Snowblower Presents: ACOs Grand Opening February 9, 2015 5:00-8:00 pm

Mz. Snowblower 2015 Application

Want to represent ACO as Mz. Snowblower 2015, click the link below to apply:

Mz Snowblower 2015 Contestant Entry Form

World AIDS Day – A message from our Executive Director

Dear ACO Community Members and Partners,

Today is World AIDS Day, a day that has been globally recognized since 1988. It is a time of reflection, a day to honour and remember those who have passed on, a day to stand in support and solidarity with those living with HIV/AIDS, and a day to think about the work that lies ahead to someday eradicate HIV/AIDS.

It is estimated that last year, 1.5 million people lost their lives to AIDS-related causes across the world. Currently, there are 35 million people living with HIV/AIDS around the globe. Locally speaking, there are 3,600 people living with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa, and 71,300 people across the nation. Every 3 hours, there is someone infected with HIV in Canada. These statistics clearly indicate that we need to fortify our response to HIV/AIDS locally, nationally and globally.

We have to engage with our politicians and policy makers about the importance of strengthening our response to HIV/AIDS in our communities. We have to increase awareness about the impact of HIV transmission and stigma in our communities, and collectively we have to reaffirm our commitment to defeating HIV/AIDS.

This year’s theme/campaign for World AIDS Day is “Getting to Zero”, zero new infections, zero deaths and zero discrimination. Let us always keep this in perspective, as the ultimate goal to achieve in winning our fight against HIV/AIDS.

Please proudly wear your red ribbons and raise HIV/AIDS awareness through your networks.

Sincerely,

Khaled Salam

Executive Director

AIDS Committee of Ottawa

(613) 238-5014 ext. 234

khaled@aco-cso.ca

Canadian AIDS Society features story on ACOs move!

See article below

http://cdnaids.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-aids-committee-of-ottawa-finds-new.html

ACO on the Move

Rapid HIV testing – Today from 3-6 pm

The ACO Gay Men’s Team is offering rapid HIV testing today from 3-6pm! Come down to our offices at 251 Bank Street, 7th floor

2014 HIV Immigration Training

2014 HIV Immigration Training Flyer

Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 1^st, 2014

In light of recent media coverage of a local man accused and charged with aggravated sexual assault, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) is issuing the following statement.

Criminalization of HIV non-disclosure is as an obstacle to improving public health and providing accurate HIV/AIDS education and prevention information. Evidence has shown repeatedly that combatting HIV is a health and medical issue not a legal or criminal issue. Key factors in addressing the HIV epidemic, in particular risk factors and methods of transmission, are best addressed from a scientific and evidence-based lens rather than from a place of prejudice, judgment and AIDS-phobia. Criminalization perpetuates the stigma and fear that those living with HIV already face every day.

People living with HIV need health and social supports instead of the threat of criminal accusations and imprisonment hanging over their heads. Everyone can be empowered to accept responsibility for their own health and this pattern of the criminalization undermines the AIDS Committee of Ottawa’s ability to provide accurate HIV education, teach about prevention and assist with access to timely treatment.

The AIDS Committee of Ottawa provides support to those living with HIV along with education and information for the general public. We offer in-house monthly HIV 101 workshops, and by request for the community. Please contact info@aco-cso.ca  to sign up for a future workshop or to learn more about the work of the ACO.

You can also visit our web-site at www.aco-cso.ca for more information on our organization and to get connected with HIV/AIDS resources.

ACO is a social justice organization that provides education, support, outreach and advocacy to people living with/affected by/ and at risk of HIV/AIDS in the Ottawa region. ACO has served the Ottawa community for 29 years.

General Information on the Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure:
http://www.aidslaw.ca/EN/stopcriminalization/index.htm

Media Contact:

Khaled Salam

Executive Director, AIDS Committee of Ottawa

(613) 238-5014 ext. 234

ed@aco-cso.ca

Celebration of Life – Chris Hanson

Celebration of Life

You are invited to celebrate Chris Hanson’s life

September 23rd, 2014 from 10:00am-12:00pm

Please join us at the Legion at 330 Kent Street 3rd floor

Open mic available for anyone who wants to share their memories/stories of Chris

Light refreshments will be served

Help Make a Difference

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Help Make a Difference

We are asking for your help today to raise funds for the production of two broadcast-quality promotional videos highlighting the transformational change individuals experience through my program. We want to show the positive side of the lives of individuals living with HIV—beautiful, accomplished and normal lives. It is our hope that these videos will help raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the capital region, and help promote our program to continuously provide better services and resources to our participants.

The first video is A New Day, a 60-second Public Service Announcement (PSA) focusing on the growth and change one experiences as a part of the African and Caribbean Support Program at the AIDS Committee of Ottawa.

The second video is A Family Approach, a 3.5-minute promotional documentary following the real-life transformation of individuals of African or Caribbean descent living in Ottawa with HIV or AIDS.

Please consider donating today!

Help Make a Difference