What’s New?
Given the increasing cost of groceries, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection's John Gordon Home (JGH) program is struggling to provide many basic items for our residents and those who reach out to us for assistance.
JGH would be grateful to receive donations of any of the following:
- Grocery store gift cards
- Personal hygiene products
- Bottled water/Juice boxes
- Granola Bars
- Warm clothes (socks/mittens/hats)
- Adult-size track pants
- Hoodies
Please call ahead at 519-433-3951 to arrange a drop-off of donated items from the list above at 596 Pall Mall St.
John Gordon Home (JGH) is a program of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection. JGH, or 'the Home with a Heart,' supports people living with HIV/AIDS and HCV (Hepatitis C) who have immediate healthcare needs to realize positive health and wellness outcome through the provision of: Transitional care, respite care, and end of life care. Learn more here.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection’s (RHAC) Executive Director, Brian Lester, has announced his planned departure from his role to begin retirement effective March 31, 2023. Over the course of 16 years of dedicated work, Brian has advanced RHAC’s mission, vision and values, bringing solution-focused approaches forward to catalyze significant organizational growth and realize positive community impacts.
Brian has consistently honored the agency’s community- and volunteer-inspired origins throughout his tenure with RHAC. His skill and passion for the work has been underpinned by strong and respectful trust relationships with funders, community partners, staff, volunteers, and supporters; all contributing positively to organizational health and community impact. Over the years, RHAC’s value statement—The Courage to Do What is Right—has stood out as a strong reflection of Brian’s belief in the advancement of social justice for people placed at the margins of our community. Brian’s legacy is one of truly courageous leadership.
Over the next six months, the Board will be conducting a thorough search to find RHAC’s next Executive Director. It is our priority to find a dynamic leader with a true passion and capacity to further RHAC’s mission: to positively impact the lives of individuals and diverse communities living with, at-risk for, or affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (HCV). Notices seeking applications for the position will be published soon on the RHAC website and through several other channels. The process is expected to be completed with a new appointment announced March 1, 2023.
Read the full announcement from RHAC's Board Chair, Chris Moss.
SAVE THE DATE: The Board of Directors of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) invite you to join us for this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, September 8 at Civic Garden Complex (625 Springbank Drive in London, ON) for a catered reception at 5:30 PM and our AGM from 6-8 PM. Please join us as celebrate the theme of ‘Courage on the Move’ and review our performance during Fiscal 2021 while reflecting on key impacts made in our community and welcoming the election of new members to the Board.
To RSVP, contact Naiomi at 226.376.5461 or nnarcisian@hivaidsconnection.ca.
NEW MEMBERS: In order to vote we must receive your completed membership form and fees by Monday, August 29, 2022.
RETURNING MEMBERS: You may submit your membership renewal forms/fees prior to or at the meeting.
Contact Naiomi at nnarcisian@hivaidsconnection.ca with any questions, concerns or to submit membership forms.
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As an organization, we continue to acknowledge the harmful legacy and ongoing impact of atrocities committed against Indigenous communities. On September 30, we honour the children, survivors, families and communities affected by the residential school system.
This is the second year that September 30 has been designated a federal statutory holiday. RHAC will be closed on September 30, 2022.
Here are some actions you can consider taking today (and everyday):
- Wear orange, in solidarity, to honour the experiences of the children, survivors, families and communities affected by residential schools. Visit orangeshirtday.org to learn more.
- Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
- Listen to the stories and experiences of residential school survivors, including books and media by Indigenous artists, authors and creators.
- Donate to Indigenous-led causes, like Atlohsa Family Healing Services.
- Acknowledge and learn more about the traditional territories you are living and working on. To get started, visit:
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-first-nations-maps, or
- https://native-land.ca, or
- https://www.caut.ca/content/guide-acknowledging-first-peoples-traditional-territory.
JOB POSTING: Program Project Coordinator (Contract)
The HUB is a joint initiative created in partnership with London Cares Homelessness Response Services, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospitality Centre. The HUB is a new, growing initiative that is anchored in shared values of dignity, deep hospitality, inclusion, persistence, and hope. London Cares is seeking a Program Project Coordinator to join our team in a full-time capacity working Monday to Friday, working weekends and holidays only when necessary. This role is currently a contract position with an end date of August 1, 2023. See the full job posting here:
- Program Project Coordinator (London Cares Homeless Response Services)
Apply to Join the Board of Directors at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
Prospective board members are asked to submit their resume and letter of interest to hr@hivaidsconnection.ca. by August 10, 2022 @ 4:00pm. Learn more here.
Applicants whose skills match RHAC’s present Board recruitment needs are selected and invited to participate in an interview with the nominating committee. Successful candidates are then put forward for nomination approval and election (two-year terms) by the Membership at our Annual General Meeting, held in September. RHAC Board Members can serve up to 3 consecutive, two-year terms. Time commitment is 4-5 hours per month plus committee work.
For the most up to date information on monkeypox and local vaccination clinics, visit: gmsh.ca/monkeypox
LONDON
The Middlesex-London Health Unit will be hosting vaccination clinics for people who may be at highest risk of being exposed to monkeypox. No appointment and no health card required.
• Friday, July 15: Club London (722 York Street), 11 AM–1 PM.
• Thursday, July 21: Club London (722 York Street), 5–8 PM.
• Saturday, July 23: Pride London Festival (Main Tent, Victoria Park), 2–6 PM.
• Sunday, July 24: Pride London Festival (Main Tent, Victoria Park), 2–6 PM.
ST. THOMAS
Southwestern Public Health will be hosting vaccination clinics for people who may be at highest risk of being exposed to monkeypox in St. Thomas:
- Thursday, July 14: Southwestern Public Health (1230 Talbot St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
- Thursday, July 21: Southwestern Public Health (1230 Talbot St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
Woodstock
Southwestern Public Health will be hosting vaccination clinics for people who may be at highest risk of being exposed to monkeypox in Woodstock:
- Friday, July 15: Southwestern Public Health (410 Buller St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
- Friday, July 22: Southwestern Public Health (410 Buller St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
Vaccine Eligiblity
Based on Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, monkeypox vaccination clinics are intended for:
• Individuals who are 18 years of age and older, trans or cis-gender individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual & other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community, AND at least one of the following:
• Identified as a contact of someone who recently tested positive for monkeypox, OR
• Had two or more sexual partners within the last 21 days, or may be planning to, OR
• Diagnosed with a chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infection in the past two months, OR
• Attended bath houses, sex clubs and other venues for sexual contact within the last 21 days. This includes workers & volunteers, OR
• Had anonymous/casual sex in the last 21 days, for example using an online dating or hookup app, engaging, or planning to engage, in sex work.
NOTE:
- If you get the COVID-19 vaccine, wait 24 hours to get the monkeypox vaccine.
- If you get the monkeypox vaccine, wait 28 days to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC), London Intercommunity Health Centre (LIHC) and Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) are holding a Virtual Community Update Meeting on Thursday, May 26 from 2-4 PM with interested residents/businesses residing and operating within proximity of the Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service (which will operate at 446 York Street). Registration is required. Please register to attend the meeting via Zoom here.
To read the full invitation, click here.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) is pleased to announce our newest location at 602 Queens Avenue, London, ON as part of a new community service hub.
Over the past 2 years of the pandemic, London Cares Homeless Response Services, the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospitality Centre, and RHAC have worked together to envision a better way to provide a safe, welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness and other barriers to wellness, community and belonging.
Now, our three agencies are coming together to create a community hub aimed at addressing housing, basic needs, health care, and psychosocial wellness needs. This hub is the first of it's kind in London, and aims to effectively link people to social services and supports under one welcoming roof. We are proud to be creating this supportive environment built on the core values of dignity, deep hospitality, inclusive community, social justice, persistence, and hope
Please note: RHAC’s Carepoint Consumption and Treatment and Counterpoint Harm Reduction Services will remain at 186 King Street until relocating to 446 York Street in 2022. Our John Gordon Home program will remain at 596 Pall Mall Street.
Effective January 4, 2022, the following RHAC services will be accessible at 602 Queens Avenue (with COVID-19 safety measures still in place):
- HIV/HCV client support services: Support services for people living with HIV/HCV (treatment and care including practical, basic needs and psychosocial supports), Country Cupboard food security program, and peer activities/programming.
- Education and prevention services: General and population-specific education and prevention programs (including our Open Closet program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth), sexual health and wellness services and resources, HIV/STBBI testing, PrEP/PEP/HIV prevention and related services, and information and wellness programs/workshops.
- Community relations: Communications, regional community development, volunteering and fund development (i.e.: events, donor giving, third party fundraising, and merchandising).
- Harm reduction outreach: Mobile outreach services for people who use substances (including harm reduction gear delivery and recovery-related services) across London-Middlesex, Oxford and Huron counties.
- Administrative supports: The office of the Executive Director, operations and human resources.
- On-site partner services: Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS), and Dr. Margaret Peltz (Psychiatrist).
While we are still under-construction at our new 602 Queens Ave. location:
- Please address physical mail to 186 King Street
- A new phone system has been implemented across all RHAC locations, with new staff extensions. Please listen carefully to system instructions.
- For 602 Queens on-site service access an appointment is currently required. Please contact relevant staff member to arrange appointment/access. If unable to reach designated staff, please contact general administration for access assistance.
RHAC’s other service locations:
-
John Gordon Home (Supportive Housing Program): 596 Pall Mall
-
Counterpoint (Needle and Syringe Program): 186 King Street
-
Carepoint (Consumption and Treatment Services): 186 King Street
Thank you to our community for supporting our annual Red Scarf campaign!
On behalf of all of us at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, thank you to those who attended and contributed to our World AIDS Day vigil featuring Pride Men's Chorus London. We hope you will continue to honour and hold those we have lost in your hearts, and that you will also continue to stand in solidarity with those living with HIV in our community.
Thank you to everyone who wore a Red Scarf on World AIDS Day in solidarity with those living with HIV in our community. We are so grateful to each and every one of you for standing up to stigma, raising awareness, and making a donation in support of people living with, affected by and at-risk for HIV.
If you would still like to support RHAC's 2021 Red Scarf campaign, you can make a donation in support of RHAC's free programs and services at: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rhac/p2p/redscarf2021/
Thank you so much to our Red Scarf knitters from all across the counties for helping to build awareness and fight HIV-related stigma, including:
-
Karin
-
Jocelyn
-
Sandy
-
Tara
-
Marilyn
-
Callie
-
Sandra
-
Julia
-
Jean
-
Phyllis
-
Rose
-
First-St. Andrew’s Church
-
The Knit Wits
-
Laurie Krempien-Hall and friends
-
London Public Library, Central Branch
-
Chartwell Parkhill Long Term Care Residence
We'd also like to thank the following local businesses for supporting Red Scarf this year:
-
David E. White
-
Regency Florists
-
Nova Vita Hair Studio & Esthetics
- Wabi Sabi Hair + Body
