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

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ACO on the Move

We officially have a move date!
We are very pleased to announce that the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) is moving at the end of the month to our new home at 19 Main Street. ACO will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th for the relocation of our office. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding for the 2-day office closure during this transition period.
ACO will officially open its doors at 19 Main Street on Monday, December 1st for World AIDS Day. Please check our December calendar of events, www.aco-cso.ca, for information on hours of operation and programming.
If you have any questions or require further information about our upcoming move, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home.
Sincerely,
Khaled Salam
Executive Director
AIDS Committee of Ottawa
(613) 238-5014 ext. 234
ed@aco-cso.ca

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Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 1st, 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

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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

 

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