What’s New?
LONDON, ON — On Thursday, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) celebrated the agency’s receipt of a $35,000 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funding supported a major rebrand of the organization to enhance service delivery for the local community, which the agency has been serving since 1985. RHAC was joined by a representative from the office of local MPP Terence Kernaghan.
“RHAC provides an essential service to our community, and I am incredibly grateful for the compassion, dedication, and impact they have on the lives of individuals living with, at-risk, or affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C,” says Terence Kernaghan, MPP for London North Centre. “Their work makes a real and meaningful improvement to the health and wellbeing of our community. I am thrilled that RHAC has received this well-deserved Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to ensure they can reach more individuals and at the same time, support their rebranding efforts. Congratulations to RHAC on this well-deserved grant and thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting organizations like RHAC to help make this important work possible!”
RHAC’s new brand—complete with a refreshed logo—was unveiled during the organization’s Annual General Meeting by marketing partner Jeff Sage, Co-CEO and Senior Strategist of sagecomm. The branding initiative also includes a new website that launches later this month.
“This OTF grant is critical to enhancing our presence and mission delivery in the communities we serve,” says RHAC’s Interim Executive Director Brian Lester. “In many ways, our brand is a front door to the organization. RHAC’s website welcomes up to 40,000 visits per year and represents a critical access point for new and returning clients. After 40 years of serving our community, RHAC recognized that it was time for our brand and website to evolve. Thanks to OTF and our partners at sagecomm, RHAC’s updated brand and web presence will improve how we can reach diverse communities, communicate important health messaging, and connect clients to more accessible and culturally relevant supports both on- and off-line.”
ABOUT REGIONAL HIV/AIDS CONNECTION
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to positively impacting the lives of individuals and diverse communities living with, at-risk for or affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. RHAC serves the counties of Elgin, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth. Visit hivaidsconnection.ca to learn more.
ABOUT ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
MEDIA CONTACT
Brian Lester
Interim Executive Director, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection 226.927.0759
blester@hivaidsconnection.ca
This year, RHAC's Annual General Report (AGR) takes a look back at our 2025-26 Fiscal Year. "Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) has been caring for the communities we serve since 1985," writes Board Chair Lila Desjardine and Interim Executive Director Brian Lester. "The organization we are today started during the early years of the AIDS crisis as a small group of community members who did everything they could, simply because they cared— often when no one else would. Over 40 years later, that founding spirit of courage, care, and compassion continues to lead our frontline response to HIV, hepatitis C, and the toxic drug crisis."
World Hepatitis Day is July 28. This year, we're joining the global community to break down the stigma and barriers that hold us back from testing and treatment.
On July 24, RHAC will be celebrating World Hepatitis Day with our annual Wellness Fair from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM on the front lawn of 602 Queens Avenue.
Get the Facts
Hepatitis C is an infection in the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus is passed blood to blood. You can have hepatitis C and not know it: An estimated 1 in 100 people in Canada has had hepatitis C in their lifetime. However, hepatitis C is treatable: Treatment cures over 95% of people with hepatitis C.
To learn more about hepatitis C, visit: https://www.catie.ca/essentials/hepatitis-c-basics
Get Tested
The only way to know if someone has hepatitis C is to get tested. Explore your testing options:
- Learn more about the Hepatitis C Care Team: https://lihc.on.ca/programs-services/hepatitis-c-care-team/
- Locate testing options near you: https://whereto.catie.ca/
For more information about hepatitis awareness, please visit: https://www.catie.ca/whd. Learn more about this year's theme and how to take action: https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/.
Counterpoint Needle and Syringe Program at 446 York Street will be closed on July 1, 2026.
We will return to regular operating hours from 9:30 AM-5 PM on Thursday, July 2.
If you are looking to access harm reduction supplies nearby, please contact:
- London Cares Outreach: 519.667.2273
- The London Coffee House (371 Hamilton Road): 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- For women: My Sister's Place (566 Dundas Street)
As of June 30, 2026, Martin McIntosh will be departing from his role as Executive Director at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC). This planned departure follows a period of significant personal loss, reflecting a decision to devote further time to his family and wellness. “This was a difficult choice to make,” says Martin, “but one made with deep care and respect for the mission, people, and partnerships that have shaped my time with RHAC.” On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Martin for his dedication, leadership, and more than a decade of serving RHAC.
Looking forward, our Board and Senior Leadership Team are conducting an extensive search for RHAC’s next Executive Director. In the meantime, we are pleased to welcome Brian Lester back to Regional HIV/AIDS Connection as Interim Executive Director. Brian's long-standing experience as former Executive Director will provide stability, continuity, and support during this transition. Effective June 22, Brian will be returning in a part-time capacity.
Since 1985, RHAC has remained committed to our mission and the people we serve. We will continue building on that legacy with the contributions of past, present, and future leadership. We look forward to providing further updates on the recruitment of a permanent Executive Director.
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.