Réseau ACCESS Network works from a non-judgmental and harm reduction framework.
Services Are Provided Within Three Streams:
1. Programs and Services: The majority of services target those living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. These assist clients maximize quality of life while helping to also address non HIV / Hepatitis C related issues (i.e. housing, access to needed medications, treatment and support).
Education programs are provided in a myriad of ways, (i.e. community development, workshop / conferences, individually) and are based on needs and age appropriateness of participants / audience. Education is key to ensuring the further spread of HIV and Hepatitis C is diminished and barriers of stigma and discrimination are eliminated.
Direct Client Services
- Case management
- Brief supportive counseling
- Access to the agency’s food pantry program
- Client medical appointment accompaniment or travel program
- Assistance with access to much needed medications
- Assistance with various form completions or applications
- Other practical assistance supports as identified, i.e. Access to supportive and/or appropriate housing, etc.
- Home visits (food bank delivery and case management)
- Clinical services
- Workshops based on client needs
Programs
- Volunteer and Community Resource Program
- Peer Program
- WHAI Program (Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative)
- GMSH Program (Gay Men’s Sexual Health)
- Conference Planning
- Specific to needs of women living with HIV accessing community services
- Specific to needs of gay/men who have sex with men accessing services
- Presentation in schools, workplaces and places of worship
- “Opening Doors Conference” – aimed to inform and update community service providers, those living with, or those affected by, on new HIV / Hepatitis developments
- “Classroom Closet Conference – Building Inclusive Communities” – aimed to inform and update service providers within educational institution, and students, on issues specific to supporting members of the LGBT2SQ+ communities and their Allies. 2018 marked the 10 years of providing over 2,300 professionals and students within the education system the tools to create and foster a positive and safe environment for fellow students, peers, co-workers, and faculty.
- Development and promotion of the Speaker’s Bureau – individuals with lived experience able to share their personal journeys
- Community HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Awareness Campaigns – i.e. “Bundle Up in Red Campaign” and Hepatitis C Awareness Week
- Ongoing fundraising/charitable activities to support Direct Client/Clinical and Educational programs i.e. Bingo, “A Taste for Life” and the “2019 Kinsmen Club of Sudbury 35th Showcase Sweepstakes”
Individuals affected by or at risk of HIV / Hepatitis C are also encouraged to access supportive services and harm reduction materials
2. Clinical Services: Medical services provided to those living with or at risk of HIV and/or Hepatitis C. These address health needs and help in minimize the spread of these viruses.
- Testing for HIV / Hepatitis / Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections available on site and in non-traditional settings (i.e. parks where targeted populations frequent)
- Clinical services for those in pre/during/post phases of Hepatitis C treatment
- Gay / Men who have sex with Men – Health Clinic
- Naloxone Program - can temporarily reverse the effects of an opiate overdose
- Hepatitis C Treatment Clinic
- Psychological services
3. Outreach Services
- Access to Street Outreach services and harm reduction materials
- Overdose Prevention
- Naloxone Program
- Harm Reduction Material Distribution
