African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario - ACCHO

Healthy Body, Healthy Spirit…. Faith and HIV.... We're thrilled to announce that the 5th staging of After Dark Chat is just around the corner, and we can't wait to dive into another thought-provoking discussion with you! It's not just a chat; it's an exploration of ideas, perspectives, and perhaps a few aha moments! Looking forward to another incredible evening of insightful conversations on ACCHO’s Instagram live @acch.ontario 📅 Date: November 28 🕕 Time: 7:00 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Health Organizations Warn Supervised Consumption Site Closures Will Increase HIV and Hepatitis Transmission, Call on Ontario Government to Reverse Decision Ontario | October 16, 2024 – In an open letter sent to the Minister of Health today, public health leaders, HIV and hepatitis organizations, and service providers called on the Government of Ontario to reverse the recent ......... Please click the link to read the whole press release: https://ow.ly/ZQZu50TP6Qv

As we recognize World Mental Health Day on October 10th, we call on everyone to take a closer look at the mental health of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities, acknowledging the deep-rooted historical and cultural factors that have contributed to significant disparities. At ACCHO, we are committed to addressing the ongoing impact of stigma, the barriers ACB individuals face in accessing care, and the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health services, both in and outside the workplace. Our workplaces must become safe spaces where mental well-being is prioritized and where discrimination and oppression have no place. Together, let us create inclusive environments that honour our unique experiences, promote healing, and uplift every individual. Now is the time to break down barriers and ensure mental health care is accessible and supportive for all. #WorldMentalHealthDay

October 4th is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit people. Today serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing and disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous communities across Canada, and the actions identified by Indigenous communities across Canada in the Reclaiming Power and Place report to create lasting change. The 2019 National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls stated that Indigenous women and girls are overrepresented in both missing persons cases and homicide victims. According to Statistics Canada, although Indigenous women make up only 4% of the total population, Indigenous women represented 24% of all female homicide victims in Canada. Indigenous women are also twice as likely to go missing compared to non-Indigenous women. Realities such as systemic discrimination, lack of culturally-inclusive and competent care, barriers to employment opportunities and discrimination from police, health care providers, and others all contribute to these realities. This is a day of action. We highlight the Reclaiming Power and Place report and its Call for Justice 15.3, to develop knowledge and listen to the truths of Indigenous rights violations and how they impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2-Spirit people. We commit ourselves to following official sources such as the Reclaiming Power and Place report and other Indigenous sources, groups, and communities. We also highlight Call for Justice 15.4 and commit to utilizing our knowledge, resources, and voices to actively identify and speak out against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ignorance in the dismantling of barriers for Indigenous people. #MMIWG2S #Nomorestolensisters ALT TEXT: White and red text on a pink background state: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. #MMIWG2S. A red dress hangs off a ripped paper edge. Behind the ripped paper is text on a red background that states: No more stolen sisters.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, let us unite to combat stigma by intentionally supporting and speaking out against the harmful stereotypes associated with substance use and HIV. ACCHO urges service providers to support initiatives that offer culturally competent care to ACB communities, addressing the root causes of substance use and abuse. ACCHO invites community members to engage in activities that raise awareness about substance use, challenge myths and misconceptions, and promote empathy, helping to create a more inclusive environment. ACCHO 2024

Join us for the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Flag-Raising Ceremony at City Hall in Toronto on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This event is a time to honor and remember those we have lost to overdose and to raise awareness about the ongoing impact of the overdose crisis in our community. Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024 Location: City Hall, Toronto Time: 11:00 AM Let’s come together in solidarity to support those affected, spread hope, and continue the fight to save lives. Your presence matters.

We are 1 DAY AWAY to After Dark Chat Episode 4, we would like to expound on one of our focal point of our discussion: Stigma: Stigma remains a significant barrier, preventing people from seeking care and disclosing their status. We will discuss ways to combat this stigma and create a supportive environment. Get ready for an evening filled with lively discussions, engaging conversations, and much fun. We believe in the power of connection, and After Dark Chat is the perfect platform to bring our ACB people together. 📅 Date: August 15st 🕕 Time: 6:00 pm ✨Topic: "What's My Next Step..... To Treatment & Care?" Join us on ACCHO's Instagram Live!! https://ow.ly/5Xlr50SXVw6

What is U=U? U=U communicates the scientific consensus that HIV cannot be sexually transmitted when a person living with HIV takes and adheres to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintains a viral load of less than 200 copies/ml (measured every 4-6 months). Get ready for an evening filled with lively discussions, engaging conversations, and much fun. We believe in the power of connection, and After Dark Chat is the perfect platform to bring our ACB people together. 📅 Date: August 15st 🕕 Time: 6:00 pm Join us on ACCHO's Instagram Live!! https://ow.ly/UrA150SX73U

"What's My Next Step..... To Treatment & Care?" We're thrilled to share some exciting news with you – After Dark Chat is back for its 4th staging , and it's going to be bigger and better than ever 📅 Date: August 15st 🕕 Time: 6:00 pm ✨

Get ready for an evening filled with lively discussions, engaging conversations, and a whole lot of fun. We believe in the power of connection, and After Dark Chat is the perfect platform to bring our ACB people together. 📅 Date: August 15st 🕕 Time: 6:00 pm ✨Topic: "What's My Next Step..... To Treatment & Care??" Join us on ACCHO's Instagram Live!! https://ow.ly/ROkp50SNfXG