The Ontario HIV Treatment Network
  STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
  ACHIEVING IMPACT
Greetings!
 
Did you know that it's been almost three years to the day that a controversial law involving HIV was revoked in the United States?

On January 4, 2010, the so-called HIV travel ban, which barred entry into the U.S. for HIV-positive individuals, was officially repealed. The elimination of the law, on the books since 1987, was a long time coming for those opposed to it. The law made it extremely difficult for PHAs to obtain U.S. tourist visas or permanent residence status. According to UNAIDS, there are still 57 countries with travel bans for PHAs.

 

For more interesting facts, visit Project Remember.  

 
PositiveLite.com talks to Lisa Power
Our latest video features an interview with Lisa Power about HIV and aging.

In this day and age, letters and phone calls, in many ways, have been supplanted by tweets, Facebook posts and YouTube videos. We here at the OHTN realize the power of social media to promote and disseminate all of the great work we are doing to combat HIV/AIDS in Ontario.  

On that note, we would like to draw your attention to the OHTN YouTube channel. At this point, there are more than 30 videos with more than 5,000 views. Pay us a visit to see interviews with HIV researchers speaking on a myriad of topics related to the epidemic. Or better yet, subscribe!

And as always, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Should you already do these things, don't forget to tell your friends!
Positive Aging Report

As HIV has evolved into a more manageable chronic illness, PHAs are now living into their 50s and 60s. And at the same time, a growing number of people are being diagnosed with HIV at later ages. Canadian health research, policy, and practice must adapt to this  "greying" of HIV.

That is why the OHTN is proud to release a scoping review of HIV and aging in Ontario. Some of the topics that are touched on include aging in several health-related domains, including physical, mental and sexual health, adherence to medication, access to health services and social participation. A lot of hard work from many different people went into this report and we are extremely proud to contribute to this all-important issue.  
 
We are proud to announce the publication of two new Rapid Responses, which provide quick access to research evidence for our stakeholders.

The first of the two, Public Perception of Harm Reduction Interventions, discusses the public perception of harm reduction interventions, such as needle exchange programs, methadone clinics and safe injection sites. Additionally, it looks at the best ways to address negative perceptions of these interventions.

The second, Approaches for Front-Line Organizations to Implement Evidence-Based Interventions, looks at front-line organizations and their capacity to implement evidence-based interventions into their HIV services. The Diffusion of Effective Behavioural Intervention (DEBI) program from the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S. is closely examined.
     
The OHTN Cohort Study (OCS) is pleased to release its annual newsletter, summarizing numerous publications from the past year that have utilized OCS data. Topics include the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure, late diagnoses as a marker of care, and mental health-related quality of life for PHAs.

The OCS is an ongoing research study that collects clinical, social and behavioural information about PHAs in Ontario.



One of our own has been featured in one of Canada's most prominent publications! Mona Loutfy is an OHTN-funded researcher and a member of the OHTN Cohort Study Scientific Steering Committee.She is also an infectious disease expert specializing in pregnancy planning for HIV-positive mothers.

In the Globe and Mail article, she is interviewed regarding a unique program at St. Michael's Hospital specifically geared towards HIV-positive women who are pregnant, a demographic that experiences increased stigma and barriers to maternal health care. Now in its seventh year, the Positive Pregnancy Programme assists these women through every step of their pregnancy.

"Since my patients have been going to the program, it's been incredible," Mona says in the article. "I have some fairly marginalized patients: drug-using, others who have just arrived in Canada. And just the care and the empathy that the whole program shows really contributes to these women, which also contributes to the health of the baby."

     
St. Michael's Hospital Rounds are presentations taking place every Tuesday featuring insights into HIV-related research. The rounds are open to the public and are free-of-charge. The next one is entitled HIV and Anal Screening and takes place January 15 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. 
January 9, 2013
  Striving for Excellence
  Achieving Impact
OHTN
In This Issue
Social Media
HIV and Aging
Rapid Responses
OCS Newsletter
Globe and Mail
SMH HIV Rounds
FOLLOW US ONLINE 

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Join Our Mailing List
JOB POSTINGS

 

Advisory Committee Community Member (CWGHR)
Due: January 15, 2013

Fundraising and Communications Director
(Dignitas International)
Due: January 18. 2013

 

Gay Men's Sexual Health Coordinator

(HARS)

Due: February 1, 2013 

 

Two-Year, Full-Time Postdoctoral Research Fellowship  

(Ryerson University) 

UPCOMING EVENTS

HIV and Anal Screening
(SMH HIV Round)
January 15, 2013

Stuff That Matters
(CTAC)
January 21, 2013

HIV in Haiti
(SMH HIV Round)
January 22, 2013

Complex Cases from the Clinic at 410
(SMH HIV Round)
January 29, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
CAAN Seeking Individuals for its National Research Advisory Committee (NRAC)

Seeking PHAs for Focus Groups and Interviews
Collaboration for HIV
Medical Education (CHIME)
University of Toronto

 

Did You Know?
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network Bi-Weekly Newsletter
To be included in the Did You Know, email kte@ohtn.on.ca