header_n.gif (7845 bytes)

Volume 1, Issue 2, November 2000

360�

The Newsletter of
AIDS Calgary Awareness Association

Is There $$ in HIV?

Patient X has HIV. She takes Nelfinavir (5 tablets twice a day). She takes Abacavir (1 tablet twice a day). She takes DyT (1 tablet twice a day). She takes Flucanazole (1 tablet twice a day). She takes vitamins. She takes pills to control her nausea. The Southern Alberta Clinic (the HIV/AIDS clinic for Calgary and Southern Alberta) estimates that an average anti-retroviral regimen costs $52 per day, $1570 per month, just under $20,000 per year. This is only the anti-retrovirals. Complications are common and may result in a patient having to take other drugs, treatments and complementary therapies such as antibiotics, anti-inflam-matories, anti-nauseants, massage therapy and physiotherapy.

The Southern Alberta Clinic estimates that approximately 400 clients on HIV drug regimens amassed $4.8 million in drug costs for the last year. This is just the montetary cost of HIV.

How much would you pay to be protected from HIV?

The advent of powerful anti-retroviral drugs has changed the way HIV impacts lives. That is, if you have the money and access. The current drug regimens are only available in the developed world. Problems with cost and lack of basic medical infrastructure have made anti-retroviral therapy inaccessible for the vast majority of people living with HIV/AIDS.

For countries like those in sub-saharan Africa, an HIV vaccine is the only substantial hope for getting HIV under control. More than 90% of all new HIV infections occur in the developing world, yet the developed world is the one with the expertise and money needed to develop an HIV vaccine.

The race for an HIV vaccine is heating up and altruism is not the only motivator. In the first week of September, newspapers around the world announced that a British parliamentarian had been injected with an experimental HIV vaccine. The study in Britain is one of many trials testing HIV vaccines. But why go to the expense to develop and test a vaccine? Can altruism and profit drive the same project?

The potential for profit from a HIV vaccine is enormous. Bio-technology companies watch their stock prices rise and fall as news of vaccine trials hit the headlines because the market for an effective vaccine for HIV is practically limitless. Rest assured, the developer of the first vaccine will be rich.

But in this rush for a vaccine, will someone be trampled? How can we ensure that the rights of trial participants are protected? Do vaccine trials in the developing world need to meet the same rigorous, expensive standards that we expect in Canada? What incentive is there for drug companies to make a vaccine available to all those who need it? What is a fair price for a life-saving vaccine? How will drug companies re-coup the millions of dollars spent on research and development?

Hopefully, promising HIV vaccines will continue to be in the headlines. But we are still a long way off from a vaccine. Researchers estimate it will take at least seven years before a vaccine will be available. Think about how the world would change if there were a vaccine for HIV. But also take a moment to think about the very real cost of HIV.

The Southern Alberta Clinic estimates that approximately 400 clients on HIV drug regimens amassed $4.8 million in drug costs for the last year. This is just the monetary cost of HIV.


Take a look around you. We’re all affected. Share information. Make healthy choices.

 

Welcome to 360�

360� is published bi-monthly and distributed to all AIDS Calgary members, volunteers, and community partners and is inserted into Calgary Straight, FFWD and Outlooks magazine. This new format will allow us to reach more people, more often.
Why 360�? Take a look around you. We're all affected. Share information. Make healthy choices. Please let us know what you think of the changes we've made.

 

Men Make a Difference in the Fight Against AIDS

The myth of masculinity leads to expectations of men to be physically strong, emotionally robust, daring and virile. Some of these expectations translate into attitudes and behaviours that have become dangerous or lethal with the advent of AIDS. But expectations can also represent valuable potential that can be tapped by HIV/AIDS programs.

First, the obvious. Men are a diverse group of individuals. They are brothers, fathers, sons, husbands and partners. They reflect the spectrum of humanity, from kind and caring to abusive and dangerous. While some men spread STD's to their partners or act in other harmful ways, most men do not. It is important that health programs abandon male stereotypes and learn more about male concerns and needs especially when designing programs to prevent HIV infection or addressing the broader inequalities which pose a risk to sexual health.

The diverse roles that men play in society allow them to influence their own health and the health of those around them. This is one of the reasons why the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS has chosen AIDS: Men Make a Difference as the theme of this year's campaign. The campaign encourages male participation and a pro-active stance in the efforts against AIDS.

The aim of the UN campaign is not to place blame on men but to acknowledge their capacity to change the course of the AIDS epidemic. "The time is ripe to start seeing men not as some kind of problem, but as part of the solution. Working with men to change some of their attitudes and behaviours has enormous potential to slow down the epidemic and to improve the lives of men themselves, their families and their partners." Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS.

The campaign has asked men to think about the ways in which they can impact the spread of HIV: Fathers are asked to consider the impact their behaviour haves on their children's thoughts about HIV/AIDS, how condom use impacts their partners, the ways that they can impact the spread of HIV in their community.

We are all affected by HIV. Think about the role you have to play in stopping HIV in our community.

 

TRAINING FOR 2000

"I'm now very clear about how HIV can be contracted. It will be easier to be more open-minded and clear after what I have learned in these workshops."

AIDS Calgary has created a set of professional development workshops targeted at social workers, counselors, health care providers, outreach workers and the general public. Training for 2000 aims to reduce uncertainty about current issues related to HIV/AIDS. A recent workshop participant stated, "I'm now very clear about how HIV can be contracted. It will be easier to be more open-minded and clear after what I learned in these workshops."

Workshops have been developed to cover many current issues in HIV/AIDS, including the relationship between sexual abuse and risk for HIV and the impact of HIV infection on families. Workshop topics for the Fall/Winter program include facilitating a work environment that is supportive of HIV positive employees; reducing the risk of HIV transmission in people living with a severe mental illness; developing HIV prevention programs for the Aboriginal population; and empowering health care workers to deliver informal HIV risk reduction with their patients.

The workshops are developed by the AIDS Calgary Community Trainer and are co-facilitated with community partners. The small workshops are lively, informal and inter-active.

"This workshop (The relationship between sexual abuse and risk for HIV) was very enlightening…the psychosocial issues surrounding HIV all overlap and intertwine."
"I've learned how to help a family with the disclosure process and stigma, and refer them to the appropriate places for help."

Although only in their second year, the workshops have left an indelible mark on the provision of respectful, informed services to people affected and infected by HIV and AIDS.

The Training for 2000 program is funded by the Community Lottery Board. Please call Jo at 508-2500 for more information.

Training for 2000 aims to reduce uncertainty about current issues related to HIV/AIDS.

 

Calgary AIDS Walk 2000 Huge Success

On September 24, dozens of volunteers, hundreds of community supporters and 550 registered walkers swamped Eau Claire plaza to show their support for AIDS Calgary in the sixth annual Calgary AIDS Walk.

This year, walkers and sponsors raised just over $50,000 which will go directly to funding AIDS Calgary support and prevention education services in the community. Clowns, buskers, street per-formers, walk route decorators, celebrity appearances and local media made the event fun for everyone. In addition, crowds got to snack on free food and beverages supplied by Baker Boys, Boston Pizza, Canadian Bagel, Custom Gourmet Coffee, Debaji's Fresh Market, Good Earth Cafe, Kensington Red Robin Restaurant, Lakeview IGA, Spolombo's Fine Foods, Starbucks, Sugardaddy, Sunterra Market, Schwartzie’s Bagel Noshery and Teatros.

This year's event was one of the most positive walks we have had. Andr� Madden, this year's top walker, raised a stellar $2,683 in donations. Team Starbucks, this year's top team, brought in a whopping $11,518.71! In addition, Monica Whyte and Kim Van de Pypekamp both won recruitment prizes this year for bringing out the most new AIDS Walk walkers. Unfortunately, (and fortunately!) Alberta's Top Walker was in Edmonton this year and took away the two free Air Canada/Canadian trips with his $5,200 in collected donations -- let's hope we can bring this prize back to Calgary next year!

Thanks to all volunteers and all those on the Volunteer AIDS Walk Executive Committee for their superb contribution and support. And thank you for making this event a success!

This year, walkers and sponsors raised just over $50,000 which will go directly to funding AIDS Calgary support and prevention education services in the community.

Thank You

AIDS Calgary would like to thank all our walkers, sponsors and supporters. A special thanks goes to Team Starbucks who raised $11,578.71! AIDS Awareness Week

 

WORLD AIDS DAY MEMORIAL SERVICE
Friday, December 1, 2000, 7:00 pm
THE CENTRE FOR POSITIVE LIVING, 103 - 17TH AVENUE SE, (ACROSS FROM AIDS CALGARY)
JOIN US

December 1, 2024 marks the thirteenth anniversary of World AIDS Day. As in years past, this special day serves to honour those we have lost in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Please join us for our World AIDS Day Memorial service on Friday December 1, 2000.

The service includes the lighting of candles and the sharing of memories of those we have loved and lost. We would also like to invite everyone to share in a display from The Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt. The Quilt is a collection of cloth panels designed as memorials for those who have died of AIDS.

The memorial will be followed by a reception. Further information can be obtained from the AIDS Calgary support team at 508-2500.

 

United Way Campaign

The annual United Way campaign kicked off on September 13th and wraps up December 16th. With generous community support, the United Way aims to raise $23 million for many initiatives targeting homelessness, children, health and quality of life, and economic well-being. The United Way supports several AIDS Calgary programs, such as the YouthXChange, 360�, outreach workers. Please give generously to the United Way. Your donation goes a long way!

 

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 1

AIDS Calgary will be marking AIDS Awareness Week 2000 with the unveiling of a number of unique programs and events. To kick off the week, our Community Outreach team will be hosting a peer education training session on the afternoon of Saturday, November 25th at the Bridgeland Community Centre. The session will provide youth with comprehensive training in many aspects of sexuality and sexual health. The training will be provided by various Calgary agencies in partnership with AIDS Calgary.

Our Support team will provide information sessions on HIV and addictions at Alpha House and the Calgary Drop-in Centre. These sessions will reach at-risk populations who may not otherwise have access to AIDS Calgary services.

Additionally, a local media group has donated time to create an interactive web-based education and prevention program (in partnership with AIDS Calgary). Fusion Media Group Inc, a communications agency offering creative solutions for Internet, e-business and print have created a dynamic HIV prevention and awareness program that dispels myths around HIV/AIDS. This program can be viewed at www.aidscalgary.org.

For additional information on all AIDS Awareness Week activities, please call 508-2500.

 

AIDS CALGARY PROGRAMS

ADVOCACY
Assisting clients in accessing appropriate services and getting through redtape. Call 508-2500.

ALPHA HOUSE
Outreach services available on Tuesday afternoons at 203 15th Avenue SE.

BESWICK HOUSE
Outreach services available on Wednesday afternoons.

CALGARY CARES 2001
Exciting fundraising extravaganza needs volun-teers. Opportunities available from now until March. Contact Katherine at 508-2500.

CALGARY DROP-IN CENTRE
Outreach services available on Tuesday mornings at 499 Riverfront Avenue SE.

CARE TEAMS
Volunteers provide individual buddy support including practical and emotional support and transportation. Clients wishing to contact a buddy, call Garth at 508-2500. Interested in being a volunteer buddy? Contact Katherine at 508-2500.

COFFEE CONNECTION
Drop-in for AIDS Calgary clients to provide informal peer support. Coffee and desserts provided. Friday afternoons at our office. Please call 508-2500.

COMMUNITY GARDEN
Participants maintain garden of vegetables and flowers on a weekly basis. Garden operates during summer months. Call 508-2500 for more information.

COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Participatory program where nutritious meals are prepared and grocery costs lowered. Currently running Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Call Athena at 508-2500.

GREENBOUGH FUND
Provides limited financial assistance for HIV+ individuals in the Calgary region. Call 508-2500.

IMMIGRANT OUTREACH PROJECT
"BREAKING THE BARRIERS"
Provides appropriate HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programming for immigrant and refugee communities. Contact Suzy for more information at 508-2500.

MEN’S PROJECT
AIDS Calgary and GLCSA provide outreach resources and information to men who have sex with men. Contact Collin at 819-3775 or [email protected].

NAKED
"Naked" is a 'zine, produced by and for street-involved youth. Contact YouthXChange at 606-1007.

NEEDLE DROP OFF
Drop-off site for dirty needles. Also provides condoms, bleach, water. Available Mon-Fri, 8:30 - 4:30 pm.

POSITIVE LIVING LUNCH PROGRAM
Provision of a hot meal and opportunity for clients to meet socially. Also includes an educational component. Call 508-2500.

REFERRAL
Links to other organizations for food, shelter, counselling, and other needs. Call 508-2500 for an appointment.

SPEAKERS NETWORK
HIV/AIDS prevention and education program for schools. AIDS 101: Facts about HIV, and AIDS 201: Living with HIV/AIDS. Contact the Suzy at 508-2500.

SUPPORT
Counselling around HIV/AIDS related issues, including testing. Call 508-2500.

TRAINING FOR 2000
Training for 2000 is a series of professional development workshops. Call 508-2500 for a brochure and registration information.

TWINNING PROJECT
AIDS Calgary has established an international partnership with the Child Foundation of India involving staff training exchanges and resource sharing.

WORKSHOPS FOR ALL
To register call 508-2500.
Volunteer Orientation and Introduction to AIDS Calgary; Challenging Stereotypes; Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS; Living with HIV/AIDS.

YOUTH OUTREACH
YouthXChange Outreach connects with youth at various locations, including Thompkins Square, Stephen Avenue, & 17th Avenue.

YOUTH WEBSITE
Seeking youth volunteers to help develop and sustain a youth focussed website. Contact Laurie at 508-2500.

YOUTHXCHANGE DISCUSSION GROUPS
YouthXChange has four workshops targeted towards youth and staff members within youth-serving agencies. Contact Jen O. at 508-2500.

 

CALGARY CARES 2001
Now until December 31, 2000, Calgary Cares 2001 tickets can be purchased for $90 ($9 off the normal price). Not only this, but you will be issued a tax receipt for a portion of your ticket!
Please make cheques payable to AIDS Calgary 200, 1509 Centre Street South, Calgary, AB T2G 2E6
Or call (403) 508-2500 to make a credit card purchase.

 

360� is made possible by the support of the Alberta Community HIV Fund (a joint community, federal, provincial initiative, in partnership with Health Canada and Alberta Health & Wellness), the United Way of Calgary and Area and fundraised dollars.

360� is published bi-monthly and is produced by AIDS Calgary Awareness Association. 360� is available at www.aidscalgary.org

Newsletter comments?
[email protected]

Design + Stock Images:
Artichoke Design Ltd.

divider.gif (1243 bytes)

News, Features & FAQ's | Events & Fund Development | Staff, Programs & Stuff | Web Links & Articles | Home

aclogosm.gif (2652 bytes)

Copyright � 1998-2000
AIDS Calgary Awareness Association
Suite 200, 1509 Centre St South
Calgary, AB T2G 2E6
Tel: (403) 508-2500, Fax: (403) 263-7358
Web: www.aidscalgary.org
Questions? Send email to [email protected]

Read about this web site. Created & maintained by Humantec Consulting. Comments about the site can be sent to Humantec Consulting.

Humantec Consulting

Thanks to Shane H, our first Web volunteer, for getting us started.