What’s New?
London, ON – Carepoint, London’s only supervised consumption service, will close on June 13 following the Ontario Government’s decision to withdraw funding for Consumption and Treatment Service sites across the province. After June 13, supervised consumption services delivered by Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) through its Carepoint program at 446 York Street will no longer be available.
While Carepoint’s supervised consumption services are ending, RHAC will continue to provide safer substance use supplies, overdose response resources, education, and referrals to care through the Counterpoint Needle and Syringe Program at RHAC’s 446 York Street location.
“This is a difficult moment for clients, staff, and the broader community,” says RHAC’s Executive Director Martin McIntosh. “Carepoint has helped keep people alive, connected to wraparound supports, and treated with dignity. While this service is ending, RHAC’s commitment to people who use substances is not.”
RHAC has operated Carepoint from 446 York Street since 2023. The service first opened in 2019 as a Temporary Overdose Prevention Site and has since become an important part of London’s response to the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Last year alone, Carepoint recorded more than 15,000 visits and responded to 218 overdoses. For many clients, it has been more than a health service. It has been a place of trust, immediate safety, and non-judgmental care. Following the provincial announcement in March, RHAC reviewed available options to continue Carepoint’s operations, including alternative funding and modified service approaches. However, without provincial funding, and given the operational and regulatory requirements attached to supervised consumption services, Carepoint cannot continue beyond June 13.
In collaboration with Middlesex-London Health Unit, Counterpoint will continue operating from RHAC’s 446 York Street location. Established in 1991, Counterpoint is one of RHAC’s longest-running programs and remains central to the organization’s work in HIV and hepatitis C prevention, testing, and education. Through Counterpoint, RHAC provides safer substance use supplies, overdose response resources, syringe recovery, peer supports, referrals, service navigation, and connections to treatment, health services, Indigenous-led supports, and community-based health and social services. Counterpoint does not provide supervised consumption services.
RHAC is also working with local health and community partners, and people who use substances, on a Continuity of Client Care Plan. This work is intended to help people who currently access Carepoint remain connected to available health, emergency, social, housing, and treatment supports.
“Our community continues to face a toxic and unpredictable drug supply that places lives at risk every day,” says McIntosh. “We are deeply grateful to the clients who trusted us with their care, and to the staff who made Carepoint a safe, welcoming, and compassionate space. During this transition, RHAC will continue to be a source of care, dignity, and support for the people directly affected by this change.”
Updates and guidance related to Carepoint’s closure will be available over the coming weeks at: hivaidsconnection.ca/Carepoint.
MEDIA CONTACT
Martin McIntosh
Executive Director, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection mmcintosh@hivaidsconnection.ca
226.700.2095
Carepoint is closing on June 13. But RHAC is still here for you.
In March 2026, the Government of Ontario announced its decision to end funding for supervised consumption services. With provincial funding set to end, Carepoint will be unable to continue providing supervised consumption services after June 13.
This is difficult news to share.
We know this closure will be felt deeply by Carepoint’s clients, staff, families, partners, and community members who care about people who use substances. Your support means so much to us, and it matters more than ever for the people we serve.
As we prepare for Carepoint’s closure, RHAC is responding to the needs and questions of clients, staff, and community. We will continue to provide updates on what is changing, what supports remain available, and where people can go for care, connection, and information.
Here are some of the answers we have for you so far.
Why is Carepoint closing?
On March 13, 2026, RHAC was notified of the provincial decision to end funding for Consumption and Treatment Services, including Carepoint. This notice provided a 90-day period to wind down operations by June 13.
Since that announcement, RHAC has reviewed available options to continue Carepoint’s operations, including alternative funding and modified service approaches.
Given the operational and regulatory requirements attached to supervised consumption services, Carepoint will be unable to continue beyond June 13 without provincial funding and support.
Will supports for safer substance use be available at 446 York Street after Carepoint closes?
After June 13, Carepoint’s supervised consumption services will no longer be available. However, RHAC’s Counterpoint Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) will continue to operate from our 446 York Street location in collaboration with Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Established in 1991, Counterpoint is one of RHAC’s longest-running programs. The NSP remains central to our work in HIV and hepatitis C prevention, testing, education, and care. Counterpoint does not provide consumption services.
Through Counterpoint, RHAC will continue providing resources and supplies for: safer substance use, overdose response, syringe recovery, peer support, service navigation and connections to treatment, healthcare, Indigenous-led supports, and social services.
How is Carepoint supporting clients affected by the closure?
Carepoint will continue to provide supervised consumption services for clients through June 13. Meanwhile, we remain focused on keeping clients informed, supported, and connected to care.
RHAC is actively working with people who use substances and local health and community partners on a Continuity of Client Care Plan. This work is intended to help people who currently access Carepoint stay connected to available emergency, housing, health, social, and treatment supports.
Updates and guidance related to Carepoint’s closure will be available on-site, in community, and online at: hivaidsconnection.ca/Carepoint.
What impact will Carepoint’s closure have on the community?
The toxic drug crisis is already affecting people who use substances, families, service providers, neighbourhoods, businesses, emergency responders, and the broader community. The closure of supervised consumption services may increase pressure on other parts of the local system and create additional risks in public and community spaces. RHAC is engaging with local health and community partners to help reduce harms, support connections to care, and prepare for likely impacts where possible.
No single program can resolve the overdose crisis on its own. Supervised consumption services were never intended to be a single solution. Safer substance use programs are part of a broader continuum of care that also includes prevention, treatment, recovery supports, housing, and mental health care. A coordinated community response to the toxic drug crisis continues to be essential.
What does the closure mean for Carepoint’s staff?
The closure has a significant impact on the wellness and livelihoods of Carepoint’s team.
Our staff are the people whose compassion, skill, and dedication have made Carepoint not only a safer and more welcoming space, but a place of trust, dignity, and connection.
RHAC is deeply grateful for their continued support of clients during this difficult transition.
We are working to support staff through the emotional and practical impacts of this closure, including opportunities to debrief and process the loss of this service.
How does this closure affect RHAC’s other programs and services?
RHAC has been serving the community since 1985. The closure of Carepoint marks the end of a program we have been proud to offer since 2019.
RHAC’s other programs and services will continue from 602 Queens Avenue, the John Gordon Home at 596 Pall Mall Street, and RHAC’s 446 York Street location, as well as outreach and community- based work.
Throughout this difficult transition, RHAC will remain a source of care, dignity, and support for the people directly affected by this change.
For more information and updates, please visit: hivaidsconnection.ca/Carepoint.
The response to HIV has always relied on community. The AIDS crisis is a history of tragic losses, hard-won progress, and communities who came together when no one else would. Around the world, small groups of community members stepped up to support the same people their governments chose to ignore. These community groups showed up for dear friends and complete strangers alike. They cooked meals. They raised money. They mourned the dying and celebrated the living. No act was too small. Every kindness was needed. People did what they could, because they cared. Things only changed for the better when ordinary people united with hope, love, and solidarity. The same holds true today. Plenty of progress has been made since those earlier days. HIV still exists, but community support makes a profound difference for the people living longer, healthier lives with HIV.
RHAC recently shared news of the provincial decision to defund London’s supervised consumption program. This service has been an important part of our efforts to prevent HIV transmission and reduce drug-related harms and deaths. This decision does not affect funding for other RHAC programs, such as HIV Support Services. However, it does reflect a devastating trend that UNAIDS calls a “funding crisis.” Around the world, financial cuts and program closures have slowed the global response to HIV/AIDS. With lives on the line, these are setbacks we cannot afford to make.
With provincial funding for supervised consumption set to expire in June, RHAC is navigating the impacts of this decision. In the meantime, RHAC places the highest priority on maintaining the best supports possible for the people we serve. Our valued funders and donors continue to ensure that RHAC’s additional client programs continue to support people living with, at risk for, and affected by HIV and hepatitis C. Fundraised dollars, from events like A Taste for Life, are critical to supporting these additional programs.
This time of year is when RHAC typically invites community to celebrate A Taste for Life. On April 15, our annual fundraiser returns to local restaurants, where 25% of proceeds will support client programs and services. In light of recent events, it can be hard to imagine any kind of celebration. Then again, this is precisely when we need our community the most. History teaches us that these are the moments when we can come together for the better, and for each other. This year, we hope that A Taste for Life continues to be a meaningful way to make a positive impact, even in the most difficult times. The funding crisis shows how fragile the fight against AIDS and HIV stigma can be. But the support of our community proves how strong we are.
A Taste for Life is when caring community members make all the difference, and I hope you can make it on April 15. Thank you to our friends, champions, and supporters for being a constant source of support. I also want to acknowledge the generosity of A Taste for Life’s 2026 Presenting Sponsor TD Bank Group and Supporting Sponsor Kim Mullan, Broker Sutton Group Select Realty Inc., Brokerage. I am touched by the new and returning restaurants who are opening their doors to our cause. Most importantly, thank you to the people we serve for entrusting us with your care and support.”
Martin McIntosh
Executive Director, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC)
Late Friday afternoon, the Ontario Ministry of Health notified Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) that it will terminate provincial funding for the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site located at 446 York Street in London, operated by RHAC. The Ministry has indicated the funding agreement will end on June 13, 2026.
London’s CTS program has been in operation since 2019 and providing supervised consumption services, overdose response, and connections to health and social supports for people who use drugs in London.
This is deeply concerning news for our community and for the people who rely on these services. Carepoint exists because our community has been facing an unprecedented overdose crisis, and the site has played an important role in preventing deaths and connecting people to care.
RHAC is currently reviewing the Ministry’s notice and working to understand the full implications of the decision. Over the coming days, the organization will begin discussions with staff, partners, and public health leaders regarding next steps and continuity of care for individuals who rely on the service.
Evidence from across Canada and internationally has consistently shown that supervised consumption services reduce overdose deaths and the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C, while connecting people to treatment and health services. In London:
- There were zero new HIV infections related to drug use in 2025.
- Carepoint recorded more than 15,000 visits in 2025.
- Staff responded to and reversed 218 overdoses.
These services exist because they save lives. Our focus now is ensuring the people who rely on Carepoint continue to receive support and care during this transition.
RHAC will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
This year, RHAC's Annual General Report (AGR) takes a look back at our 2024-25 Fiscal Year, celebrating the theme of “Safer Together Since 1985."
For this year’s AGR, the safety pin made perfect sense as a symbol of how coming together can keep us safer. Since 1991, safety pins have been used to put countless ribbons together for AIDS awareness. Every World AIDS Day, a safety pin secures those ribbons over the hearts of individuals showing their support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Today, safety pins are still keeping things together. A lot has changed over the years, but it turns out that safety never goes out of style. Since 1985, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) has been providing safer spaces and supportive programs to people affected by HIV/AIDS. Our lasting legacy as an organization is owed to the community members who have equally supported us. Communities continue to count on RHAC, because their longstanding trust and support make it possible.
At our Annual Meeting, physical copies were safety-pinned with red ribbons that attendees could wear to honour people living with HIV.
How to Apply
Apply to join the volunteer Board of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection! RHAC Board Members can serve up to 2 consecutive three-year terms. Time commitment is 4-5 hours per month plus committee work as required.
Deadline Extended: Prospective board members are asked to submit their résumé and letter of interest to hr@hivaidsconnection.ca by June 5, 2026 at 4 PM.
Please include your contact information and answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in serving as a member of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection's Board of Directors?
- What are your connections to individuals and diverse communities served by RHAC?
- Can you give an example of how you might have to act in the best interest of the whole organization, at times balancing the needs of the Board, its staff, its clients and the diverse communities served by RHAC?
- Briefly describe your experience as a committee or board member of a non-profit organization.
- What skills, experience or perspective would you bring into board decisions and policy development?
- Do you presently hold membership with RHAC, and are you aware of any potential conflicts of interest if you are elected to serve on the Board of Directors of RHAC?
Qualifications & Requirements
-
Resident of the geographical area RHAC serves: London/Middlesex; Perth; Huron; Elgin; Lambton; or Oxford.
-
Willingness to always act in the best interest of the whole organization, balancing the needs of the Board, its staff, its clients and the diverse communities served by RHAC.
-
Persons living with HIV/HCV, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, individuals from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, members of diverse ethnocultural communities, and persons with dis/abilities are encouraged to apply.
-
Knowledge of/interest in community development, particularly in the health sector.
-
A commitment to RHAC’s mission, vision, and values including policy statements and strategic directions.
-
A commitment of time, focus, and engagement as outlined above
-
Openness to learning.
-
Current Police Check within the last 6 months.
-
Previous Board or Committee experience would be considered an asset.
-
Connections to the diverse communities served by RHAC, and/or to RHAC’s community partners is considered an asset.
Our Commitment to Diversity
RHAC recognizes that a diverse board of directors and work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees or board members from diverse backgrounds allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of our recruitment postings. We suggest applicants introduce themselves, their stories and lived experiences in their cover letter to their level of comfort.
Learn more at: hivaidsconnection.ca/about/board/become-board-member
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) is a volunteer-driven, non-profit, community- based organization serving London and six counties – Perth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford. We are a community-inspired organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and diverse communities living with, at-risk for, or affected by the challenges associated with HIV/AIDS/HCV. Our philosophy includes adherence to The Ontario Accord/GIPA (Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS), Peer Engagement, Anti- Racism/Anti-Oppression (BIPOC*), Sex Positivity, Principles of Harm Reduction, Holistic Health, and Civil Society.
RHAC recognizes that a diverse workforce and board of directors is critical to realizing our vision and accomplishing our mission. Accordingly, we strive to attract, develop, and retain highly-talented employees and board members from diverse backgrounds to meaningfully engage, empower and support the priority communities we connect with and serve. We strongly encourage people living with HIV/HCV, members of African, Caribbean, Black and other racialized communities, members of First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, people living with disability/disabilities, people living with chronic illnesses, members of diverse faith communities, and people with diverse lived/living experiences (including, but not limited to: with substance use, addiction, sex work, and/or incarceration) to apply. We welcome and encourage you to introduce yourself, your story and your lived/living experiences to your level of comfort in your application.
RHAC is committed to and adheres to the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Employment Standards, the Pay Equity Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all other applicable legislation. We are committed to integration and to removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. Additionally, we support and encourage applicants on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code including but not limited to age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation. RHAC acknowledges that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change.
A Message from RHAC's Executive Director
This year, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) celebrates 40 years of serving our community. In 1985, a small group of activists came together as the “AIDS Committee of London.” Their courage and compassion grew RHAC into an organization that, today,serves six counties and strengthens local responses to HIV, hepatitis C, and some of the most complex health issues in our community.
It's been my pleasure to serve RHAC’s mission for more than a decade. During that time, our agency has evolved and expanded to ensure our response to the HIV epidemic is comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally relevant. While moving our mission forward, we also honour our achievements and progress, the hardships and human losses, and every person who has contributed to our history and future.
The celebration of our 40th anniversary comes at a turbulent time. Around the world, funding cuts and program closures threaten the global response to HIV. But even in the face of these challenges, we remain confident in our ability to meet community needs because of you: Our donors, friends, partners, and volunteers. Your support not only makes our programs and services possible—it makes our community a safer and more welcoming place for the people we serve.
Martin McIntosh
Executive Director, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
In honour of Women’s History Month, RHAC celebrates the incredible contributions women have made to our history, and our future. Since the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, women have been at the centre of community responses to HIV/AIDS. Today, women continue to make HIV history as activists, organizers, scientists, health professionals, and more. This month is an opportunity to remember that women make history every day as positive changeleaders in their communities. Happy Women’s History Month!
On March 14, join us at Central London Public Library (251 Dundas Street) from 1-4 PM for a free International Women's Day event for African, Caribbean and Black community members. Please email kabdul@hivaidsconnection.ca or fumaro@hivaidsconnection.ca to RSVP.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) is grateful to Westminster College Foundation (WCF) for supporting the Rainbow Youth Space project. This collaborative of programs, including Open Closet and Rainbow Heroes, promotes important opportunities for connection and engagement among 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in London-Middlesex. During its period as a WCF grant recipient, Open Closet saw the number of youth participants double.
"It really feels like a community," said one youth participant. Participants also expressed feeling "safe and heard," with one young participant describing the program "as my home when my house doesn't feel like a home."
With the support of generous grantors, such as WCF, projects like Rainbow Youth Space have been able to continue creating spaces where queer and trans youth feel a sense of belonging and connection in our local community.
Learn more about Open Closet: RHAC's award-winning social support group for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth