ACT e-Bulletin, Vol. 5 No. 2

AIDS COMMITTEE OF TORONTO MAY/JUNE 2010 E-BULLETIN

What's new at ACT this month.

Dear ACT supporter,

Here are some of the things we are working on this month here at the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT).

If you would like more information about the services we offer to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, or our education programs to prevent HIV transmission, please visit our website at www.actoronto.org

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Let's talk about sex! Sex Ed

You may have heard that the provincial government recently announced plans to implement new sexual health education curriculum in Ontario schools as part of an update of physical health education in elementary schools across the province.

ACT supports the proposed curriculum update because it would teach students about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections earlier (Grade 7). The inclusion of topics such as sexual orientation and gender identity would also go a long way to alleviate the stigma and discrimination that places some individuals at greater risk of HIV infection.

SEE ACT PRESS RELEASE ON THIS ISSUE

The provincial government has announced that it will implement a revised curriculum update this fall, following consultations with parents.

ACT encourages community members to send messages of support for the proposed curriculum update to their Member of Provincial Parliament and Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education: ldombrowsky.mpp@liberal.ola.org

ACT phasing out library services Library

ACT is phasing out its library services to respond to changing information needs in the community.

Created over 20 years ago as a place where people could access up-to-date HIV-related information, ACT library usage has shifted in recent years.

As fewer people visit the library to access materials, demand for online information is increasing. These trends were confirmed in a Library needs assessment conducted by ACT in 2009 among service users and community partners.

In response to these changing needs, and in an effort to streamline the way information services are delivered, ACT will be closing its library program. Access to books, audio-visual materials, periodicals and journals has now ended, effective May 1, 2010. Winding down of the program will continue until July 2, 2010.

For more information about these changes, please visit www.actoronto.org/library

Are you living with HIV/AIDS? Do you feel isolated or want support?

Consider joining one of ACT's facilitated peer support groups.

Short-term (10-week) support groups scheduled to start in May 2010 include:

Newly Diagnosed Group: a discussion-based support group for those diagnosed with HIV in the last one to two years.
Living with HIV Group: a discussion-based support group for those who consider themselves neither newly-diagnosed nor long-term survivors.
Art Therapy: a support group where people living with HIV can share their feelings and experiences through both art and discussion.

ACT also has three ongoing support groups for long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS. Groups meet weekly on a continuous basis. These groups are now open to new referrals.

All of our support groups provide people living with HIV/AIDS with a safe, supportive group environment in which to share their feelings and experiences, to give and receive support, and to explore thoughts on the future.

Registration is now open! Please contact your ACT case manager or counselor, or contact the HIV Health Promotion Coordinator at 416-340-8484 ext. 283 or kmurzin@actoronto.org to register.

Volunteer Appreciation Party Party