia and assisted suicide have been in the public eye recently. Dying With Dignity Final Exit, and El THAN ASIA: Assisted Suicide and AIDS all explore aspects of this difficult subject There are a number of hooks for children, or for ♦•• people working with children, that help to address the issue of death and dying Tiger Flowers. Losing Uncle Tim are written for a very young audience, w hile When Heroes Die is aimed more at young teens The Gift of Goodbye: A Workbook for C hildren offers a chance to work with the process of dying, while Explaining Death To Children provides a more theoretical framework. Homophobia is still a serious barrier in HIV/AIDS work, and support for gay. lesbian and bisexual youth is vital for effective prevention education Two Teenagers In Twenty, Understanding Sexual Identity, Is It A Choice? and Growing Up Gay. Growing Up Lesbian are all useful resources Not A Total \\ aste explores a mother's reactions to the loss of her son OTHER RECENT ACQUISITIONS IIIV & AIDS: A Public Health Perspective 1093 HTV AIDS A: Disability' Building Partnerships 1994 Palliative Care And HIV/AIDS: Canadian Directory Of Services 1994 Practice. Guidelines For Obstetrical .And Gynaecological Care 1994 Staying Healthy With HIV 1994 Virus In The Steel, The HTV/AIDS In Prisons. 1994 7 �porting (jinnee S7C Glaxo has announced upcoming international trials of the 3TC/AZT combination. There will be 10 trials sites in Canada, enroling a total of 200 volunteers. Dr Julio Montaner of Vancouver is the principal investigator. Negotiations about the trials sites are still underway, so Gaxo was unable to confirm the other centres Enrolment is expected to begin in March 1995 The enrolment period will last for 3 months only In a progressive move, volunteers will be allowed to remain on their current antiviral therapy, as long as AZT forms some part of it This means people who have been clinically stable for 4 months on AZT or AZT/ddl or AZT/ddC can remain on that therapy while taking part in the trial Volunteers will he randomized to 1) remain on their current antivirJU therapy: OR 2) remain on their current anuviral therapy while ADDING 3TC; OR 3) remain on their current antiviral therapy while ADDING 3TC and Loveride* (‘"Lovende is a reverse transcriptase inhibitor produced by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, currently in Phase II trials.) Entry catena are fairly standard, with CD4 counts between 25-250. The pnmaiy endpoint is time to progression. Other evaluations will be made on the basis of adverse events, laboratory tests, and Health-Related Quality of Life measures. If you have any questions about the combination trials, piease contact Deidre Maclean, Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, 1-800-263-1638 or Ian Ritchie, ACT-B, 807345-1516. 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 offered by reACT-Beheve should be used with vour own discretion Please consult your doctor Please address any comments about reACT-Believe to: P O Box 24025 Dontown North Postal Outlet Tli under Bay, Ontano P7A 4T0 (807) 345-1516 (9:30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.) Jo-Ann Jacomb, Editor Gerald Taylor, Assistant Editor cACy'~'JZ c^dvisorjj Council Fred Ball Beth Huston Vivian Johnston Dr Gordon Milne Bob Richardson Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhiyniw Derek Zulesky cACJ*-JZ Rick Atkinson Rick DeVuono A Downey-Baxter Adele Evans Mahlon Inksetter Gail Lmklater Rob MacKay Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Pius White Darryl Williams Derek Zulesky Director, Public Health Laboratory Director of Administration. Kinna-weya Legal Clinic Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay Distnct Health Unit Family Physician Co-chair, Businessman Supervisor of Infection Control. Port Arthur General Hospital Current River United Church. Council of Clergy Co-ehair, Health & Safety Officer Lakehead Board of Education directors Treasurer Director Director Director Secretary Director Director Vice President President Director Director Director <5 <AC7 Chnsta Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Jo-Ann Jacomb Lawrence Korhonen Tara Lewis Ian Ritchie Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Fundraising'Communicanons Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager AIDS Awareness Week Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Michael Sobota Executive Director � 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 8 Issue 1 - Winter 1995 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 1995 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/17/2681/1995_reACT-Believe_vol8no2_2.pdf d997294ab1ae134f778c60bf10c9ba62 PDF Text Text Tke AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Spring, 1995 Volume 8, Issue 2 C7*\li cAbout '"Volunteers . . . April 24 - 29 was national volunteer week. All across the country, organizations like ours were celebrating, praising and promoting vol unteers, .We- have been blessed at ACT-IB. Tn 1994, 160 of you volunteered 4,839 hours of your time. Thisi$ a phenomenal show of support for AIDS work in Thunder' Bay! — We celebrated National Volunteer Week too. We hosted an informal awards evening, with "Theatre Games" being the featured entertainment. Fifty people were present and laughter was the theme of the night. I would like to thank Sheena Albanese, Carmen Classen and Wayne Faulkoner for their high energy performance! Volunteers come to us from all walks of life - home working mothers, students, university professors and letter carriers, and from every age of the spectrum. Over the past eight months, I have / had the pleasure of getting to know our volunteers, and I would like tp recount a few stories about my experience. In September, the university and college students came into town and seemed to descend on ACT-B. I was overwhelmed by the deluge of new faces, sometimes ten of you a jlay. The most memorable moment waspne particularly harried falj day. I had just processed half a dozen new intakes and I was sitting at my_. desk catching my breath ACT-B is Ideated on a very busy intersection, so I use my window "as free advertising space for volunteerism. Five young wmpn were reading my signs and banners as they waited for the traffic light to change. I gave them a friendly wave and smile. The light turned green and they began to cross the street. Suddenly, they alt niade an about face tup and came back to ACT-B to volunteer their time. That how tCristy, Nicole, Heather, Kan and Zoe became volunteers! together long enough to respond, “1®don’t know about that. That is mc$ethan ANYONE could ever want to fipow about David!" The shrieks ^f laughter didn't subside untifJanet's shift was over. To elajborate: David uses a wooden ' illustrate proper condom use Someone, had borrowed "Woody" to take up to a remote Northern reserve. Eproute, there was a plane crash and poor laifned on the "Woody" frozen woman was calling fork re ent! Volunteers bridge Joy! You help us to see* the bigger picture and to remember that|wfejdon’t work in isolation. You show us that the entire community calks about AIDS. You sir^fhe hand that teaches out to help. Ydp are mfeyoteiejon the other lo says yes end offhet to some arre requests. Thankyou volur |rs ^rour continued ink-ytrti for being such support, kind, givfr ' and caring people. I’ll be calling you soon! You never know what newlseheme we have in the works* Reception volunteers have always played a key role at ACT-B. We are honoured to have Janet Stewardson here Wednesday mornings. Janet’s robust laugh is a breath of fresh air on our sometimes bleak landscape. One day, Janet fielded a call from a h woman who a^ed, eOoes Davi(!' X.- ! (the Education Coordinator) have a Jo-Ann Jacomb, wooden penis?" Janet held it Volunteer Coordinator �Jn Review c^\ ^^nificdnt ^nniversdrif approaches... This coming fall/winter will mark the 10th anniversary of ACT-B’s existence in Thunder Bay. It was during the late summer and fall of 1985, that a small group of concerned people in Thunder Bay began meeting to share their feelings and ideas about AIDS. There were no public education or prevention programs in existence in Thunder Bay, and there were alarming and confusing stories in the media. In the fall of 1985, the first publicly identified case of AIDS surfaced at McKellar Hospital, resulting in further media frenzy'. The concerned individuals continued to meet and strategize, and in January' 1986 formally organized themselves as the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B). They had no funding, no staff, no office - they were passionate and committed volunteers. Now, as we approach a decade of service in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, we invite you to think about this anniversary, what it means to you, to our communities. We invite your suggestions about how we may give attention to this past decade, as well as where we find ourselves ten years after ACT-B began. Please let us hear from you: how should we address our 10th anniversary? "Trial Xi/Tuhout £n4" by June Callwood A review by Michael Sobota Trial Without End is a detailed telling of how one man, Charles Ssenyonga, came to infect at least five women with HIV. As a result of the women's willingness to come forward and talk about their experiences, criminal charges were laid against Mr. Ssenyonga in London, Ontario. The trial lasted three months, but Mr. Ssenyonga died before the judge delivered his decision. Thus, we have one literal interpretation of June Callwood’s title for her book. The story of Mr. Ssenyonga is much more complex than the above summary. Mr. Ssenyonga knew he was HIV infected when he had unprotected intercourse with numerous women. He had received counselling from physicians, a public health nurse, he had made a connection with the local community based AIDS organization, he had been directly questioned about his HIV status by several of the women he had unprotected sex with, and he had a public health order written against him in an attempt to prevent him from further transmission of HIV. None of these actions worked. Thus, a second interpretation of the author’s title refers to each individual involved in the unfolding story, each personal trial they carried, inside the larger story. June Callwood's research is detailed and extensive. The book reveals Mr. Ssenyonga's story and the women involved with him, mostly through first person interviews. When statements are not corroborated, we are expected to take them at face value. In addition Ms.Callwood writes with clear bias, using colourful, connotative words and descriptions as she presents her information. The reader should precede through this wealth of material with caution. The debate about how to address people who knowingly infect others with HIV is a serious one, and it has been going on for some time. Mr. Ssenyonga is only one of a few individual cases that have surfaced in Canada and been given media attention. It is important in addressing those few individuals who knowingly infect others, that care be taken not to stigmatize all people living with HIV. Meanwhile, I consider Trial Without End essential reading for front line workers, for policy makers and for anyone try ing to understand the complex reality of living with AIDS. The accumulative power of the book is substantial: I finished it with sadness, frustration...but not without hope. There are no easy answers to the complex issues raised. But we are getting better at understanding the issues clearly. June Callwood has made a significant contribution by laying out the field in Trial Without End. �^Cocus on ^Awd Raising 1994 ^Cund Rising Qoal Otjet/ Rough figures indicate more than $72,000 was raised in the past year, a 25% increase over last year!. In a very competitive fund raising environment, that is a remarkable achievement. We finished the year with Art AIDS 95 and the Cabaret, both of which were significant successes. On behalf of the AIDS Committee, I salute the many individuals and local businesses who have contributed to the fight against AIDS in our community. We also extend our heart felt thanks to the volunteers who serve on the Fund Raising Committee, the Art AIDS Committee and our Bingo and Casino volunteers. Their generous contribution of time, expertise and energy was... and continues to be invaluable. Here are some events you can look forward to over the summer months: *+ On the May long weekend, we will have a casino at Casey's on Memorial Avenue. *** In June, the Canadian AIDS Society will launch a series of nation wide PSA's to promote awareness of community based organizations like ACT-B. We will follow that with a direct mail campaign. **Wc will be selling tickets for two Whiskey Jack games (June 14th and July 26th). If you know any baseball enthusiasts, please consider selling advance tickets for ACT-B. ** We have cancelled the Fun Run scheduled for June 10th. Other events and opportunities required our attention. We hope to return with this event in 1996 and apologise to those who were looking forward to it. *+ July brings us Harbourfest. The AIDS Committee was recently chosen to be the "Host Charity" of the 1995 Harbourfest, July 6, 7 & 8. Among other activities, we will have a Dunk Tank and the AIDS Mural. This is an exceptional opportunity for the AIDS Committee to let the community of Thunder Bay know our role in the fight against AIDS. Looking ahead, preparations are under way for our biggest event of the year. From All Walks of Life will kick off AIDS Awareness Week on October 1st. Thunder Bay along with 30 other communities across Canada will hold a pledge walk on that day. Last year 2,500,000 dollars was raised for community AIDS organizations. All funds raised in Thunder Bay will stay here. Pledge forms will be ready by mid August. If you are going to collect pledges come in and pick up a Pledge Form. We will be encouraging people to collect at their place of work and to challenge schools, businesses and organizations to compete for the most money raised. Let's make this an even better year than the last one! Have a good summer. c^obn Jgooks, ^Aind Raising Coordinator 3 �£ducAtion %JVews Disclaimer: Statistics for HIV infection and AIDS are limited in accuracy by a number of factors. Often, it is only possible to give estimates of numbers. prepared March 15, 1995 by David Belrose, Education Coordinator. AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay THUNDER BAY 17 cases of AIDS reported in Thunder Bay up to end of 1st quarter of 1994 based on health unit area of residence at time of onset/diagnosis (Source: AIDS in Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Health, 1st quarter, 1994): ACT-B has more clients than this, and has seen many more clients die than this number. Over 40 cases of HIV infection reported to Medical Officer of Health. ACT-B estimates approximately 100 to 200 cases of HIV infection/AIDS in Thunder Bay. ONTARIO 4429 AIDS cases, 3597 known deaths - 95.8% male. 4.2% female 50.3% in Toronto (at time of diagnosis) number of HIV positive tests through Lab. Services Branch (November. 1985- September, 1994) 14,473 of which 1.173 are female (8.1%) number of HIV positive tests through Lab. Services Branch from Jan - Sep. 1994 - 1094 of which 190 are female (17.4%) CANADA Dec. 31. 1994 (Quarterly Surveillance Update: AIDS in Canada. Health Canada) total 10,689 AIDS cases, dead-7.471 10,576 adult (10,000 men 94.5%, 576 women 5.5%) 113 pediatric(59 M. 54 F) Statistical adjustment (delays and underreporting) based on figures to June. 1993 total reported - 9,651 total delay adjusted - 11,676 total adjusted for delay and corrected for underreporting - 13,737 HIV seroprevalence rate in pregnant women (rate per 10,000) (Oct. 1993) Manitoba 0.72, Ontario 1.9, British Columbia 4.95, Quebec 5.2. Newfoundland 12.0 WORLD US - 401,789 .AIDS cases reported as of Sept., 1994 est. 1.1+million HIV WORLD - 1,025,073 AIDS cases reported to World Health Organization by December 31, 1994, - estimated 4,500,000+ AIDS cases. As of late 1994, it is estimated that 18 million adults and 1.5 million children have been infected with HIV. As of Jan. 1994, it was estimated that 5,000 people per day w'ere becoming infected with HIV7 (1,825,000 per year) THE PERSON WITH HIV/AIDS MAY BE YOUR MOTHER, FATHER, SON, DAUGHTER, SISTER, BROTHER. HIV AIDS TOUCHES US ALL. Hy the end or i99.< 13 3/9 people in Ontario. o* ciitterinq ago gender race, and orientation, nact ooen diagnosed with HIV infection. Trade in fears for facts! For more information, call: 807 345-1516 - AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY 4 �health promotion /fttging^/or your ^rugs ^pril 199? Are You Getting What You’re Entitled To? The basic antivirals, AZT, ddC,ddI and pentamidine are made available by the government free of charge to all people with HTV through a special programme. You or your insurance company must pay for all other medications unless you qualify for an Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) card. There are now three ways to qualify for an ODB card It is provided to you automatically if you are on welfare or receiving homecare. Effective April 1, 1995, you can apply under the Trillium Drug Program if your total drug costs in a year are excessive. For a person with an income up to $20,000 you must pay a deductible of $500; for a person with an income over $20,000 the deductible is based on 4.5% of your net income. The exact amount of the deductible varies according to your income and whether you are single, or in a family of two, three, or four or more. You are eligible once you have paid this amount in drug costs, and you will receive an ODB card for the balance of the year. You must save all receipts for prescription drugs and show your income tax return for the previous year to establish your net income. How ODB Works Even if you do qualify for ODB, the system can be complicated. There are four ways you can get your drug costs covered under ODB Formulary List This is a list of drugs which are paid for if you have an ODB card. You must show your card to the pharmacist when ordering your medication. The list includes common drugs like Septrafoactrim, dapsone, ethambutol, ciprofloxacin, amphotericin B etc. Non-formulary List This is a list of drugs which are only covered under certain circumstances. It requires some paperwork on the part of your physician. You must present your pharmacist with a "Non-formulary Benefits Form" signed by your doctor. The list includes lomotil, immodium, trental, and liquid nutritional supplements. Facilitated Access List This is a special list of AIDS/HIV drugs which registered doctors may prescribe. Many pharmacists are unaware of this list so you may have to insist. Some common drugs on this list include rifabutin, fluconazole, ganciclovir, and acyclovir. Section 8 Requests This is a procedure where a doctor applies for coverage for a particular drug not on any of these lists, for an individual patient. This can be a long cumbersome paper-heavy process. Presently you need to make a Section 8 request to get clarithromycin for MAC, • •• Mepron for PCP, Itraconazole for histoplasmosis or candidiasis, or somastatin for diarrhea, among others. How the ODB Doesn’t Work Unfortunately the government did not take the opportunity provided by creating the Trillium Drag Programme to solve a number of the problems people with AIDS encounter with the ODB, namely: 1) There is no coverage of experimental therapies. For example, a person with CMV retinitis who has failed IV ganciclovir and foscamet is faced with the option of obtaining a ganciclovir implant at a cost of $5000 or going blind. While most experimental therapies are provided free of charge by the manufacturer, a few must be paid for, such as GM-CSF, growth hormone and the ganciclovir implant. Even where a patient has exhausted all therapeutic options, the government has refused to cover costs. 2) There is no coverage for complementary therapies. For example Chinese herbs, L-Camitine, NAC, and vitamins are not covered. The government has refused to even make a commitment to examine coverage of complementary therapies. 3) The facilitated access list for people living with HIV needs to be immediately expanded. Too many drugs can only be obtained through section 8 applications which some physicians will not make because of all the paperwork involved 4) A mechanism is needed for continual amendments to the facilitated access list to keep up with therapeutic developments. A specialized AIDS committee should be established, including consumer input, with a power to recommend additions to the list. If recommendations are not accepted, written reasons for not covering the drug should be provided. Meanwhile... If you still need financial assistance to pay for your drugs ask about assistance programs at your local AIDS service organization. What You Can Do... .AIDS ACTION NOW! has been calling for the deficiencies of the current ODB to be rectified and for a truly comprehensive programme to be introduced. If you are not happy with the way the system currently works (no coverage of experimental or complementary therapies, too many section 8 applications etc ), or if you feel that the amount of the deductible is unfair, phone your MPP to explain why we need improvements to this plan and demand to know what she or he is going to do about it. The upcoming election is a good time to seek commitments from the candidates in your riding to improve drug funding in Ontario. �^ealtb promotion #eiki JTiernpy (reproduced from Mainliners issue 54 March 1995) What is Reiki? (Pronounced Ray Key) The word REEK! is from the Japanese and means "Universal Life Energy" and builds on the belief that energy lives within us and around us. Reiki is a method of channelling this energy by the practitioner laying hands on the client. History of Reiki The Usui System of Reiki evolves from the techniques of Dr Mikao Usui, a Japanese Professor of Theology who lived last century. Dr Usui travelled extensively and this healing system was developed following research and meditation and is based on ancient Sanskrit teachings. The Usui system continues to be taught by Reiki masters today. You do not have to be religious or follow any prescribed belief system to benefit from Reiki - you need only be able to receive. To Receive "Just for the moment set aside your conditioned ideas and expectations. Make yourself empty for moment. Be open. Receive." The Benefits of Reiki Following the philosophy of channelling Universal Life Energy, Reiki can: ** relieve stress assist the body in healing itself **• revitalise body and soul **promote relaxation **■ produce a feeling of well-being benefit physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually ** loosen energy blocks ** cleanse the body of poisons How is Reiki given? No diagnosis or prescription is needed for treatment and the client is totally passive. Treatment is given fully clothed on a treatment couch. A trained practitioner lays hands on various parts of the body and Reiki energy flows. During this simple, yet powerful process the client usually feels relaxed and calm and often experiences a sense of profound well-being. Where to Get Reiki in Thunder Bay? Jennifer Tett offers Reiki in Thunder Bay. She has agreed to offer our clients a sliding scale rate of $15.00 for a complete treatment. You can reach Jennifer at 344-9411 She is located in the Medical Arts Building on Cumberland St. Satisfied clients return again and again to enjoy the If you need any further information Reiki experience. please contact Ian Ritchie at 345-1516. positively |^ell ^/f/?orkshops We bid a fond farewell to the second series of "Positively Well" workshops. To recap last years efforts, Richard Robichaud from Toronto came to Thunder Bay to speak about DNCB. Next, Chester Myers made his third trip to Thunder Bay to speak about "HIV and Nutrition". The final workshop featured Sandra Johnson from the RISE Program in Toronto. Sandra gave a instructional workshop on Therapeutic Touch and relaxation techniques. I would like to thank the focus group that selected the presenters and of course, many thanks to the presenters for coming to Thunder Bay and sharing their knowledge with us. I am in the process of planning this years exciting "Positively Well" sessions, and I would like to assemble a focus group to assist with the project. I need ideas about guest speakers, our target audience, and implementation suggestions. If you would like to participate in this project, please call me at 345-1516. I am tentatively planning the first meeting for Monday July 10, 1995 at 5pm. LDH Return J)cvcls ^ predictor Of PCP In my treatment research, I came across an article that appeared in the Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases titled "The spectrum of pulmonary diseases in patients with HIV infection". The article describes the many respiratory infections that people living with HTV/AIDS experience. One of the most useful pieces of information that I found was the fact that using "the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) serum level has proved to be extremely useful in ruling out PCP" (Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases Vol.5 Sept. 1994 p.34E) This is very interesting because PCP is sometimes hard to confirm because the presenting symptoms can be nonspecific and could also be symptoms of either bacterial pneumonia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis or other respiratory infections that might be unrelated to HIV infection. The LDH serum level is a quick laboratory test that most hospitals can do onsite in 30 minutes. It should be noted that elevated LDH serum levels can also be associated with hemolysis, lymphomas, pulmonary embolism, liver disease and dapsone therapy, it would therefore be important to rule these out first. If you would like a copy of this article or any other information on treatment please contact me at 345-1516 ‘Montaner J, Spour L, Carlos Z, "The Spectrum of pulmonary disease in patients with HIV infection" Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 5 Suppl E September 1994. p 34E-39E. �Resources We have good news about our resource library. First of all, one of our volunteers, Kristen Poluyko, has agreed to take on the task of Librarian. We expect that this will result in a more efficient cataloguing of materials. Kristen will also work on a new look for the library over time, with a view to enhancing ease of use Secondly, we have been able to augment our holdings as a result of several generous contributions. A grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health has allowed us to replace a number of materials which had been lost over time, as well as acquiring duplicate copies of some material in high demand. The United Way provided us with a small grant to purchase materials related to abuse and family support issues. We are also grateful for the generous personal donation of a number of books by a local resident. People from other centres have commented on the quality of our resource library. We encourage you to make use of the material we have available, and to let others know of its existence. The library is open during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 5:00 pm HIV-Positive Shire, Amy Facing The Fire Lee The Family And HIV Bor The Family Heart Dlew For Those We Love: A Spiritual Perspective on AIDS Gay Theology Without Apology Comstock Helping The Bereaved Cook Lesbian & Gay: Chemical Dependency & HIV/AIDS Weinstein, Dava Lesbian Health Guide Vespry/McClure Lesbian Health: What Are The Issues? Stern The Rainbow Book: Ontario Directory of Community Services Safety In Numbers: Safer Sex & Gay Men King Speaking Of Christ: A Lesbian Feminist Voice Heyward Theory And Practice Of HIV Counselling Boretal Treatment of Complicated Mourning Rando Trial Without End Callwood What The Bible Really Says About Homosexuality Helminiak Here are some of the new materials we have recently received. VIDEO NEW BOOKS AIDS, Sharing The Pain Kirkpatrick AIDS: A Guide To Clinical Counselling Miller & Bor AIDS Caregivers Handbook(updated) Eidson Breaking The Surface Greg Louganis Coming Out To Parents Mary V. Borhek Creating Compassion Weezman Everything You Need To Know When A Parent Has AIDS Draimin, Barbara Everything You Need To Know About Being Being The Cause Of AIDS: Fact And Speculation (4 videotapes) Doctors With Heart NFB The Legacy of Jon Gates Growing Up Gay and Lesbian McNaught Homophobia In The Workplace McNaught Healing Spirit NFB Living With AIDS Thru Yoga & Meditation Petrich OUT: Stories Of Lesbian And Gay Youth NFB The Tibetan Book Of The Dead NFB (2 videotapes and book) Slippy Kisses _________ ____ Although it involves a bodilyJIutd;1assing is considered to Be~a relatively safe sexual activity. HIV is not readily transnjittetfthrough saliva and researchers have wondered for years why it is so 5 �profiles J<w Ritchie When Ian Ritchie bursts into a room, he exudes a sense of invincible youth and self-confidence. His contagious laugh is undeniably one of his most attractive qualities, although his long flowing hair comes in a close second! An avid tennis player, lan spends his off time on the court and with his new love, Marla. The youngest member of the ACT-B team, Ian is a welcome addition. Originally from Ottawa, Ian came to Thunder Bay to attend Lakehead University. He earned a degree in Sociology in 1992 and still continues his studies on a part-time basis, working towards a Social Work degree. What brought Ian to the AIDS Committee? "My brother told me he was gay and so I wanted to learn more about it. The only thing I knew about was the connection between being gay and AIDS so I came to the AIDS Committee. I got the information here. I signed up to volunteer and a while later got a job." That was two years ago and Ian's still going strong! lan has two jobs at the AIDS Committee; health promotion and support services. He explains the differences and the similarities. "Health promotion is about giving people information on healthy living and what they can do to maintain good health. It's letting them make the choice of what they want to do or how they want to live their life. I run "Positively Well" which is a group of speakers we bring in to talk about nutrition, alternative or complimentary therapies. I do research about any new drugs that come out or about clinical trials people want to get into. Support work is more direct counselling. Counselling around psychosocial issues, grief, disclosure, drug and alchohol counselling, "social worky" stuff. The two areas go hand in hand. I have an established relationship with clients so it is easier to give them # 6 health promotion information." AIDS work is grief work. How does Ian handle the losses? "It's difficult. I've never had to deal with death before. I've never lost anyone close to me. When I started working, I didn't know how to handle it, which in some ways is good because I don't have baggage. I don’t know how I'm supposed to act. It's hard in the sense that I work with people for a year and a half. 1 develop a relationship. We don't see someone for only 10 sessions - it's long term. From my own personal perspective, it's an honour to be there and share .someone's journey." What brings you joy and keeps you going in this work? "My clients keep me going. Sometimes I get caught up in political turmoil and frustration. My clients bring me back to the ground and remind me why I'm here. All the other stuff around me is secondary. That grounds me and kind of saves me." When asked to talk about his personal philosophy. Ian explained. "Have an open mind and an open heart. Be yourself." We are glad that you are "yourself' Ian! Keep up the good work! ^ius Xtfhtte When it comes to juggling. Pius White has become a master. He is presently serving his second term on the Board of Directors at ACT-B. he is an active volunteer and also a client of the agency. In the early 70's, Pius left his home town of Atikokan to seek his fortune in Toronto. He worked in the hospitality industry as a bar manager for many years. As his circle of friends widened and grew, Pius began to meet more and more people who were sick with AIDS. His own HIV+ diagnosis came seven years »««■ �profiles continued . . . ago. Pius had by this time developed a strong support system in Toronto. He never sought support or went to the AIDS organizations there because he felt so well supported by his friends. About two years ago however, Pius began experiencing some health set-backs and decided to move to Thunder Bay where he could be nearer to his family. Life in Thunder Bay was quite different from that of Toronto. Suddenly faced with unemployment, loss of his peer group and life in a small town, Pius came to the AIDS Committee. "I came in to do volunteer work and the next thing you know, I was on the Board of Directors!" Pius soon became very committed to ACT-B. "As somebody living with HIV, I have to get involved personally when I can; when my health allows me to. I figure if I can’t get involved, I can't expect other people to do everything for me. By doing this, I am not only empowering myself, I am also getting information for other people too." As a client, Pius gains moral support from all the staff at the agency, especially from Support Services. "I find when I'm sick, everyone is there. When I have a problem and lan and Sheila are not around, I know there’s someone in the office I can talk to." in this city because there’s not that many people that I know who are positive. There are more but they are not ready to go public or even meet other people. It’s frustrating at times." How has life changed over the past years? "I take better care of myself, eat healthy food, take vitamins and get lots of rest. No more staying out till 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning. The last six months have been very tough. I was in the hospital in December. January and February. March and April have been good so maybe I've broken the spell. I was in a coma this winter and one good thing that came out of it was that my health directive or living will was used. They honoured it. 1 am very specific about what is allowed to be done and what is not. I have my doctor and an advocate involved. It took six months to get this thing together. I worked with my support worker and doctor for many months. At the end, we brought in my advocate. It's nice to see that it works." "The best thing about my involvement with the AIDS Committee is that it keeps me busy. I can't work any more. If I didn't have the involvement with the Board duties include being the PHA (persons living with HIV/AIDS) delegate to the Ontario AIDS Network. Pius also serves as the PHA representative for the Canadian AIDS Society. He attends numerous conferences on behalf of the agency and brings back valuable information to the board and staff. We are sometimes hard pressed to find him in town, since he jet-sets across the country so often! Pius contributes many hours of volunteer work at ACT-B. "I work the casinos. I sit on the Education and Support Services committees. I also go out in the community and speak to groups and am presently helping to establish a speakers bureau. I tell my own personal story." I asked Pius if he is connected with other HIV+ people in Thunder Bay. "I have one good friend w-ho is also HIV+. I rely a lot on that person for moral support, especially when I am not feeling well because that person understands alot. It’s very hard agency, I'd most likely spend my time sitting around and doing nothing. I enjoy doing what I'm doing most of the time." Our hats are off to Pius White! Thank-you for your dedication and commitment to ACT-B! 7 �porting Qlance & Mt o ACT-B Advisory Council Fred Ball Mary Lee Barry WJJV'S ricketyfw*» cAC7-JSThunder Bay WINS is back on tra&k. T^pe is new spirit and commitment in making Thunder Bjjg. WINSi||give. This unique lottery benefits over 90 charities ini&hr commiih%^^nd for those who know the odds, it is clear that$$INS offers thellfebhance of you winning the big prize. Nowjjpb can buy your ticlcfcat the AIDS Committee office When Thunder Bay plays, Thunder Bay WINS! Jf ljv The AIDS Committee of ThunderJBay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: ** Ontario Ministry of Health ** Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Region, Health Canada **• Ontario Trillium Foundation **- All of the people involved in generaffundraising and the support of many local businesses and iftefcviduals. Special thanks to Bearskin Airlines. lbr sponsoring Art AIDS 95. This event would not be possibly without the help and support of many local artists in our commurlfy. Thank-you for your valuable contributions to the AIDS Committee The opinions andsib&dical information offered by "reACT- Belize" are those of tl^pdividual authors asKfehrit necessarily thoSSROf the staff or Board ^Pirsctt^^ilfe^AIDS Committee; Gflender Bay. Medical informafiM': Peered by^eACTsBeffeve”* should .be, used at your own discretion. Please con^Hp^f'doctor. Please address any comments about "reACT-Believe" to: P O Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807) 345-1516 Jo-Ann Jacomb, Editor Gerald Taylor, Assistant Editor Ian Ritchie, Health Promotion Pages Vivian Johnston Dr. Gordon Milne Bob Richardson Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Derek Zulesky Director, Public Health Laboratory Nurse, Ogden East-End Community Health Centre Public Health Nurse, Thunder Bay District Health Unit Family Physician Co-chair, Businessman Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital Current River United Church, Council of Clergy Co-chair, Heatth & Safety Officer, Lakehead Board of Education ACT*B Board of Directors Rick Atkinson Rick DeiVuono A. Dovimey-Baxter Adele Evans MahlonBtksetter Gad Linklater Rob MacKay Bob Richardson Diane Roberts PiigiWhitfc Dajfryl Williams Derek Zulesky Treasurer Director Director . Director Secretary Director Director Vice President Director Director Director Director ACT-B Staff Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Jo-Ann Jacomb Lawrence Korhonen Ian Ritchie Michael Sobota Secretary Education Coordinator Support Services Coordinator F undraising/Communications Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager Support Worker/Health Promoter Executive Director � 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 8 Issue 2 - Spring 1995 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 1995 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/17/2682/1995_reACT-Believe_vol8no3_2.pdf 35d3d4b87f54a58b01fc5c45cf1adb29 PDF Text Text AIDS Awareness Week October 2 - 8, Homophobia jmfc HIV "It takes more than condoms to fight AIDS. It takes your acceptance and understanding." This slogan for AIDS Awareness Week in Canada this year reflects the understanding that HIV/AIDS is much more than just a health issue. "During a telephone survey about a social marketing campaign, a significant number of people indicate that support for people living with HIV/AIDS depends on how they got infected (if infected as babies or from blood products they deserve support but if infected as a result of sex or drug use they deserve to be sick." "A young man leaves his hometown in northwestern Ontario, because he gets no support as a gay person. Moving to Winnipeg, he falls prey to the temptations of the big city. Sometime later, his family, who have by now7 come to terms with his being gay* get a phone call letting them know that he is HIV-positive." "Two HIV-positive men move to a very small community in Northwestern Ontario (the hometown of one of the men). Very quickly, the whole town knows their status, and they are shunned. In addition, they have to travel several hours each way to get to a community for medical treatment. After several months, they feel forced to return to the large city they had tried to escape." These are real stories of the damage caused by the effects of homophobia. (Homophobia is defined as negative personal attitudes or behaviour towards gays, lesbians and bisexuals.) Over years of dealing with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we have come to see that social attitudes play a very’ important part in the way we deal with this disease. This is not a new7 thing. When I was a young boy, the big disease that people only talked about in whispers was cancer. Now the disease that most stigmatizes people is HIV/AIDS. What does homophobia have to do w'ith HIV/AIDS? Almost everything. Homophobia and HIV/AIDS are so firmly linked in the minds of many Canadians that their response to a person with HIV/AIDS often can't be separated from their response to homosexuality. These negative perceptions and attitudes about die gay community have been identified by some, as the biggest obstacles to an effective, compassionate response to HiV/AIDS in Canada. Viruses do not target specific groups or discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. While in North America ifs the gay community that has been most seriously affected by HIV/AIDS, this is an issue for society7 as a whole. Heterosexual women, men, and children have suffered and died of AIDS. The isolation and fear that results from society's homophobic attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS hurts them, too, just as hatred and any form of discrimination hurts us all. People living with HIV/AIDS sometimes find it difficult to get support and treatment, especially in smaller communities. Young people are not offered the training to help them make informed choices about their sexual behaviour, particularly if they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Young gays, lesbians, and bisexuals are often forced to leave their homes in Northwestern Ontario to look for acceptance and community7. Many people (including women, youth, aboriginals) still think .AIDS is a gay disease so they don't consider that they could be at risk. As a society we need to work to end all forms of oppression, including homophobia, if we want to try7 to find effective ways of dealing with HTV/AIDS. We need to examine our own attitudes and beliefs. We need to look at the assumptions and generalizations we make about other people. We need to try7 and put ourselves in the other person’s shoes, to better understand them. While homophobia is an insidious and pervasive form of oppression, there are simple steps that each of us can take to make a difference. We can all be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. �It takes more than condoms to fight AIDS. It takes your acceptance and understanding. WHAT YOV CAN DO TO COMBAT HOMOPHOBIA Educate Yourself ▼ ▼ T ▼ attend workshops on homophobia read books and other materials (make sure they are current and up to date) see films featuring lesbian, gay and bisexual persons and experiences bring up homosexuality in discussions with friends, co-workers Rcco$*iizc Your Own Homophobia ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ stop using homophobic slurs (fag, queer, dyke etc.) when hearing jokes targeted at gays, don't laugh or remain silent identify how homophobia effects the way you live (your dress, your mannerisms, your behaviours etc.) confront the expectations and beliefs you have about gay men, lesbians and bisexuals don't assume all of your friends, family and colleagues are heterosexual! Abbrcss Homophobic Behaviour Arovmt> You ▼ ▼ establish guidelines at your workplace for harassment and teasing that treat homophobic interactions as seriously as racial or sexual offenses make it known that homophobic innuendoes, jokes and teasing are offensive and unacceptable to you TaUc Simple But Effective Steps ▼ T ▼ ▼ ▼ add books and magazines about homosexuality to your workplace's library or resource bank and put them in a visible place monitor your resources to ensure books are up to date and suggest materials (for your resource person to order) request staff development training on homophobia in organizations such as yours show your support for gay, lesbian and bisexual colleagues contact the AIDS Committee for resource materials, or for workshops on homophobia at 345-1516 What is homophobia? It is the fear of lesbians, gay males, and bisexuals, and the hatred, intolerance, disgust, and prejudice that this fear brings. Homophobia refers to individual negative personal prejudice and discriminatory behaviour. What is hctcrosexism? It is the promotion by institutions of the inherent superiority of heterosexuality and the assumption that everyone is and must be heterosexual. Like racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and discrimination, heterosexism awards privilege to members of the group with more power (heterosexuals). �ACT-B Activities AIDS Awareness Week 1995 Activities "HomopkobU *tib HIV" SaturbAif, September 10 Community Dance for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Friends St. John’s Ambulance 518 Fort William Road 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. SvmfcAvp October 1 AIDS Walk - " Walk For Life" registration at Ortona Legion 12:00 noon. Walk begins at 1:00 p.m. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. "Openly More Doors” Northwestern Ontario Ro5iona1 H1V/A1DS Covinselling Conference The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is proud to be hosting its fourth annual counselling conference on October 19 and 20th at the Prince Arthur Hotel. This will be a one and a half day event covering such topics as: fa fa fa fa fa MotibAVj, October 2 Tree Planting - Marina Park 11:30 a m. "Closets Are For Clothes, Not People" Homophobia workshop - Waverley Library Auditorium 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. TwcsfcAVf. October 1 Men's Healthy Sex Night L.U. Residence Conference Centre - 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker - David Belrose ART AIDS Mural - Keskus Mall 9:30 - 5:30 ART AIDS Mural - Victoriaville Mall 9:30-5:30 WetmcsiJAVf, October 4 Women's Healthy Sex Night L.U. Residence Conference Center - 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker - Sandi Covino Condom Blitz at Sharkey's Pub (College). ART AIDS Mural - Keskus Mall 9:30 - 5:30 ART AIDS Mural - Victoriaville Mall 9:30-5:30 TkwrsfcAVf, October f Candlelight Vigil 7:30 p.m. silent walk from ACT-B to Unitarian Fellowship Condom Blitz at the Outpost (University). fa fa fa A review of current medical options Issues relating to dying, death and the grieving process Counselling Native Populations Women's Issues: creating risk awareness for women leading to the early diagnosis of the HIV/AIDS virus and its symptoms Issues relating to youth, peer pressure, sexuality and STD's Legal, ethical issues regarding HIV/AJDS Understanding the fundamentals of counselling Counselling issues relating to drugs, alcohol, and/or other chemical dependencies Last year our counselling conference proved to informative and educational. With each new year the demands seem to be ever increasing in the area of counselling and HIV/AIDS. Registrations are currently from communities throughout Northwestern Ontario. We have some local spaces available. We have started a waiting list for out of town registrants who want to attend. High out of town registrations have restricted our travel budget. If you would like more information about registering or if you are from out of town and would like to get on our waiting list, please call Karen Ferland at (807)768-0699 or (807)345-1516 between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. FribAvp October 6 "Darling Divas" (a benefit drag show) 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. admission $5.00 Lakehead University Outpost Canada Has AIDS �Focus on Fvmt> R^isms Thurfoer Bavj AIDS WaIL A WaIU for Life Hop, skip, amble or stroll; whatever suits your style. Join us on Sunday, October 1st for the AIDS Walk. As you walk, people in over 40 communities across Canada will also be walking to raise money for their local AIDS service organizations. We want this to be the biggest and most successful charity event ever for the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. exercise and uncommonly nice people will leave you feeling like you couldn't have spent your valuable time in a better way. Pledge sheets can be picked up from the office or call us and we will mail one to you. Before you begin collecting pledges call our office and we will assign you a registration number. There is no registration fee. We will provide food, This years Walk is being sponored nationally by: The entertainment, prizes and fun. What Canadian Life & Health THUNDER BAY we ask of you is to collect pledges. Insurance Association, Molson, Ask your friends, neighbours, CBC/SRC, Maclean's/L'actualite family, co-workers or fellow & Canadian Corporate News. students. Then bring your pledges to Local sponsors & contributors the Walk (or avoid the rush and drop are: 94 FM & 580 CKPR radio, them off at the AIDS Committee Lehto Printers, Medicom, office the week before). Whether it Provincial Papers, Investors be $50 or $500 your contribution Group - Mary Ann Gabriele, will be appreciated. Last year the Mari - 1, Thunder Bay average amount collected was Telephone, Wanson Lumber, $134.00. Remember, many small Westfort Credit Union, steps make a difference. So every Lakehead Travel Agency, pledge, no matter the amount, brings Canadian Airlines, Robin's us closer to our goal. Foods, Northern Crystal, Pepsi Cola Canada, Beatrice, The walk will start at the Ortona European Meats & Deli, The Legion and wind its way through White Fox Inn, Magnus Theatre, trails around the Friendship Gardens, The Thunder Bay Symphony over to Confederation College and Orchestra, Toronto Colony Hotel back to the Legion - a lovely 5km and MacEachem Marketing. autumn stroll. Afterward, let us entertain you with music and feast on a late afternoon lunch. Cut-A-Thon A Walk for Life. Everyone knows about AIDS. This is your chance to do something about it. We need your help. Your participation will ensure that the AIDS Committee can continue to offer quality services. All funds will stay in Thunder Bay to provide HIV/AIDS education, prevention, care and support. The Walk is a "We” event. Walk with those you care about. Your steps will help fight AIDS. Ultimately, you will feel great about yourself and what you have accomplished - the combination of Hair stylists from Michael's Hair Design will be sponsoring a fund raising Cut-A-Thon on Sunday, October 8 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Discounts will be given on all regular hair cuts (no chemical processing will be offered - only hair cuts) with proceeds benefitting ACT-B. 10% discount will apply to all haircuts. 20% off to those who bring a donation of canned goods for ACT-B's "Mothers' Cupboard". No appointments will be taken so get there early! Plan to get your new fall look at Michael's Hair Design, 1715 East Victoria Avenue on October 8. �Health Promotion* All About Protease Inhibitors Protease inhibitors are a new type of anti-HIV drug. Protease inhibitors are meant to inhibit, or block, a piece of HIV's machinery called protease. When this protease is blocked, HIV makes defective copies of itself. Protease inhibitors are different from nucleoside analogue^A^T^dCTTWk d4T, and 3TC) tfays. They are more specific in what th£y do. Protease inhibitors block infected cells ffoin proahdng new viru!^\ybrt€"3rugs like AZT cannot prevenK«me"production of new virus. Bec&pse of their specl%activity, proteasarifflubitors most likely do less danTOgeTO’TEflTrthan nucleoside analogies. Studies have shov^ithat protease^nhithtots reduce the amount of HIV vTfusTHat is measurable blood. In some cases, protease increased T4 cell counts even when/tney were These results have encouraged two [drug 1cefrtpanies; that make protease inhibitors to start treatment programs for people wittiMo counts. Most researchers believe that any protease/fnhibitpi will need to be taken with one or more other drijgs such as 3TC (an AZT- like drug expected to xje bvj Uh Ritchie Many questions about protease inhibitors are still unanswered. Despite concerns about resistance, this class of drugs could be a promising treatment for HIV infection. Combining two or more protease inhibitors, or combining them with other anti-HIV drugs may slow dow n the development of resistance. Protease inhibitors are still experimental drugs. The mor^ata TharTS-coMected from people who are actually taking them' ctombinati is, the more answers we'll be able/to provide. Jseywith permissit>n4£om Treatment^ \1J3S Treatment Data Netwo?1C,OKP?l5vp%s treatment bnnario«r^duTwe4ing, educational services and :ase/ anagement support catf(212)260-8868 for fnJbmuition. iTC Access Vro$r*ni Changes AS£il e experimental anti-HIV drug 3TC has been avadhbhrwough an expanded access program for time now. 3TC is a nucleoside analog like the approved anti-HIV drugs AZT, ddl. ddC and Studies seem to indicate that it has less side approved by the FDA very shortly) to get the most is tnan the approved drugs, and works benefit. It is also believed that protease inhibitor parbcukuly well in combination with other anti- HIV monotherapy - taking one protease inhibitor qt a timb\ drugs.^Doctors have been able to obtain the drug for - won't produce the best results, but no finical Th^ir parents directly from the company that makes studies are presently testing any protease fihibitoik^ it, &te*(o Wellcome. Due to problems with drug combinations. Testing one protease inhibitor arsj time rly, jthe entry criteria for this program were may. however, get at least one or more c(f them recefrdv'Vestricted so that only people with under 100 approved more quickly. vf cell£ could be enrolled, and a maximum of 350 Studies have shown that, in some cases^thg could enter the program each week.Glaxo beneficial effects of protease inhibitors used zkone vWelh)ome has now announced that as of August 15th quickly wears off, most likely due to l99p, people with less than 300 T cells can ask their development of resistance. Resistance occurs because Ntocjbr to enroll them in the program by calling HIV makes billions of copies of itself every dky. 1.SP0.248.9757. The number of people that can be Each new HIV virus that gets made is slightly '■'enrolled each week has also been increased to 650. different, which means that the protease part of tKe virus might be slightly different, too. This new kin of protease may not be affected by a drug meant to "Researchers Fmt> AIDS Drug stop the old kind of protease. Signs of resistance have Combination" already been seen in people taking all three of the Washington Times (08/04/95) P. A6 protease inhibitors that are currently in the final stretch of development. Test tube studies have also Researchers at the Wellcome Research Laboratories shown that newer protease inhibitors like Agouron’s in England report that, when used together, the drugs AG 1343 may not be effective in people who have AZT and 3TC appear to be the most effective developed resistance to other protease inhibitors. No combination found thus far to fight HIV. In the one yet agrees on the extent or significance of journal “Science”, the scientists note that when AZT resistance, but there are different opinions. is taken with 3TC. the "cocktail" overcomes the E �HesAtb Promotion viral resistance that decreases the effectiveness of either drug when taken individually. The 24-week-long tests of HIV-infected individuals indicate that the combination reduced the level of viral infection and increased the number of CD4 cells. "Wastmg Svfvtorome-Afforfc^blc Treatments’ AIDS Treatment News (07/07/95) No. 226, P. 6; James. John S. There are inexpensive treatments for AIDS wasting syndrome, which is defined as the extreme loss of lean body mass not due to obvious causes such as nutritional deficiency or intestinal infection. Early data indicates that most patients can be successfully treated using these approaches. One affordable treatment for non-severe. AIDS-related weight loss is testosterone enanthate. when used in combination with an exercise program. The drug has not been proven in clinical trials, but according to Dr. Marcus Conant in San Francisco, it has offered good results. Conant's team has found that people with true wasting respond very well to human growth hormone. Fourteen of 16 severely wasting patients gained weight with the hormone, after finding no success with the approved treatments Megace and Marinol. Ketotifen is another possibility for treatment, though not much research has been done yet on using it for AIDS-related wasting, ft is believed to be very' safe, and is used widely in Europe for asthma and allergies. A third possibility is thalidomide, which is now available though an "underground compassionate access" program through the PWA Health Group in New York or Healing Alternatives in San Francisco. The two FDA-approved drugs for AIDS-related wasting are expensive, and their effectiveness for increasing lean body mass is controversial. "Biaxin OKct> for MAC" POZ (08/95-09/95) No. 9, P. 22 Abbott Laboratories will soon begin selling its pneumonia drug Biaxin (clarithromycin) as a preventive treatment for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. Clinical trials indicate that Biaxin successfully fights off MAC, a common AIDS infection in individuals with CD4 counts less than 100. The drug, however, has not been compared to the current MAC prophylaxis, Mycobutin (rifabutin) from Pharmacia. One potential problem is that more than 50 percent of the patients who developed MAC while taking Biaxin became resistant to the drug, which only makes treatment of the illness more difficult. "Cancer an& AIDS P«xm KKanagcvncnt Services on WWW" Information Today (07/95-08/95) Vol. 12, No. 7, P. 56 A new World Wide Web site offers educational materials on cancer and AIDS pain management from Roxane Laboratories and the Roxane Pain Institute. Users can easily obtain newsletters, clinical articles, and a schedule of future pain management seminars. "We consolidated information available to health care providers and designed a user-friendly program that provides up-to-date clinical information on managing pain in cancer and AIDS," explains Dr. Kirk V. Shepard of the Roxane Pain Institute and Roxane Laboratories. According to Roxane, it is the first pharmaceutical company to develop an Internet program with the primary focus on pain management. Other services the Roxane Pain Institute offers include an 800 number for health care professionals to access its information program, and a scholars’ programs to educate doctors, nurses, and pharmacists on the treatment of pain and the administration of analgesia. ’"New Strategies Against Virus" USA Today (08/17/95) P. ID A new understanding of how HIV functions is stimulating the search for a treatment. Although scientists used to think that HIV slowly worked its way through the immune system, a recent study indicates that HIV attacks aggressively and does not let up. Dr. David Ho of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center in New York City says that administering potent antiviral drugs before HIV has an opportunity to reproduce many times over and develop drug-resistant strains may increase the immune system's ability7 to survive. �Potpourri TELL YOV/R STORY!!! HELP VS HONOUR THE PAST DECADE Of WORKING WITH AND AGAINST AIDS This fall/winter marks the tenth anniversary of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. We have decided to mark this important anniversary by telling "our stories". We invite you to write us a letter, jot down your experience, tell us your story about what HIV/AIDS has been for you during the past ten years. If you have been associated with us - a volunteer, a client, a board member, a staff person, a friend - tell us what the AIDS Committee has meant to you. We will collect all the stories and experiences submitted by October 15, and put them in a binder, to be read and shared through out the coming anniversary year. We hope to publish a selection of the stories, in an economical format, for wider distribution. So please: help us honour ten years of work in the field of AIDS. Share your experience of ACT-B. Help us tell "our stories". THE EXCHANGE Thunder Bay's long awaited needle exchange program "The Exchange" is in its final planning stages. Two staff, Janet Adams, Program Co­ ordinator/Outreach Worker, and Don Young, Outreach Worker, have been hired and are currently working to get the program running by the end of September. Two fixed exchange sites are confirmed and program staff plan to get two more sites "on line" in the near future. Staff will also provide street outreach services including discussions around HIV/AIDS, " ............................ Hepatitis B & C, safer sex and safer injection behaviours, and harm reduction methods. The needle exchanges will be done on a straight one-for-one basis. The goals of "The Exchange" are to prevent the spread of blood borne diseases, especially HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C; to promote safe disposal of needles; to educate on injection drug use and risk reduction; and to advocate on risk reduction issues. For more information about "The Exchange" please contact Janet or Don at (807) 625-9767. Support Groups ACT-B will be running three support groups this fall. They are: HIV Positive Group (for people living with HIWAIDS) 8 sessions - 2.5 hours each (first hour - topic presentation and discussion, second hour - personal experience sharing) Moms of Positive Children For mothers whose children are living with HIWAIDS or who have experienced a death of a son or daughter. 5 sessions - 2.5 hours (first hour - topic presentation and discussion - second hour - sharing personal stories) Bwfctnf’s Support Group (For Buddies of ACT-B) 4 sessions (first hour - topic presentation, second hour personal experience sharing) Please call Sheila at 345-1516 for specific details relating to any of the groups. HAIR CVTS BY KR1ST1EN! Hair stylist Kristien will provide FREE hair cuts for ACT-B clients. To arrange a new do, call your support worker. ~ ^ OPEN CALL TO ALL ACT-B MEMBERS CONCERNING THE I99f ANNVAL GENERAL MEETING The 1995 ACT-B Annual General Meeting will be held in November. An exact date and location have not yet been confirmed. To be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must have a valid current membership, or take out a new membership, at least thirty days in advance of the AGM. Please check your membership card. If it does not say "valid for the calendar year 1995", you've expired! Good grief! Hurry up and renew your membership. Call ACT-B to renew today! �Parting device Thanks to all who helped with the AIDS Committee's participation in the Harbourfest '95 events (especially to those who braved the chilling dunk tank). Your efforts resulted in $4,700 being raised. Thanks also to those who donated to and worked at the yard sale. Our recycling effort raised $950! If you have anything which can be used in the Annual General Meeting silent auction, please bring it into the office in October. ACT-B Afcvisorvj Council Fred Ball Beth Huston Dr. Gordon Milne Bob Richardson Nicky Tittley Rev. Don Uhryniw Volunteers are needed to serve on the committee organizing the late winter Art Auction. If you are interested call John at the office. Or? St? St? S^i . 1 to be a member of the AIDS Committee of Jhuri&cr B^vf! _____Enclosed is my $10.00 membership fee. _____ 1 want to be a Supporting Member. I have enclosed $25.00. ___ 1 would like to help more! Here is a donation of $ Name: Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Telephone: The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay acknowledges and thanks our various funders: Ontario Ministry of Health *+ Health Promotion and Social Development Office, Ontario Region, Health Canada Ontario Trillium Foundation All of the people involved in general fundraising and the support of many local businesses and individuals. Jo-Ann Jacomb, Editor Gerald Taylor, Assistant Editor lan Ritchie, Health Promotion Pages Noel Ward, Writer Director, Public Health Laboratory Director of Administration Kinna-weya Legal Clinic Family Physician Co-chair, Businessman Supervisor of Infection Control, Port Arthur General Hospital Current River United Church, Council of Clergy ACT-B Bo^rfc of Directors Rick Atkinson Rick DeVuono A Downey-Baxter Adele Evans Mahlon lnksetter Gail Linklater Rob MacKay Bob Richardson Diane Roberts Pius White Darryl Williams Treasurer Director Director Vice President Secretary Director Director President Director Director Director ACT-B St^ff Christa Alsch David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Ryan Bureyko Karen Ferland Jo-Ann Jacomb Lawrence Korhonen Steacie LaChance lan Ritchie Michael Sobota SecretaryEducation Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Fundraising/Communications Futures Program Placement Student Counselling Conference Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager Aids Awareness Week Coordinator Support Worker/Health Promoter Executive Director The opinions and medical information offered by "rcACTBelieve" 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 offered by "rcACTBelievc" should be used at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. Please address any comments about "rcACT-BcIlcvc" to: P O Box 24025 Downtown North Postal Outlet Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4T0 (807)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 8 Issue 3 - Fall 1995 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 1995 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English