What to do in Toronto this weekend

City of Toronto Festival and Events Calendar

The HIV Sector’s Engagement in Ontario Health Team

October 18, 2023 @ 1pm-3pm

As local Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) re-prioritize after several years responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HIV sector has a critical and timely opportunity to bring HIV issues to broader health planning discussions and to determine the most effective manner and timing to become directly involved in regional planning activities and partnerships.

Learning Objectives:

· Deeper understanding of Ontario Health Team’s purpose and community engagement process

· Understanding how Ontario Health Teams apply to ASOs

· Creating a criteria or process goals for your organization’s engagement

Audience

This is a virtual session for HIV sector leaders, regardless of current levels of engagement, to share, learn and plan.

Presenter:

Nancy Lin, OT Reg. (Ont.) Director of Operations, Downtown East Toronto OHT

Confirmed Panelists:

·        Heidi Eisenhauer, Executive Director, Réseau ACCESS Network

·       Ruth Cameron, Executive Director, AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo & Area (ACCKWA)

·        John Maxwell, Executive Director, ACT

THN’s HIV Core Volunteer Training Program

Volunteer Training Program on Wednesdays October 4th to November 22nd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

This session will be held on MS Teams.

The Module and sessions are being held as follows from 6-9:

Wednesday October 4th, Introduction and Orientation to THN VTP.

Wednesday October 11th, Concepts in Communications & Empathy.

Wednesday October 18th, HIV Basics & Health Promotion.

Wednesday October 25th, Harm Reduction.

Wednesday November 1st, GIPA/MEPA - Greater Involvement and Engagement for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Wednesday November 8th, Confidentiality & Boundaries.

Wednesday November 15th, Anti-Racism, Anti Oppression Framework.

Wednesday November 22nd, Steering the Course – You and the Agency- Volunteering as a PHA or affected by HIV

.

Please see you Agency Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for more information or contact Brian@torontohivaidsnetwork.org

Public Health warns of spike in overdoses as city experiences 'drug toxicity crisis

Toronto’s public health unit has issued an alert warning of a spike in opioid-related overdose deaths in the city since Aug. 31.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) says 11 people died of suspected opioid-related overdoes between Aug. 31 and Sept. 6, which the health agency says is double the weekly average for the city.

TPH says there have been recent reports of red and green fentanyl linked to overdoses both in the community and at supervised consumption sites, though specific information about those drugs is not yet available. The city’s drug-checking service, according to a media release from Toronto Public Health, continues to find other highly potent opioids and benzodiazepine-drugs in samples expected to be fentanyl.

“Overdoses are occurring in a variety of neighbourhoods across the city,” the release says.

The alert comes in the midst of what the city has previously referred to as a “drug toxicity crisis,” with “alarming death rates and devastating community impacts.” Data from the city suggests a 100 per cent increase in opioid-related deaths between 2019 and 2021, the most recent year for which statistics are available.

According to the city, drug toxicity is the leading cause of death amongst people experiencing homelessness, with almost half of the deaths amongst Toronto’s unhoused population in 2022 being attributed to drug toxicity.

“All levels of government must continue to work together with action and investment in the face of this urgent public health issue,” said Mayor Olivia Chow in a news release on Overdose Awareness Day in late August.

The Casey Awards

Honour someone exemplary by nominating them for a Casey Award. These distinguished annual awards celebrate individuals and organizations who demonstrate leadership in social justice and commitment to HIV. Categories include leadership, volunteering, and philanthropy. In all categories the committee is looking for evidence of: innovation; collaboration; responsiveness; inspiring others; transformative and/or exemplary action; and/or commitment to communities who are at higher risk of HIV due to the social determinants of health. Nominations open until October 11.

Nonprofits have until October 19, 2024, to comply with the Ontario not-for-profit Corporations Act (ONCA).

The Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) was proclaimed on October 19, 2021. To learn more about what you might need to change, visit Nonprofit Law Ontario.

It may affect your nonprofit in many important ways, such as:

• The requirement to get an audit

• Members’ rights to make proposals and call members’ meetings

• The number of your directors

• By providing a new online Ontario Business Registry (OBR) that allows many different filings to be done online

Dane Griffith departs as GMSH Director

After more than a decade working in the community-based HIV sector, 8 years with GMSH, and the last 3 years as Director. I’m writing to let you know that I am departing my role, and my last day on the team is September 12.

I look forward to continued learning and growth in my new role at Toronto Public Health. This year marks 140 years of TPH, and I’m excited to join an award-winning communications team that promotes awareness and responds to current and emerging threats to our health. Over the last several years, I’ve been inspired by their mission to promote and protect the health of all who call this great city home.

Exciting advances in HIV have marked my time in the sector – the availability of PrEP, new testing technologies finding their way into the community, and the undeniable evidence of U=U are just a few highlights that keep me optimistic. I’ve enjoyed working on exceptional campaigns like The Sex You Want, Party & Play, and, more recently, during the Mpox outbreak response. I’m often reminded that gay men are experts in our lives, that good storytelling can inspire and mobilize, and that humour, camp, and fun are central ingredients to our continued engagement in the HIV response.

Once settled in my new position, I will surely look for opportunities to contribute to ending HIV and promoting the health of gay men, albeit in a different capacity. Serving my community has been a privilege, and I look forward to seeing GMSH flourish under new leadership.

Thank you to my GMSH team members, past and present, for their exceptional work, our Alliance members for their dedication, and to colleagues at the OAN and the AIDS Bureau, Ministry of Health for their support and collaboration over these years.

Come stand in solidarity with the Land Alliance to protect their lands and waters!

On September 27th, 12 pm 2023 five First Nations from Northern Ontario will come to Toronto to lead a march calling on Premier Ford to end unwanted mining activity on their Territories. These five strong First Nations have formed a historic alliance to protect their lands and waters in the face of mounting concerns about encroachment on their territories by mining exploration companies who have been enabled by the Ford Government. The Five Allied Nations that make up the Land Alliance are coming to Toronto to march against mining exploration incursions on their land. Join them. It is a concrete example of the ongoing colonialism, Indigenous resistance, and what settlers can do to be on the right side of history. 

Neighbourhood Town Hall.

An opportunity for residents to speak directly with Chris Moise and the Ward 13 team, city staff, and learn about the work we are doing.

First neighbourhood town hall will be Zone 1 happening at The 519 (519 Church Street) from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, September 13.

Doors open at 5:30pm and the Town Hall will kick off at 6:00pm. We will provide a brief overview of the work at City Hall and in the community before dedicating most of our time to open questions and answers.

Below are the times and locations of all 6 townhalls:

📌 The 519
Wednesday, September 13
6:00pm - 8:00pm

📌 Central Neighbourhood House
Tuesday, September 19
6:00pm - 8:00pm

📌 St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre
Monday, September 25
6:00pm - 8:00pm

📌 Regent Park Community Centre
Thursday, September 28
6:00pm - 8:00pm

📌 Wellesley Community Recreation Centre
Wednesday, October 4
6:00pm - 8:00pm

📌 Cooper Koo Family YMCA
Thursday, October 5
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Upcoming Programs and Events at ACT

ACT can offer a wide range of group support for people living with and affected by HIV in Toronto. Below is a list of some group programs and events that we are hosting this month. Click below for more information:

HIV Psychiatry ECHO (Virtual)

When: Every Friday from September 22, 2023 – November 17, 2023
12-1:30PM EST
Dates for ECHO ON Series:

Who should join?

• Are you interested in joining a community of practice for caseworkers and clinicians in mental health and HIV?

• Are you interested in gaining more knowledge about mental health disorders, and skills in mental health navigation?

• Do you have clients or case examples you’d like to consult a mental health team about?

Join this case-based education series with HIV psychiatrists, community experts, and other HIV mental health experts.

This program is ideally suited for caseworkers serving people living with HIV that may have mental health needs. We strongly encourage ASO workers to register. If you are an Executive Director of an ASO, please consider recommending a frontline employee for this educational opportunity.

Themes covered include:

1.       Perspectives in Psychiatry

2.       The Mental Status Exam

3.       Trauma and Elicitation of life narrative

4.       Remaining well in the work; building a community of practice

5.       Crystal Meth, Addictions and Motivational Interviewing

6.       Intro to CBT for anxiety and mood

7.       Navigating psychiatric diagnoses and Medications

HIV Resources Ontario: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

When: September 27, 2023 @ 9:30pm-12pm EST

Description: HRO invites all ASO staff in the HIV sector in Ontario to attend a learning and sharing session. This is in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Audience: This is a virtual session for all staff in the HIV sector

International Day of Older Persons

Celebrate International Day of Older Persons and socialize with 2SLGBTQI+ seniors and allies, Monday, October 2, 2023, with food, refreshments, entertainment, and informative presentations.  Hosted by The 519 and SPN Toronto at The 519, 519 Church Street, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  We hope to see you there! 

No Time To Wait “Flip The Switch”.

This year's theme is “Flip the Switch”. We will shed light on HIV-related issues that have shifted over recent years due to social and societal changes. We need to spark change, strategize, and act. Join us to rewire the narrative moving forward! 

No Time To Wait is FREE for attendees twenty-one and under!

Attendees Twenty-two and older:

• Early bird registration is $12 and ends on September 20th at 11:59 pm EST

• After September 20th, we ask attendees to pay what they can, $20-$30

  
  

P.S. You’ll get a leadership swag kit with your registration

MAID: The ongoing impact on service providers

When

November 9, 2023
9:30am-11am EST

Presenter: Dr. Jeff Myers

Description

Helping clients at the end of their life can bring up complex emotions. Join us for a session with Dr. Jeff Myers, Professor and the current Bresver Family Chair in End-of-Life Care and Medical Assistance in Dying at University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Myers has been practicing palliative medicine for the past 25 years and will guide a discussion covering the following points:

• Understand the process of MAID

• Navigating potential spiritual conflict

• Processing the emotional impact

Audience:
This is a virtual session for people in Ontario working in the fields of mental health; HIV; harm reduction; housing; hospice

Realize is hiring!

• Training Officer

• Research Coordinator

• Podcast and Communications Officer

• National Youth Episodic Disabilities Initiatives Coordinator

• Finance Officer

• Program Assistant (Executive Office)

• Program Assistant

• Program Assistant (Outreach)

Counsellor (Part-time)

AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is seeking a Part-time Counsellor. Applications accepted until position is filled

Registered Psychotherapist / Registered Social Worker

Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention is seeking a Registered Psychotherapist / Registered Social Worker. Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Direction générale

Action Positive embauche un Direction générale. CV  seront accepté au plus tard le mardi 10 septembre 2023, à 12 h (midi)

Project Coordinator

Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples (CSSP) is seeking a Project Coordinator. Applications accepted until the position is filled.

ACT is Hiring

The AIDS Committee of Toronto is seeking the following positions:

Counsellor (Part-time)

Communications Coordinator

Donor Relations and Database Coordinator

Events and Partnerships Specialist

Philanthropy Manager

Please check the Application Deadlines for each position.

Call for editorial board members, writers and artists living with HIV
(Paid opportunity)

The Positive Side magazine was first established by CATIE volunteers in 1993, and revived in the early 2000s, to meet a need for health and wellness information for people living with HIV. Each issue featured a cover story spotlighting a Canadian living with HIV, and its articles shared information and stories relevant to people living with HIV across the country. The Positive Side received a 2021 National Magazine Award Honourable Mention in the Profiles

Annual General Meetings

Upcoming Annual General Meetings within our sector

Fife House's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be taking place on Monday, September 18, 2023. We invite you to join us in person or virtually. For voting purposes, we are asking current and past members to renew their Fife House membership before the upcoming meeting. Our annual membership fee, which has remained unchanged since 1996, is $25 (optional for people living with HIV/AIDS). The in-person meeting will take place at 490 Sherbourne.

Fife House AGM Package

Our team (Carrie Martin, PhD Candidate under the supervision of Dr. Mark Watson, and Jasmine Cotnam, Community Research Coordinator) have been working on a new research study and we need your help. 

 Our goal of this new study is to understand if and how we can adapt and operationalize a Women-Centered HIV Care Model to better fit the needs of Indigenous women living with HIV in Canada. 

 We hope that by making changes to this Model that are aligned with the identified needs and concerns of Indigenous women living with HIV, that we can help to improve HIV care experiences and health outcomes.  

Adapting and operationalizing the Women-Centered HIV Care Model for Indigenous Women Living with HIV in Canada

Who Can Participate? 

• You self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and/or Metis) 

• You self-identify as a woman (inclusive of cis women, trans women, two-spirit, femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer, and non-binary 

• You have been diagnosed with HIV 

• You are 18 years of age or older 

• You live in British Columbia, Ontario, or Quebec 

• You can communicate in English (or French for Quebec site)

How to Participate
If you meet these requirements and are interested in helping, sign up for the study by contacting either Carrie Martin at carri_ma@live.concordia.ca or Jasmine Cotnam at Jasminecotnam@mail.com.