World AIDS Day: Standing together, because HIV is still here
November 28, 2024
World AIDS Day: Standing together, because HIV is still here
Every year on December 1st, our community takes time to reflect on the ongoing global efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS, honour the lives that have been impacted, and remind ourselves that the need for action is not over.
This World AIDS Day, Casey House is encouraging others to take a moment to reflect on the barriers that still exist in HIV care, prevention and treatment. HIV is still here, but so is Casey House, and our collective work is far from over.
HIV is Still Here
Despite incredible advancements in prevention and treatment, HIV continues to be acquired and the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV have evolved and grown more complex. Many Casey House clients have experienced trauma, requiring not just health care, but acceptance, dignity, support and a judgment-free environment where they can begin to heal.
At Casey House, we see that HIV is not purely medical, challenges are social and political and touch on who “deserves” health care in our communities. Our hospital thinks the answer is everyone, and we are working to redesign health care that reaches people often thought to be unreachable – those without documentation or immigration status, those without addresses, and those who have lost faith in health care providers and institutions.
HIV Is Not Just a Sexually Transmitted Infection
Yes, HIV can be transmitted via intercourse, however it can also be acquired through other methods, such as sharing unsterile injection equipment. This risk can be lowered substantially by providing new needles and syringes and safe places to dispose of used sharps.
At Casey House, we are bold advocates for harm reduction. We have on-site supervised consumption services for both inpatient and outpatient clients and have been distributing safer drug-use equipment and sexual health supplies for more than a decade. Learn about our recent additions- two outdoor harm reduction vending machines, here.
HIV testing is for everyone
There are many false ideologies about HIV, such as “only gay men contract it.” The human immunodeficiency virus can infect any human. It transcends borders, cultures, genders, socioeconomic status, ages and social spheres. HIV can impact anyone – which is why it is also important that everyone be tested for HIV. Casey House offers free and confidential testing for all, with connections to counselling, and support to start treatment.
HIV Care Is More Than a Viral Load
What does life after an HIV diagnosis look like? A viral load is the amount of HIV copies detectable in someone’s blood. This biomedical indicator is used by health care providers to determine a treatment plan.
But, while it’s easy to focus on physical health, HIV is more than one’s viral load. HIV is a lived experience that touches every aspect of someone’s existence. It is an ongoing journey with social and political challenges that shape intersectional identity, health, relationships and so much more.
Casey House has a broad view of health care and believes quality care treats the whole person. Our carefully designed services include access to food, mental wellness, social community ties, and dignified medical care.
HIV is a virus. Stigma is a disease.
Stigma and discrimination faced by those living with HIV can be as debilitating as the virus itself, and the health care sector is not immune; 1 in 5 people living with HIV are denied health care because of stigma. It only takes subtle action to make someone with HIV feel unwelcome and unsettled. A strange look, a step back, doubling up on gloves, isolating them in a separate room.
That stigma can negatively affect someone’s health. Studies show that these actions can make people living with HIV internalize this stigma, leading to depression, treatment, avoidance and negative health care outcomes. Earlier this year, Casey House launched Stigmavir – a campaign to smash the stigma that surrounds HIV in health care. Check it out here: Stigmavir.ca
We can only end HIV if we put people first
People know what they need and respecting their choices is an inclusive approach to providing health care. At Casey House, we offer client-directed care, meeting people where they are at in their journeys to health and well-being.
With our client care and comfort fund, we also provide Casey House clients in need with everyday essentials many people take for granted, such as warm meals, winter clothing, toiletries, blankets and more. These small comforts help offer a sense of dignity, ensuring our clients not only receive the medical care they need, but also enhance their quality of life and sense of security.
Standing Together
Casey House commemorates the lives of each client who passes away through memorial quilts designed and sewn by volunteers. These quilts, woven together from different textiles are unique pieces of the larger story. Each quilt square is a testament to a life lived and loved, carefully created with dignity and respect. The quilts serve as a poignant reminder that those lost to HIV are not forgotten and that HIV is woven into the fabric of our communities.
Much like the components that make up a quilt, HIV care has many intersecting factors. Collectively, we all have an opportunity to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV and it begins with unequivocal compassion.
In honour of World AIDS Day, here are some ways you can participate:
Wear a red ribbon
Do your research
Strive to be HIV stigma-free and stand up to stigma in your community
Volunteer at Casey House
Donate
HIV is not just a sexually transmitted infection
HIV testing is for everyone- it can impact anyone and is intersectional.
HIV care is more than a viral load – it is evolutionary care.
HIV is a virus–stigma is the disease.
Ending HIV means putting people first and requires help – it is a collective fight.
HIV is still here – and so is Casey House.
Health is a universal human right that should be a given, not a privilege. We will continue to lead HIV care – and are committed to prevention, education, advocacy, reducing stigma and combatting misinformation that continues to perpetuate fear and misunderstanding about HIV. We will lead with unequivocal compassion, providing care to those who are often forgotten.
As a community driven organization, we aim to leave no one behind until there is no need for World AIDS Day.
November 28, 2024
World AIDS Day: Standing together, because HIV is still here
Every year on December 1st, our community takes time to reflect on the ongoing global efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS, honour the lives that have been impacted, and remind ourselves that the need for action is not over.
This World AIDS Day, Casey House is encouraging others to take a moment to reflect on the barriers that still exist in HIV care, prevention and treatment. HIV is still here, but so is Casey House, and our collective work is far from over.
HIV is Still Here
Despite incredible advancements in prevention and treatment, HIV continues to be acquired and the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV have evolved and grown more complex. Many Casey House clients have experienced trauma, requiring not just health care, but acceptance, dignity, support and a judgment-free environment where they can begin to heal.
At Casey House, we see that HIV is not purely medical, challenges are social and political and touch on who “deserves” health care in our communities. Our hospital thinks the answer is everyone, and we are working to redesign health care that reaches people often thought to be unreachable – those without documentation or immigration status, those without addresses, and those who have lost faith in health care providers and institutions.
HIV Is Not Just a Sexually Transmitted Infection
Yes, HIV can be transmitted via intercourse, however it can also be acquired through other methods, such as sharing unsterile injection equipment. This risk can be lowered substantially by providing new needles and syringes and safe places to dispose of used sharps.
At Casey House, we are bold advocates for harm reduction. We have on-site supervised consumption services for both inpatient and outpatient clients and have been distributing safer drug-use equipment and sexual health supplies for more than a decade. Learn about our recent additions- two outdoor harm reduction vending machines, here.
HIV testing is for everyone
There are many false ideologies about HIV, such as “only gay men contract it.” The human immunodeficiency virus can infect any human. It transcends borders, cultures, genders, socioeconomic status, ages and social spheres. HIV can impact anyone – which is why it is also important that everyone be tested for HIV. Casey House offers free and confidential testing for all, with connections to counselling, and support to start treatment.
HIV Care Is More Than a Viral Load
What does life after an HIV diagnosis look like? A viral load is the amount of HIV copies detectable in someone’s blood. This biomedical indicator is used by health care providers to determine a treatment plan.
But, while it’s easy to focus on physical health, HIV is more than one’s viral load. HIV is a lived experience that touches every aspect of someone’s existence. It is an ongoing journey with social and political challenges that shape intersectional identity, health, relationships and so much more.
Casey House has a broad view of health care and believes quality care treats the whole person. Our carefully designed services include access to food, mental wellness, social community ties, and dignified medical care.
HIV is a virus. Stigma is a disease.
Stigma and discrimination faced by those living with HIV can be as debilitating as the virus itself, and the health care sector is not immune; 1 in 5 people living with HIV are denied health care because of stigma. It only takes subtle action to make someone with HIV feel unwelcome and unsettled. A strange look, a step back, doubling up on gloves, isolating them in a separate room.
That stigma can negatively affect someone’s health. Studies show that these actions can make people living with HIV internalize this stigma, leading to depression, treatment, avoidance and negative health care outcomes. Earlier this year, Casey House launched Stigmavir – a campaign to smash the stigma that surrounds HIV in health care. Check it out here: Stigmavir.ca
We can only end HIV if we put people first
People know what they need and respecting their choices is an inclusive approach to providing health care. At Casey House, we offer client-directed care, meeting people where they are at in their journeys to health and well-being.
With our client care and comfort fund, we also provide Casey House clients in need with everyday essentials many people take for granted, such as warm meals, winter clothing, toiletries, blankets and more. These small comforts help offer a sense of dignity, ensuring our clients not only receive the medical care they need, but also enhance their quality of life and sense of security.
Standing Together
Casey House commemorates the lives of each client who passes away through memorial quilts designed and sewn by volunteers. These quilts, woven together from different textiles are unique pieces of the larger story. Each quilt square is a testament to a life lived and loved, carefully created with dignity and respect. The quilts serve as a poignant reminder that those lost to HIV are not forgotten and that HIV is woven into the fabric of our communities.
Much like the components that make up a quilt, HIV care has many intersecting factors. Collectively, we all have an opportunity to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV and it begins with unequivocal compassion.
In honour of World AIDS Day, here are some ways you can participate:
HIV is not just a sexually transmitted infection
HIV testing is for everyone- it can impact anyone and is intersectional.
HIV care is more than a viral load – it is evolutionary care.
HIV is a virus–stigma is the disease.
Ending HIV means putting people first and requires help – it is a collective fight.
HIV is still here – and so is Casey House.
Health is a universal human right that should be a given, not a privilege. We will continue to lead HIV care – and are committed to prevention, education, advocacy, reducing stigma and combatting misinformation that continues to perpetuate fear and misunderstanding about HIV. We will lead with unequivocal compassion, providing care to those who are often forgotten.
As a community driven organization, we aim to leave no one behind until there is no need for World AIDS Day.
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