From Michelle's Messy Desk

Hi folks,

Like many of you, my messy desk is definitely looking a little different these days! Writing to you from my “desk” (also known as my kitchen table), I’m pausing to reflect on where we are at after a month of isolating, and how we are managing this “new normal”. Most of us couldn’t imagine until now what our work world would look like, but as we enter our second month of staying home, social/physical distancing, and the cancellation of many events, I am buoyed by the incredible adaptability of the human spirit. I wanted to share some of the heartwarming happenings we’ve experienced at Options:

Nicole, our Clinical Practice Director, held an online auction through her personal Instagram account to raise funds to support BC Women’s Health Centre and Options. Donations from makers and crafters came from all over BC to be put up for bid. When the flurry of bidding activity ended, happy bidders claimed their victories, and Nicole raised almost $2500! Thank you to all who donated to the auction and to those who bid on the items, and most of all, so much gratitude to Nicole for putting it all together!

Our Clinic Team in Nanaimo came up with an ingenious solution to help protect themselves and their clients from COVID-19 transmission: The Clinic Supervisor’s husband crafted a plexiglass window that could be placed upon the desk to create a barrier and still allow folks to receive sexual health care!

While we have had to cancel our in-person education courses like our SAR which was to take place this weekend, our Education team has been very nimble. They are working with teachers across the province to deliver sexual health education through virtual classroom sessions! As those of you who have recently started working from home can likely attest to, there has been a steep learning curve with online platforms for meetings and webinars. We are happy to report that Kristen, our Education Director, adapted to this significant change in delivery and is already receiving feedback on how well these sessions are going! Way to go Kristen!

Just last week we sent out a request for supporting choice during COVID-19. The generosity we have already seen from this campaign is inspiring. Our amazing community has already raised $1800 for contraceptive products - the equivalent to 120 packages of birth control! This is more than 1/3rd of the way to our goal of $5000. Thank you to all of you who have already donated! If you haven’t had an opportunity to donate yet, there’s still time to contribute to this campaign! Click here for details.

The truth is that it’s anything but business as usual for us at Options these days. Thankfully our team is agile and constantly adapting to the new challenges thrown their way. It is their passion, commitment, and dedication to continuing to provide sexual and reproductive health care and education that makes this creativity and agility happen.

I know that many folks are facing challenges and struggles, and those can look different to everyone. We hope that sharing how we are coping helps to bring a little bit of levity to your day. If you have questions about what we are doing, or how our services have changed, please visit our information page here. You can also reach out to me personally at mfortin@optbc.org.

We hope you, your families and your communities are doing well, staying safe, and finding moments of joy and gratitude during this time.

With my deepest respect and appreciation,

Michelle Fortin
Options for Sexual Health Executive Director

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Sharing our hearts while keeping physical distance!

Looking for COVID-19 resources?

We are booking telemedicine appointments for those in communities without access to services. Call 604-731-4252 to book an appointment.
UBC-O has partnered with BCPA and NNPBC to provide free counselling and support for mental health during COVID-19
The Federation of Community Social Services of BC has pooled together some resources for those working from home who are also parenting and schooling from home during COVID-19
Youth Co. has COVID-19 funds for youth living with HIV and/or Hep C.
BCCDC has information on COVID-19 for individuals and health care workers.
Public Health Agency of Canada has up to date information and resources.
NYC Health has shared some guidelines on safer sex during COVID-19 pandemic.