Update: June 16 2020:
We are encouraged by the current trends in local Covid-19 cases, and the welcome news that the Provincial government believes it is safe to begin easing restrictions. Like many organizations we are very eager to return to working out of our office and meeting spaces. However, we are choosing to continue exercising an abundance of caution, and will not be re-opening our physical spaces to the public at this time. We will continue to offer our adapted HIV support, harm reduction and education programs as outlined, and will continue to monitor the situation for the time being. We recognize that our physical office locations are important, safe spaces for the people we help, and we are all eager to return to our regular programs and services for people living with, affected by and vulnerable to HIV in Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand Norfolk and Brant when we feel it is safe to do so.
Covid-19 Programs and Services Update
The AIDS Network has made the decision that our physical office and meeting spaces will remain closed over the summer, as we continue to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of Covid 19. Despite these necessary restrictions, we are committed to continue providing support to people living with and affected by HIV through call and text, as well as some non-contact practical assistance.
The Van (Hamilton): Our harm reduction outreach has continued without interruption through community outreach as well as our mobile van program in partnership with The City of Hamilton. Our van program has added additional service in the afternoon while continuing the evening outreach. Individuals can continue to reach out to our van program at 905-317-9966 for harm reduction supplies as well as naloxone.
The HNB Van: Our HNB Van program will also continue to provide harm reduction supplies and naloxone in Haldimand, Norfolk, Brant County and Brantford. Please see the service schedule, and contact the program at 289-440-4912 for harm reduction services.
For Harm Reduction services in Halton, contact Justina Howe at 905-570-2014 (cell) or hrhalton@aidsnetwork.ca
Our HIV support team are available for client intakes, case management and support remotely. If you need support contact the support worker in your region.
Hamilton:
Kelly Rattray – Support Worker
905-528-0854 ex.227 , 905-317-5583 (cell)
Haldimand, Norfolk, Brantford and Brant County
Jamie Dereniowski – Regional Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Worker
226-388-3559 (cell)
Mark Lindsay – Peer Navigator
905-528-0854 ext. 243 , 905-379-2881 (cell)
Halton
Bridget Hall- Halton Community Development & Support Worker
905-749-4898 (cell):
Community development and education initiatives through our priority population network programs (Gay Men’s Sexual Health, Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative, and African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario) are being conducted virtually. For inquiries please contact:
Eddy Aranguren- MSM Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Worker
905-528-0854 ex.231, 289-527-1613 (cell)
Nomvelo Dingani – African Caribbean Community Outreach Worker
905-528-0854 ex.230, 289-440-4064 (cell)
Noxy Nkomo-Goto – Women’s Community Development Coordinator
905-528-0854 ex.245, 289-442-7620 (cell)
Our full staff directory is available at www.aidsnetwork.ca/staff
Office and programming updates as well as staff contact information can be found on our website www.aidsnetwork.ca as well as our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheAIDSNetwork/) and Twitter page (https://twitter.com/TheAIDSNetwork).