ACT e-Bulletin Vol. 1 No. 1.
 | The AIDS Committee of Toronto e-Bulletin Volume 1, Number 1 | Feb/March 2006 If you would prefer to have the e-Bulletin sent directly to your email inbox, you can subscribe by clicking here. An email message will pop up with the subject 'subscribe.' Click send. ACT'S NEW LGV CAMPAIGN In response to the appearance of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) infections among gay and bisexual men in Toronto, ACT has launched an awareness campaign funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. LGV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a particular type of chlamydia bacteria that, if left untreated, can have serious health implications. The campaign, titled “A New Face on the Scene,” was adapted from a campaign originally produced by Terrence Higgins Trust, an AIDS organization in London, United Kingdom. ACT's version of the LGV awareness campaign consists of ads in the gay and alternative press, banner ads on websites frequented by gay and bisexual men, posters in gay community venues, and a booklet with more detailed information for men. The materials alert men to the appearance of cases in the community and steps they can take to reduce their risk, enouraging them to get tested and seek treatment if needed. For details about LGV or to view campaign materials, please visit http://www.actoronto.org/LGV. CHANGES IN ACT'S YOUTH COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM This past October, ACT welcomed Ben Houghton as the agency's new Youth Community Education Coordinator. Ben brings three years of experience working with HIV & Youth issues and looks forward to expanding on the excellent work that outgoing coordinator Humberto Carolo set in place during his six years in the position. The Youth Community Education program is proud to announce the launch of “Sex From A-Z,” our latest sexual health campaign directed at younger gay, bi, and trans men. This clever, funny, and bold campaign is taking the shape of posters, web content, and a series of trading cards that are already turning heads and starting great discussions about sex and health. Look for A-Z posters and trading cards in Village establishments, and in the meantime visit http://www.actoronto.org/a-z for a sneak preview. For more info, or to share ideas about ACT Youth Programming, please contact Ben at 416-340-8484 ext. 260, or bhoughton@actoronto.org. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON THOSE COLD WINTER AFTERNOONS? Join us for hot chocolate on Saturdays this winter. ACT and the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) are presenting an interactive workshops for men living with HIV/AIDS. The workshop, “HAART and Your Heart,” will be held on Saturday March 11, 2006 at 399 Church Street from 1:30 p.m. to approximately 3 p.m. So come on out to learn and meet new people! Registration is required. For more information and/or to register call Ed at 416-340-2437, ext. 283. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF IN 2006 Is one of your New Year resolutions to look after yourself better? If it is, you may want to think about joining ACT’s relaxation training workshop. Relaxation training is a powerful way to reduce the effects of stress and enhance well-being. The proven effects of regular relaxation include enhanced immunity, sleep quality and energy levels. Learn to cultivate the benefits of the relaxation response in this enjoyable 6-week program. The program is open to both men and women living with HIV/AIDS. Registration is required. For more information and/or to register call Ed at 416-340-2437, ext. 283. WOMEN'S COFFEE NIGHT All HIV-positive women are invited to attend our monthly Women’s Coffee Night at ACT. It’s a chance to meet other positive women, learn from each other’s experiences and to find out what ACT may have to offer you. Just bring yourself — we provide the coffee and the treats! We also provide childcare funds for moms. To find out more and when we’re meeting next, call Kristy at 416-340-8484 ext. 234. LATEST LIBRARY ACQUISITIONS The ACT Library has recently acquired new books on drugs, addiction and harm reduction. For more resources, search the library catalogue at http://www.actoronto.org/library or visit us at 399 Church Street, fourth floor. Illegal drugs : a complete guide to their history, chemistry, use, and abuse / Paul M. Gahlinger, 2004. REF 394.14 GAH ILL 2004 An overview of harm reduction programs and policies around the world : rationale, key features and examples of best practice / Diane Riley, 2003. REF 613.8 RIL OVE 2003 The Toronto drug strategy : a comprehensive approach to alcohol and other drugs in the city of Toronto / Toronto Drug Strategy Advisory Committee, 2005. REF 394.14 TOR TOR 2005 Sex, drugs, gambling, and chocolate : a workbook for overcoming addictions / A. Thomas Horvath, c2004. CIR 362.69 HOR SEX 1998 Uppers, downers, all arounders : physical and mental effects of psychoactive drugs / Darryl S. Inaba, William E. Cohen, 2004. CIR 394.14 INA UPP 2004 ACT RESEARCH DAY A forum for researchers and AIDS service organizations to share new research and discuss its implications for program development, service delivery, advocacy, and HIV/AIDS policy, ACT's third annual Research Day happens at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street. The purpose of the event is to bring together academics, AIDS service organizations and their clients, as well as funders and other community-based researchers to discuss new research findings, explore the best ways to use these findings and to explore futher collaboration. The event will also be an opportunity for researchers to identify gaps in the research knowledge base which affect the work of service providers. Research Day is part of ACT’s ongoing commitment to developing links between academics and front-line workers and generating research ideas and directions for the agency and our partner organizations. ACT's research department is excited to announce that the agency has received $20,134 in funding from the Ontario HIV Treatment Network for future ACT Research Days. If you are interested in attending ACT Research Day, contact Gala at 416-340-8484 ext. 250 or garh@actoronto.org. AIDS BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOP FOR VOLUNTEERS All program volunteers who have completed Core Skills Training are invited to attend an all-day workshop on AIDS and bereavement. In the workshop you will explore the impact of loss, learn to understand grief responses and develop skills for managing grief in yourself and others. The workshop happens Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 399 Church Street, room 221 (second floor). Sheila Berry will facilitate. NHS INTERN In fall 2005, ACT hosted Nancy Perry, its third intern from the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) management training program. Over the past four years, three trainees undertaking management training have completed a three-month internship at ACT. The program itself lasts two years and is at the leading edge of UK public sector leadership and management development. Trainees completing the scheme undertake a Master's degree, a variety of UK health care-based managerial placements, along with an internship of their choosing. This is an important comparative dimension to their training; the interns develop skills that can be brought back to the UK, while at the same time learning about the health and social care system of another country. In hosting NHS interns, ACT provides them with a fantastic learning experience, knowledge of the not-for-profit sector, and an opportunity to better understand community responses to HIV/AIDS, while benefiting from the skills and experiences they bring from the NHS. Further information can be found at http://www.bringingleadershiptolife.nhs.uk CASE MANAGEMENT Case Management is a new program designed for ACT clients living with HIV/AIDS who have greater and more complex needs. The program provides clients with assistance navigating the health and social service system. After completing a needs assessment, the case manager and client work together to set short- and long-term goals. Case managers work with clients to provide them with the resources and support they need to attain their goals. Case managers are also in the process of updating all ACT client profiles to ensure that we have complete and accurate information for all of our clients. If you have not already met with one of us to do so, drop in to see us or give us a call! To contact a case manager, call Janet at 416-340-8484 ext. 214 and ask to book an appointment. CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS — SNAP! CELEBRATES ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY IN MARCH Time to mark your calendars! ACT's fundraising year starts with SNAP!, our annual photographic fundraiser, on March 12 at the National Ballet School, 444 Jarvis Street, 6 - 11 p.m. The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) welcomes all original works of photography or photo-based art for submission to the fifth annual SNAP! Photo Competition presented by TD Canada Trust. Amateur, artistic and professional photographers are all invited to participate. SNAP! is a photographic fundraiser for ACT involving a live auction of curated art, a silent auction, and photo competition. Nearly 300 photographers participated last year and more are expected this year. Net proceeds from the event will support ACT's programs and services for people living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS. PRIZES! Cash prizes for the Photo Competition will be awarded in five categories as well as for best overall submission. Winners will be announced two weeks prior to the event and will be profiled in the SNAP! catalogue. They will be presented with their awards at the event, taking place on March 12, 2006, at the National Ballet School. SUBMISSION DEADLINE Please note that to qualify for the Photo Competition, all submissions must be received at ACT's offices no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, 2006. WANT MORE INFORMATION? For entry details and submission forms, please refer to www.snap-toronto.com. Questions about the competition should be directed to Jennifer Hardy at 416-340-8484 ext. 263 or jhardy@actoronto.org. ACT is located at 399 Church Street, 4th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2J6. We sincerely thank you for your participation. |
