Regional HIV AIDS Connection
186 King Street, Suite #30 N6A 1C7 London, ON, Canada

Getting tired of watching movies alone in lockdown? Looking to meet other guys into guys? Join us for National Canadian Film Day next Wednesday on April 21 @ 7PM for a free virtual screening of Fire Song: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/watch-along-fire-song-registrat RSVP required: Register on Eventbrite or contact Greg at [email protected] or 226-376-5544

Show some love to local restaurants! From April 19-25, celebrate #ATasteforLife by ordering pick-up or take-out from a participating restaurant. Because these are hard times for small businesses, we’re not asking restaurants to donate anything! Instead, we’re inviting you to support them. Make a plan to dine at home, and please consider making an online donation to RHAC in support of our clients. For more information about #ATasteforLife, visit: www.hivaidsconnection.ca/ATasteForLife To donate online, visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rhac/

"One in five people living with HIV are denied health services because of stigma and discrimination. We still have work to do. Casey House Toronto is a hospital founded on activism that continues to embrace its roots to make the humanity of people more visible than their HIV." (via The Positive Effect)

"A new report from the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council makes the case for a local safe drug supply program." (via CBC News)

Over the last 18 years, local restaurants have supported #ATasteForLife by donating 25% of their evening sales to RHAC. But this year, we're not asking our restaurants for anything. Instead, we're asking you to support and celebrate them by ordering take-out from a participating restaurant during the week of April 19-25! We couldn’t be more proud or grateful for the longstanding support of our restaurant partners, many of whom have been with us since the beginning, says Reg...ional HIV AIDS Connection's Martin McIntosh. We wouldn’t dream of putting any more pressure on them this year, and so we’re inviting our supporters to give online this year, just as they would have in-person at the restaurant table, to help us ensure we can continue to offer free or low cost programs to individuals in our community. Our clients still need your support, so please consider making an online donation to RHAC when making your plan to dine at home. For a list of restaurants, and to make a donation, visit: www.hivaidsconnection.ca/atasteforlife.

As we approach Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (April 10), we remember Ryan White: a teenage boy who challenged HIV stigma after his diagnosis in 1984. Today, we honour the memory and legacy of Ryan, who passed away at the age of 18, 31 years ago today.

Your opinion matters. More inclusive screening criteria for plasma donation in Canada are being considered. Expanding Plasma Donation in Canada Study is surveying guys into guys for a research study about their views on plasma donation and a proposed pilot plasma donation program for some gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the London and Calgary areas. Take the survey here: www.surveymonkey.ca/r/PlasmaSurvey

Thank you to our friend and long-time supporter Robert McQueen for generously raising and donating a total of $1,100 to our John Gordon Home program! Robert donated a $50 gift card for each resident and $650 towards Nutrition Services. Thank you so much for supporting the Home with a Heart this holiday season!

Effective Dec 26th at 12:01 am until January 23rd 2021, the government of Ontario has announced that the province will be subject to a shutdown. The province-wide shutdown will look similar to the shutdown back in March, with only essential businesses being allowed to remain open. Like the shutdown in March, RHACs essential services will continue to operate and will include:... Carepoint/Counterpoint Programs John Gordon Home Program HIV/HCV Support Services Various Administrative Services This shutdown is considered a state of emergency and RHAC may deploy staff resources to meet coverage needs across program areas as necessary (with training and support). Given this is the holiday season we recognize this development comes at a challenging time for most people. It is important to remind everyone that the best way to prevent COVID 19 transmission is through adherence to all public health recommendation/measures. For more information, please visit: https://hivaidsconnection.ca//rhac-services-and-ontario-sh

Thank you so much to United Way Elgin Middlesex for supporting RHAC with their Local Love in a Global Crisis fund. The $6,590 grant will support 6 international students and newcomers to Canada who are living with HIV to overcome COVID-19 related financial barriers to treatment access in London Middlesex.

Join the team! We are currently hiring for multiple positions including Harm Reduction Worker and HIV Case Manager. To apply, visit: https://www.hivaidsconnection.ca/careers

Safe supply is for those at risk for overdose and other complications of drug use such as infection. It is an acknowledgement that people who depend on substances are given a prescription for these as part of their health care and is a life saving essential service.

Thanks to the United Way Elgin Middlesex Emergency Community Relief Fund, RHAC is providing migrant workers with health and wellness supports during this difficult time. Last week, we provided migrant workers in Oxford County with winter jackets, socks, hats, and groceries.

"November 20 marks the 20th annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day memorializing those who have lost their lives to anti-trans violence. While local vigils are being held around the globe in order to mourn those lost, this day also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness around the factors that led to their deaths." (via them.)

Building a safer world takes all of us. On Trans Day of Remembrance, we remember and honour the lives lost to anti-trans violence.

Thank you to this year's #RedScarf presenting sponsor Kim Mullan broker, Sutton Group Select Realty Inc. brokerage (Kimcan HOMES) for supporting Red Scarf 2020!

Today, Regional HIV AIDS Connection and Addiction Services of Thames Valley released position statements on safe supply. But what exactly is safe supply? The Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs describes safe supply as "a legal and regulated supply of drugs with mind/body altering properties that traditionally have been accessible only through the illicit drug market." "The idea around safer supply is offering people a clean drug supply of known potency and known d...ose so that they can avoid many of the harms that are caused by the toxic street supply right now." (via CBC News) Learn more and read our position statement at www.hivaidsconnection.ca/safesupply

Request for Proposal: Regional HIV AIDS Connection is currently seeking an Organizational Development Consultant who is also an independent contractor to act as the Program Administrator for the Ontario Organizational Development Program (OODP). To express interest in this exciting opportunity, please submit your proposal by no later than Monday January 11th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. by following the instructions under the "OODP Administrator" posting at http://hivaidsconnection.ca/careers For more information about OODP, visit www.oodp.ca.

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance: a time to remember and honour those whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. According to Human Rights Campaign: "2020 has already seen at least 34 transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means, the majority of which were Black and Latinx transgender women. We say at least because too often these stories go unreported -- or misreported." We must all work together in the pursu...it of justice, equality, and safety for transgender and gender non-conforming community members. RHAC stands in solidarity to affirm the inherent value, dignity, and human rights of trans people everywhere. You are valid, valued, and an important and beautiful member of our community. We acknowledge that, alongside awareness, ongoing action is required in response to anti-trans violence. RHAC will continue to honour, remember, and act every day to advocate for the structural changes needed to keep trans communities and individuals safe. See more

Regional HIV AIDS Connection's (RHAC) Board of Directors would like to announce the release of our organization’s position statement on safe supply. RHAC is an evidence-informed agency committed to harm reduction practices that positively impact those living with, at risk for, or affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. It is with this mission we strongly support the advancement of safe supply programs across London and all communities. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has ...shown how quickly our governments and our communities can come together in life-threatening situations. We ask that the same response be given to the ongoing opioid pandemic affecting those most vulnerable in our communities. Safe supply offers an evidence-based response that can reverse the increasing trend of opioid overdose deaths and other substance-related harms. Given all these variables, the Board of Directors at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection strongly urge all levels of government to expand access to safe supply in Ontario demonstrating the courage to do what is right for those in need of support in our communities. Read the full statement: http://hivaidsconnection.ca/safesupply #SafeSupply #HarmReduction

Today, on International Migrants Day, we celebrate the positive impact and valuable contributions made by migrants around the world. Migrant workers have been on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19, helping to build healthier and stronger communities. However, migrants are being disproprtionately affected by the pandemic. They are also at increased risk of human rights violations. Worldwide, millions of migrants are now stranded and unable to return home due to COVID...-19 restrictions. This week, it was announced that Ontario is extending healthcare coverage and providing financial aid to approximately 400 migrant workers from Trinidad and Tobago who are stranded in the province due to COVID-19. We welcome this news as an important step forward as we continue to support the health and human rights of migrants. Over the last 3 years, RHAC has built strong relationships with migrant workers through our Find Your Reason campaign. This year, we responded to an increased need for support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the United Way Elgin Middlesex Emergency Community Relief Fund, our very own Sean Garcia and Mercy Nyela have been reaching out to migrant workers across the counties we serve to provide winter-appropriate clothing, food, and wellness supports. Today, and every day, let's create safer and healthier communities for all.

"Drug supply changes, physical distancing measures and the curtailing of social services during the COVID-19 epidemic have led to a dramatic spike in overdose deaths in Ontario, with more than 2,200 people anticipated to be dead in 2020." (via The Globe and Mail)

If you throw a seed on concrete it is not going to thrive. Being trans is not the problem. It is the reaction people have to it: throwing them on the streets, not letting them work, not taking them into schools. We need to have a place in society. It is hard. It will take a while. But someone has to start. (via UNAIDS)

Lest we forget. Today, RHAC remembers those who have fought for our freedoms and those who have fallen. While COVID-19 will change how we observe #RemembranceDay this year, we honour our veterans with a moment of silence at 11AM. You can watch the Remembrance Day Ceremony here: https://bit.ly/38p2liL

Voices for World AIDS Day is Canada's largest HIV collaborative initiative marking World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week. Each year leading up to December 1st, Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) unites the voices of diverse individuals and community organizations across Canada to remember those we have lost to AIDS and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS issues. This year's theme is Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility. In line with this, we are highlighting ...the voices and stories of diverse folks in the community across the nation on key messages they would like to share with Canadians. Visit www.voicesforworldaidsday.ca to learn more. #Voices4HIV #VoixSIDA

It's World Food Day! Today we celebrate the furtherance of food security all over the world, especially in times of crisis. Our Country Cupboard Food Bank started as a response to the financial and food security issues in the London community. It specifically supports the wellness of PHA clients by allowing access to the groceries they need.

"London faces a perfect storm of reduced services and lack of housing that’s already increasing the number and desperation of [people experiencing homelessness], and will only worsen come winter, front-line agencies say." (via The London Free Press)

Libraries' late fees and penalties have created access barriers for some of our most vulnerable community members. Now "the London Public Library is doing away with late fines to allow more people access to its collections." (via CBC News)

Did you know that World AIDS Day (December 1) is the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week? On December 3, this Virtual Strawberry Workshop offers participants the opportunity to learn the Anishinaabe stories of the strawberry, and will have the opportunity to sew their own strawberry medicine pouch. *Please register by November 20 and visit the link below for more information.

Join us on December 1 at 7 PM for our World AIDS Day Virtual Vigil with Guest Co-Host Jully Black. RSVP at www.hivaidsconnection.ca/vigil

On Saturday, October 24 join us for a socially-distanced event for guys into guys to chat about community, isolation and relationships during COVID-19 and beyond.

World AIDS Day is December 1 and Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) wants to hear from you! Submit your story to Voices for World AIDS Day:

"When the coronavirus hit the province [of British Columbia] in March, one public health crisis collided with another, and overdose deaths began to climb." (via BBC News)

"It's officially Transgender Awareness Week. Canada is no stranger to the efforts and fights trans individuals have endured. Moreover, the True North has no shortage of incredible figures who have broken down barriers and put themselves on the map." (via Narcity Canada)

"A version of fentanyl that causes significant sedation in users and requires more doses of an overdose-reversing drug to revive them is circulating in Oxford County, Southwestern Public Health warns." (via The London Free Press)

"A single shot given every two months has proved to be more effective than a daily pill at preventing H.I.V. in women, researchers reported on Monday, an advance that medical experts hailed as groundbreaking in the fight against the deadly virus that causes AIDS." (via The New York Times)

Every year, we wear orange on September 30th to honour the children who survived the Residential School system and to remember those who did not. Today, our team gathered virtually in recognition of Orange Shirt Day. This day is a time to recognize the harmful and ongoing legacy of Residential Schools and to honour the healing journeys of survivors and their families. We affirm that every child mattersincluding those who are now adults and elders. RHAC continues to stand i...n solidarity with Indigenous communities in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the lives and experiences of Residential School survivors, their families, and those who never made it home. Learn more at www.orangeshirtday.org #EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay [*Photo taken in 2019, prior to COVID-19]

"Canada has approved its first self-test for HIV, and fewer undiagnosed Canadians will "fall through the cracks" as a result, says scientist Sean Rourke. Health Canada on Monday granted a medical device licence to B.C.-based bioLytical Laboratories for a finger-prick HIV blood test that provides results in just one minute. " (via CBC Radio)

Join the team! RHAC is hiring a full-time Administrative Assistant. Apply by Monday, November 16 at 9 AM. Visit www.hivaidsconnection.ca/careers for details.

#orangeshirtday We ask that at 10AM EST, you join us in a moment of silence. Today, Atlohsa recognizes and honours the indigenous children that attended reside...ntial schools between 1860 into the 1990s. Orange Shirt Day is both a time to remember these children and to educate those who may not be familiar with the lasting impact that the residential school system had on over 150,000 indigenous students an impact that still lingers today. This year, Atlohsa sold over 500 orange shirts and despite restocking on three separate occasions, still managed to completely sell out of inventory. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and this level of support affirms the fact that now more than ever, people want to make a difference and raise awareness to end the systematic racism that has existed for so many years. We want to thank everyone that purchased from us and the staff that put in the extra time to ensure the success of this monumental event. Phyllis Webstad is the inspiration behind the Orange Shirt Day concept. She attended her first day at a residential school in 1973. Her grandmother had given her a bright orange shirt to wear which she adored but when she arrived, she was stripped of her clothing in an effort to decimate her culture and personal identity. Since this day, the color orange has reminded her of the impact that the residential school system had on her and so many others. Atlohsa hopes that by selling orange shirts, we can continue to raise awareness about the impact of these schools and raise money that can used to support our community and essential programs, specifically our Mino youth program. The legacy of residential schools still lingers today, impacting so many in our communities. Help us raise awareness, end systemic racism and be the voice for those who need it most.

Tomorrow is Orange Shirt Day an annual event held on September 30 to raise awareness of the impact of residential schools.

Some BIG things are happening. Our newsletter for guys into guys is covering a lot this week. Check it out and get subscribed today:

"In the spring, as a global pandemic surged, harsh realities were exposed about the housing and living conditions for thousands of migrant workers who come to Canada and make harvests possible." (via CTV News)

"A new Indigenous Healing Space is now open at the Victoria Hospital campus of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). The space was created in partnership with Atlohsa Family Healing Services with the hope of improving the quality of care that Indigenous patients and families receive." (via CTV News)

There is clear evidence that the phrases "substance abuse" and "substance abuser" harm, as well as disparage, people who use drugs. It's time to ditch these terms.

September 27th is Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. HIV can affect anyone, and it continues to have a disproportionate impact on gay and bisexual men and guys into guys. Today encourages us to address HIV stigma and homophobia, learn more about our testing and prevention options, and take action. Are you a guy into guys? Find out why you should know your status and your options at: www.FindYourReason.ca!

It's Red Scarf season! Last year, volunteers handcrafted over 2,000 scarves for World AIDS Day. This year, community members continue to knit and crochet red scarves for HIV/AIDS awareness. We're still accepting scarves and it's never too late to get involved! Here's how:

Following the US election? Here are the major LGBT2QIA+ wins worth celebrating: "There’s a record-setting number of openly queer candidates running for elected positions in both state and local government, which means that the Rainbow Wave could hold far-reaching implications for queer inroads into politics this year, even if it trickles in over a couple days." (via them.)

This is a unique opportunity to reimagine systems for health, said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. All eyes are on health, health systems and health care, with countries wanting to be better equipped to deal not only with COVID-19 but also to create healthier, more resilient societies. We can seize this opportunity by learning from HIV and from COVID-19 to make important changes to develop rights-based, equitable, people-centred systems for health. (via UNAIDS)

A Calgary woman living with HIV participated in her 19th HIV/AIDS walk to fight stigma.

Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender person to be elected as a state senator, making her the highest-ranking openly transgender official in the U.S. (via Global News)

"A renowned British Columbia doctor is being celebrated for his pioneering work fighting HIV/AIDS with a new commemorative stamp." (via Global News)

Bisexual+ people are often subject to skepticism, stereotypes and misunderstandings about their sexuality and identity. Bi+ Awareness Day draws attention to the experiences, resilience, and needs of Bisexual+ people and communities. It's time that we challenged stigma and misinformation. Learn more with Human Rights Campaign:

"Bisexual People Are at Higher Risk for Mental Health Issues, Study Finds. Researchers say it's often due to rejection from straight and queer communities." (via Teen Vogue)