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On Shining stars Awards gala honours heroes in BC’s AIDS movement April 18, the 9th annual AccolAIDS awards gala took place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The event recognized the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in BC’s HIV/AIDS movement. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program The Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program of the BC Centre for Disease Control was created in response to the disproportionate numbers of new HIV infections among BC’s Aboriginal population. Three exceptional women—Melanie Rivers, Jada- Gabrielle Pape, and Felicia Tebb—are behind Chee Mamuk, working with tireless devotion to create and implement innovative programming that effectively reduces HIV transmission in the most vulnerable communities. Every program is grounded in culture and tradition, creating a supportive environment that engages every participant. Chee Mamuk’s initiatives extend beyond awareness workshops and aim to create the capacity for change within the communities themselves. Chee Mamuk has ensured that Aboriginal individuals and communities are prepared to win the fight against HIV/AIDS. PHILANTHROPHY The Printing House The Printing House (TPH) actively supports HIV/AIDS organizations throughout BC. For nearly a decade it has chosen Vancouver’s AIDS WALK for LIFE as one of its signature charities, donating an average of $10,000 a year. In addition to funds, TPH donates printing services and encourages employee participation in AIDS WALKS all over Canada. One of the many projects organized by TPH is its annual seasonal greeting card campaign, which donates 100 percent of the proceeds to registered Canadian charities. In 2009, the funds went to programs that “feed Canada,” including the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation Health Program. Over the years, a number of AIDS related charities throughout Canada have benefited from TPH’s fundraising efforts and community philanthropy activities. KEVIN BROWN PWA HERO AWARD Monique Desroches Monique Desroches is a familiar face in the HIV/AIDS community, lending her story to the media in order to challenge stereotypes, break down stigma, and promote women’s issues across Canada. She has served as a pacific regional representative to the Canadian AIDS Society Board, as well as the Positive Women’s Network (PWN) representative at the Pacific AIDS Network. Desroches is currently co-chair of the PWN Board of Directors, leading the organization’s provincial initiatives. On a personal level, Monique has made it her mission to provide support and guidance to women with HIV. Her indomitable spirit, affable sense of humour, and eternally positive attitude in the face of multiple adversities have helped others cope with their own personal struggles. SOCIAL/POLITICAL/COMMUNITY ACTION (tie) Micheal Vonn Staunchly committed to defending the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, Vonn has been tireless in her advocacy and public awareness endeavors. As policy director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, she works to protect the personal health information of HIV-positive individuals through initiatives such as the Right to Privacy Campaign. Vonn has joined with several HIV/AIDS organizations to form BC’s Big Opt Out, an active awareness campaign against centralized electronic health data, or eHealth. She’s been instrumental in educating people on their rights in regards to disclosing their HIV status. Since joining the HIV/AIDS community as a volunteer at AIDS Vancouver, Vonn has used her legal savvy and personal determination to call for change and empower the vulnerable. She’s an influential advocate, speaker, writer, and educator who has done much to publicize issues relevant to HIV/AIDS. 6 living5 MayqJune 2010
Jennifer Evin Jones For the past 15 years, Jones has lent her legal expertise and innovative spirit to the HIV/AIDS movement, demonstrating a sophisticated knowledge and sensitivity to the complex issues of discrimination and stigma. As head of the advocacy department at BCPWA, she challenged provincial disability policy, which led to an increase in supplemental income for many people living with HIV/AIDS. As executive director of YouthCo AIDS Society and the Vancouver Friends for Life Society, she designed and implemented innovative programming aimed at addressing critical gaps in community services. Currently, as executive director of the Pacific AIDS Network, Jones has been integral in shaping its vision and building formal relationships with key players in the HIV/AIDS community. She has demonstrated the vision, leadership, and iron will needed to influence change and promote cooperation in the fight against HIV/AIDS. HEALTH PROMOTION AND HARM REDUCTION Dr. Silvia Guillemi Dr. Guillemi is a physician at the John Ruedy Immunodeficiency Clinic (IDC) at St Paul’s Hospital and a consulting physician at the Dr. Peter Centre. As clinical coordinator of the IDC, she’s actively involved in enhancing primary HIV care programs and improving patient access to both medical and support services. In 2000, Dr. Guillemi initiated a tireless crusade to overhaul the IDC and is largely responsible for the exceptional and comprehensive treatment the clinic now provides for PWAs. Dr. Guillemi organizes regular educational sessions for staff at St Paul’s Hospital and arranges preceptorships for visiting healthcare professionals. She also directs the skills enhancement program in HIV/AIDS at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and co-coordinates the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS’ (BC-CfE) biannual Antiretroviral Updates. Her unrelenting mission towards improved care for PWAs reveals itself through the effective management of the disease in medical facilities throughout BC. SCIENCE/RESEARCH/TECHNOLOGY Dr. Richard Harrigan Dr. Harrigan is the director of the research laboratory at the BC-CfE and is among the world’s leading experts in HIV/AIDS. Under his direction, the lab performs the vast majority of Canada’s HIV drug resistance testing and is regarded as the most outstanding HIV/AIDS research centre in Canada. Dr. Harrigan’s research focuses on drug efficacy, drug resistance, and the human and viral parameters that influence HIV disease progression. His innovative HIV drug resistance testing program is modeled throughout the world. Recently Dr. Harrigan conducted a study that indicates a dramatic decline in drug resistance within BC’s HIV population. These findings result from the development and application of innovative treatment and drug management strategies based on his lab’s findings. His primary goal of helping doctors make better decisions for their patients continues to inspire his research and lead to new discoveries. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (tie) Irene Goldstone Goldstone has accomplished much over the course of her long and impressive career, first as a nurse and later as an educator and program director. In 1982, she was appointed director of medical nursing at St. Paul’s Hospital where she was involved in developing the HIV/AIDS program. In 1992, she joined the BC-CfE as director of professional education. Goldstone later joined the UBC faculty where she teaches an HIV/AIDS elective in nursing and assists in the delivery of an interprofessional HIV/AIDS course. Goldstone’s commitment to improving the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS is well respected throughout the community. The passion she brings to the classroom has inspired many, while her compassionate and understanding manner with her patients has impacted countless others. Her strong leadership and insistence on excellence has helped to ensure that top quality care is available to people with HIV/AIDS— today and well into the future. Diana Johansen As a dietitian at the Oak Tree Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Johansen has dedicated the last 16 years of her life to promoting the health of women and children with HIV/AIDS through improved nutrition and by advocating for their enhanced care. She played a key role in implementing the monthly nutrition supplement benefit and the free formula benefit for infants born to HIV infected mothers. She developed the BC nutrition guidelines for HIV and has contributed to various national and international manuals. Johansen has also been a leader in education, helping to teach the interprofessional HIV/AIDS course at UBC and conducting workshops for healthcare professionals in the Caribbean. She founded the Vancouver Dietitians in AIDS Care practice group to create opportunities for professional development. Her active presence within the HIV/AIDS community and long list of contributions towards health promotion will ensure her continued relevance. 5 Shannon Lee is the communications assistant for AccolAIDS 2010. MayqJune 2010 living5 7
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Page 5: The FIGHTING WORDS Fighting back Th
Page 9 and 10: Cover Story BCPWA is changing with
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Page 15 and 16: Pain and anguish—and bliss One HI
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Page 20 and 21: Feature Story When old is new The i
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Page 26 and 27: Please phone 604.893.2239 or email
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Page 35 and 36: New BCPWA AGM voting procedure Now
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