CBC News, 19 July, 2010
First Nations leaders are welcoming the federal government's move to ensure pandemic flu plans are up to date, but they also want Ottawa to broaden its interest in health-care planning.
This summer, the federal government is hiring people to make sure influenza pandemic plans in First Nations communities stay current.
Last year's H1N1 outbreak hit some aboriginal communities particularly hard. A large number of body bags were sent to a reserve in northern Manitoba, and there were debates over who should pay for hand sanitizer and masks.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/07/19/first-nation-pandemic-plan.html#ixzz0u9QzHaym
Read more...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Solution for smoking could be in the genes
Health Zone, 19 July, 2010
It started with a pack of Players stolen from her dad, who bought cigarettes by the carton to save money. Sasha Manoli knew where he kept them — in a kitchen cupboard. She snatched a pack on the day she decided to smoke. She was 14.
After meeting her friend, the teenagers went to Laurentide Park, which lies besides the Don Valley Pkwy. near York Mills Rd. It was winter. They went over to a pine tree and lay down under it in the snow. Manoli lit one cigarette and “half-smoked,” barely inhaling.
“I really remember the smell and the taste, but I can't describe it,” she said. “But there was something very distinct.”
Read More: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/836903--solution-for-smoking-could-be-in-the-genes
Read more...
It started with a pack of Players stolen from her dad, who bought cigarettes by the carton to save money. Sasha Manoli knew where he kept them — in a kitchen cupboard. She snatched a pack on the day she decided to smoke. She was 14.
After meeting her friend, the teenagers went to Laurentide Park, which lies besides the Don Valley Pkwy. near York Mills Rd. It was winter. They went over to a pine tree and lay down under it in the snow. Manoli lit one cigarette and “half-smoked,” barely inhaling.
“I really remember the smell and the taste, but I can't describe it,” she said. “But there was something very distinct.”
Read More: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/836903--solution-for-smoking-could-be-in-the-genes
Read more...
Avastin fails to slow breast cancer: FDA
CBC News, 16 July, 2010
Federal health scientists said Friday that followup studies of a Roche breast cancer drug show it failed to slow tumour growth or extend patient lives, opening the door for a potential withdrawal in that indication.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Roche's blockbuster Avastin in 2008 based on early-stage trials showing it shrank tumours caused by breast cancer. The decision was controversial because drugs for cancer patients who have never been treated before must usually show evidence they extend lives.
Avastin's so-called "accelerated approval" was based on the condition that later studies would show a survival benefit.
But in briefing documents posted online, FDA reviewers said two followup studies recently submitted by Roche failed to show that Avastin significantly extended lives compared to chemotherapy alone.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/07/16/avastin-breast-cancer-trials.html#ixzz0u9QRrpe6
Read more...
Federal health scientists said Friday that followup studies of a Roche breast cancer drug show it failed to slow tumour growth or extend patient lives, opening the door for a potential withdrawal in that indication.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Roche's blockbuster Avastin in 2008 based on early-stage trials showing it shrank tumours caused by breast cancer. The decision was controversial because drugs for cancer patients who have never been treated before must usually show evidence they extend lives.
Avastin's so-called "accelerated approval" was based on the condition that later studies would show a survival benefit.
But in briefing documents posted online, FDA reviewers said two followup studies recently submitted by Roche failed to show that Avastin significantly extended lives compared to chemotherapy alone.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/07/16/avastin-breast-cancer-trials.html#ixzz0u9QRrpe6
Read more...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Your address could make you fat
Health Zone, 15 July, 2010
You want to lose weight? Live near a supermarket — but far away from restaurants.
In a recent study, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo looked at women’s body mass index in relation to their neighbourhoods’ food amenities.
They found that women who lived near a supermarket tended to have a lower body mass index, meaning they were less likely to be obese, than those closer to a convenience store. Most convenience stores don’t offer healthy foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables or whole-grain products.
Read more: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/diet/article/835186--your-address-could-make-you-fat
Read more...
You want to lose weight? Live near a supermarket — but far away from restaurants.
In a recent study, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo looked at women’s body mass index in relation to their neighbourhoods’ food amenities.
They found that women who lived near a supermarket tended to have a lower body mass index, meaning they were less likely to be obese, than those closer to a convenience store. Most convenience stores don’t offer healthy foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables or whole-grain products.
Read more: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/diet/article/835186--your-address-could-make-you-fat
Read more...
Toronto landfill threatening health of SW Ont. First Nation, chief says
CBC news, 14 July, 2010
MUNSEE-DELAWARE NATION, Ont. - A southwestern Ontario First Nation says a landfill used by the City of Toronto is threatening the community's water supply.
Toronto purchased the Green Lane landfill near St. Thomas, Ont., in April 2007.
Chief Patrick Waddilove says the accelerated use of the landfill is negatively impacting the health of Munsee-Delaware Nation residents, who use untreated well water.
There are three First Nations located in the area _ Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/cp/health/TC2052.html
Read more...
MUNSEE-DELAWARE NATION, Ont. - A southwestern Ontario First Nation says a landfill used by the City of Toronto is threatening the community's water supply.
Toronto purchased the Green Lane landfill near St. Thomas, Ont., in April 2007.
Chief Patrick Waddilove says the accelerated use of the landfill is negatively impacting the health of Munsee-Delaware Nation residents, who use untreated well water.
There are three First Nations located in the area _ Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/cp/health/TC2052.html
Read more...
Monday, July 12, 2010
MS patients fight for access to new 'Zamboni' treatment
Health Zone, 9 July, 2010
A month after Italian vascular surgeon Dr. Paolo Zamboni’s controversial report on treating multiple sclerosis made headlines in November 2009, an elated Jamie Chalmers went to his neurologist and handed him a stack of print-outs on the new findings.
Without so much as a glance, the neurologist tossed the papers in the garbage. He told Chalmers it was nothing but junk science.
“I was devastated,” said Chalmers, a 40-year-old Guelph motor coach driver diagnosed with MS two years ago. He is now looking for a new neurologist. “How can a doctor not be interested in what his patient wants?”
The same scenario, pitting hope against science, is being played out in neurologists’ offices across the country as people diagnosed with the debilitating disease demand the so-called “liberation treatment” and wary neurologists tell them to forget about it.
Read more: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/834303--ms-patients-fight-for-access-to-new-zamboni-treatment
Read more...
A month after Italian vascular surgeon Dr. Paolo Zamboni’s controversial report on treating multiple sclerosis made headlines in November 2009, an elated Jamie Chalmers went to his neurologist and handed him a stack of print-outs on the new findings.
Without so much as a glance, the neurologist tossed the papers in the garbage. He told Chalmers it was nothing but junk science.
“I was devastated,” said Chalmers, a 40-year-old Guelph motor coach driver diagnosed with MS two years ago. He is now looking for a new neurologist. “How can a doctor not be interested in what his patient wants?”
The same scenario, pitting hope against science, is being played out in neurologists’ offices across the country as people diagnosed with the debilitating disease demand the so-called “liberation treatment” and wary neurologists tell them to forget about it.
Read more: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/834303--ms-patients-fight-for-access-to-new-zamboni-treatment
Read more...
Friday, July 9, 2010
Mental Health Care for Kids 'Fractured'
Health Zone, 9 July, 2010
The mental health care system for children is “fractured” and needs better oversight, say critics after a Toronto Star investigation found a psychiatric centre was locking up kids who didn’t belong there.
“The role of oversight is not taken as seriously as I think it should be,” Irwin Elman, Ontario’s Children and Youth Advocate, told the Star.
Elman’s comments came after the Star revealed that the provincially funded Youthdale Treatment Centre admitted children to its secure treatment unit even though they did not have a mental disorder. Within the last two years, the Child and Family Services Review Board ordered released nearly half of the children who appealed their placements in the centre’s secure unit.
Read more: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/mindmood/mentalhealth/article/833979--mental-health-care-for-kids-fractured
Read more...
The mental health care system for children is “fractured” and needs better oversight, say critics after a Toronto Star investigation found a psychiatric centre was locking up kids who didn’t belong there.
“The role of oversight is not taken as seriously as I think it should be,” Irwin Elman, Ontario’s Children and Youth Advocate, told the Star.
Elman’s comments came after the Star revealed that the provincially funded Youthdale Treatment Centre admitted children to its secure treatment unit even though they did not have a mental disorder. Within the last two years, the Child and Family Services Review Board ordered released nearly half of the children who appealed their placements in the centre’s secure unit.
Read more: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/mindmood/mentalhealth/article/833979--mental-health-care-for-kids-fractured
Read more...
Depression may raise risk of dementia, study shows
Health Zone, 5 July, 2010
People who struggle with prolonged bouts of depression may face nearly twice the risk of developing dementia, according to a study by researchers at the University of Massachusetts, the most long-term study of its kind.
“We need to pay more attention to depression and understand that it can have serious, long-term effects,” says Jane Saczynski, author of the research to be published Tuesday in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Read more at: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/mindmood/article/832273--depression-may-raise-risk-of-dementia-study-shows
Read more...
People who struggle with prolonged bouts of depression may face nearly twice the risk of developing dementia, according to a study by researchers at the University of Massachusetts, the most long-term study of its kind.
“We need to pay more attention to depression and understand that it can have serious, long-term effects,” says Jane Saczynski, author of the research to be published Tuesday in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Read more at: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/mindmood/article/832273--depression-may-raise-risk-of-dementia-study-shows
Read more...
Activity no fix for fat kids: study
CBC news, 7 July, 2010
Physical activity is not the solution to childhood obesity, a British study suggests.
The study of 202 children over three years concluded that excess weight reduces activity, but activity does not affect weight.
"Physical inactivity appears to be the result of fatness rather than its cause. This reverse causality may explain why attempts to tackle childhood obesity by promoting physical activity have been largely unsuccessful," an abstract of the study said.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/07/07/fatness-inactivity-earlybird.html#ixzz0tDNZOAhL
Read more...
Physical activity is not the solution to childhood obesity, a British study suggests.
The study of 202 children over three years concluded that excess weight reduces activity, but activity does not affect weight.
"Physical inactivity appears to be the result of fatness rather than its cause. This reverse causality may explain why attempts to tackle childhood obesity by promoting physical activity have been largely unsuccessful," an abstract of the study said.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/07/07/fatness-inactivity-earlybird.html#ixzz0tDNZOAhL
Read more...
Friday, June 18, 2010
Aboriginal babies more likely to die: study
Access to urban health care doesn't lower mortality rates
Last Updated: Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Canadian Press
An extensive study of infant mortality in Manitoba has shown that the death rate for aboriginal babies is more than twice the Canadian average and doesn't improve no matter how close their mothers live to sophisticated health-care facilities.
Although infant mortality among non-aboriginals declined with proximity to cities, the rate remained stubbornly high for First Nations women, says a new report published in the Journal of Rural Health.
"First Nations infants do not seem to have similarly benefited from the better health-care facilities in urban centres," the report says.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/17/man-infant-mortality-cp-manitoba.html#ixzz0rDbm9mHh
Read more...
Last Updated: Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Canadian Press
An extensive study of infant mortality in Manitoba has shown that the death rate for aboriginal babies is more than twice the Canadian average and doesn't improve no matter how close their mothers live to sophisticated health-care facilities.
Although infant mortality among non-aboriginals declined with proximity to cities, the rate remained stubbornly high for First Nations women, says a new report published in the Journal of Rural Health.
"First Nations infants do not seem to have similarly benefited from the better health-care facilities in urban centres," the report says.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/06/17/man-infant-mortality-cp-manitoba.html#ixzz0rDbm9mHh
Read more...
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Vancouver: Canada's hate-crime capital, says Stats Can
Complaints have almost doubled between 2007 and 2008
Vancouver now carries the dubious title of hate-crime and gay-bashing capital of Canada.
According to figures released by Statistics Canada on Monday, police-reported hate crimes in Vancouver almost doubled from 79 in 2007 to 143 in 2008 — including 34 hate attacks motivated by the victim's sexual orientation, by far the highest ratio of gay-bashing crimes among major Canadian cities.
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Canada+hate+crime+capital/3155257/story.html
Read more...
Vancouver now carries the dubious title of hate-crime and gay-bashing capital of Canada.
According to figures released by Statistics Canada on Monday, police-reported hate crimes in Vancouver almost doubled from 79 in 2007 to 143 in 2008 — including 34 hate attacks motivated by the victim's sexual orientation, by far the highest ratio of gay-bashing crimes among major Canadian cities.
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Canada+hate+crime+capital/3155257/story.html
Read more...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Aboriginals to tell commission residential school truths
The Canadian Press
WINNIPEG—The head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on residential schools says the stories of survivors will no longer be relegated to the sidelines of Canadian history.
Manitoba Justice Murray Sinclair says the commission will allow aboriginals to talk about what happened to them at the schools and their stories will finally get the attention they deserve.
Sinclair was speaking Wednesday at the opening of the commission's first public hearing in Winnipeg.
He said no one will be forced to speak of abuse suffered at the schools, but if survivors choose to come forward they will have the commission's full attention.
“To all those who wish to share their experience with us, I promise you this: if you have something to tell, we will hear you. You will not be questioned. You will not be asked to prove anything. You do not have to share anything that you do not wish to share.
“You will be provided with supports to assist you. You will be treated with respect. You will be treated with dignity.”
To read more, please visit:http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/824277--aboriginals-to-tell-commission-residential-school-truths?bn=1
Read more...
WINNIPEG—The head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on residential schools says the stories of survivors will no longer be relegated to the sidelines of Canadian history.
Manitoba Justice Murray Sinclair says the commission will allow aboriginals to talk about what happened to them at the schools and their stories will finally get the attention they deserve.
Sinclair was speaking Wednesday at the opening of the commission's first public hearing in Winnipeg.
He said no one will be forced to speak of abuse suffered at the schools, but if survivors choose to come forward they will have the commission's full attention.
“To all those who wish to share their experience with us, I promise you this: if you have something to tell, we will hear you. You will not be questioned. You will not be asked to prove anything. You do not have to share anything that you do not wish to share.
“You will be provided with supports to assist you. You will be treated with respect. You will be treated with dignity.”
To read more, please visit:http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/824277--aboriginals-to-tell-commission-residential-school-truths?bn=1
Read more...
Friday, June 4, 2010
Public Forum: The Politics of Poverty and Public Health
The World Health Organization says health inequalities result from
“a toxic combination of poor social policies and programmes, unfair
economic arrangements, and bad politics.”
Canadians might well ask: “Why is it so hard to reduce poverty and close
the health equity gap in such a rich country?”
A panel of eminent political and public health leaders, as part of the
Canadian Public Health Association Centennial Conference, will reflect on
this challenge and debate the politics of the way forward.
Everyone welcome!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sheraton Centre Toronto
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse
123 Queen Street West
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Speakers:
Carolyn Bennett, MP, St. Paul’s, Toronto
Andrea Horwath, MPP, Hamilton Centre
David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health, Toronto
Jessica Yee, Executive Director, Native Youth Sexual Health Network
Moderator
Paulette Senior, CEO, YWCA Canada
Read more...
“a toxic combination of poor social policies and programmes, unfair
economic arrangements, and bad politics.”
Canadians might well ask: “Why is it so hard to reduce poverty and close
the health equity gap in such a rich country?”
A panel of eminent political and public health leaders, as part of the
Canadian Public Health Association Centennial Conference, will reflect on
this challenge and debate the politics of the way forward.
Everyone welcome!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sheraton Centre Toronto
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse
123 Queen Street West
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Speakers:
Carolyn Bennett, MP, St. Paul’s, Toronto
Andrea Horwath, MPP, Hamilton Centre
David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health, Toronto
Jessica Yee, Executive Director, Native Youth Sexual Health Network
Moderator
Paulette Senior, CEO, YWCA Canada
Read more...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Health Equity Survey
This Echo funded survey is part of a project called Making Gender-Based and Equity-Assisting Frameworks Accessible: Knowledge Translation Strategies for Ontario's Healthcare Professionals. It is anonymous. It will help the Project Team understand how Ontario’s health-care professionals use an equity lens in their work. It’s one way for you to influence development of knowledge translation strategies and tools to support health-care providers, planners, and policy-makers as well as expand equity as a key criterion when developing, implementing, and evaluating health programs and services. Please fill out the survey by June 30, 2010!
Access survey at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vQGpZ26FnfsaKoOA8qO%2fDXb8p2VSmNRVCgCasIqou4Y%3d&
Read more...
Access survey at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vQGpZ26FnfsaKoOA8qO%2fDXb8p2VSmNRVCgCasIqou4Y%3d&
Read more...
Survey: Women's Health in Ontario
Please encourage women you know to take a moment to fill out a 20 minute electronic survey about the health issues that are of most interest to them, especially in relation to personal experiences with health, services, information and treatment. The information gathered will help to increase our understanding and provide an overview of the health issues for women in Ontario. The survey is anonymous and seeks to hear from women across Ontario. We are encouraging women from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to participate in the survey. We strongly encourage women who are often under-represented in women's health research, including but not limited to: Aboriginal women, immigrant and refugee women, rural women, lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans women and women with disabilities to fill out the survey and ensure the issues are represented.
This survey is part of a project called Health Research and Knowledge Translation: Including the Voices of Ontario Women. This project is being carried out by a partnership that includes the Ontario Women's Health Network, and is under the guidance of an Advisory Committee. The project is funded by Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario, an agency of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Please pass on the survey link to women you work with, friends, family members and other women in the community. Fill out your survey today!!
The survey is available online until June 27 at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/womenhealth
Read more...
This survey is part of a project called Health Research and Knowledge Translation: Including the Voices of Ontario Women. This project is being carried out by a partnership that includes the Ontario Women's Health Network, and is under the guidance of an Advisory Committee. The project is funded by Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario, an agency of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Please pass on the survey link to women you work with, friends, family members and other women in the community. Fill out your survey today!!
The survey is available online until June 27 at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/womenhealth
Read more...
Health Impact Project: Advancing Smarter Policies for Healthier Communities
The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, is a national initiative designed to promote the use of health impact assessments (HIAs) as a decision-making tool for policymakers. HIAs use a flexible, data-driven approach that identifies the health consequences of new policies and develops practical strategies to enhance their health benefits and minimize adverse effects.
The Health Impact Project will promote the use of HIAs by:
• Creating a national center of excellence housed at Pew and providing the coordination and infrastructure needed to establish HIAs as a well-recognized field in the United States;
• Demonstrating the effectiveness of HIAs by funding a series of HIA demonstration projects in various sectors and throughout various regions of the country;
• Building a training and technical assistance network that will support a new group of HIA practitioners and engage and strengthen current HIA practice centers;
• Completing two major federal-level HIAs to address policies of great importance to health in the United States and validate the effectiveness and importance of this tool; and
• Researching and broadly disseminating a review of existing laws, regulations and policies that might support the use of HIAs and help practitioners find new opportunities to implement them.
For more information, please visit: http://www.healthimpactproject.org/
Read more...
The Health Impact Project will promote the use of HIAs by:
• Creating a national center of excellence housed at Pew and providing the coordination and infrastructure needed to establish HIAs as a well-recognized field in the United States;
• Demonstrating the effectiveness of HIAs by funding a series of HIA demonstration projects in various sectors and throughout various regions of the country;
• Building a training and technical assistance network that will support a new group of HIA practitioners and engage and strengthen current HIA practice centers;
• Completing two major federal-level HIAs to address policies of great importance to health in the United States and validate the effectiveness and importance of this tool; and
• Researching and broadly disseminating a review of existing laws, regulations and policies that might support the use of HIAs and help practitioners find new opportunities to implement them.
For more information, please visit: http://www.healthimpactproject.org/
Read more...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Low-income Canadians have more heart attacks
Canadians who live in low-income neighbourhoods are more likely to have a heart attack than their wealthier counterparts, a new report indicates.
But their quality of care in hospital seems to be about the same, finds a new report released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Almost 67,000 Canadians landed in hospital due to a heart attack in 2008-2009.
For more infomation, please visit: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20100528/heart-attacks-100528/
Read more...
But their quality of care in hospital seems to be about the same, finds a new report released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Almost 67,000 Canadians landed in hospital due to a heart attack in 2008-2009.
For more infomation, please visit: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20100528/heart-attacks-100528/
Read more...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
National Wear it Pink Day- May 27th!
May 27, 2010 is National Wear It Pink Day, a celebration of our commitment in the battle to end women’s cancers! Embrace your inner pink-ness and declare it a day for our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends everywhere! Wear PINK and show your support!
For more information, please visit: http://to10.endcancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=10_wear_it_pink_day
Read more...
For more information, please visit: http://to10.endcancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=10_wear_it_pink_day
Read more...
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
New South Asian Health Equity Report
“A Diagnosis for Equity: An initial analysis of South Asian health inequities in Ontario” is a new report on South Asians and Health Inequities.
Over the past two years, the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) has worked closely with community providers and other stakeholders to build a strategy to promote health equity for South Asian Communities in Ontario. This work included consultations with close to 150 participants from over 60 organizations and key expert interviews.
A Diagnosis for Equity combines the findings from these consultations with a scan of existing research to show that South Asian communities in Ontario experience health disparities that are symptoms of social inequity. This exploratory report indicates that these disparities must be addressed through coordinated community-based action that challenges the social determinants of health, like racialization and poverty, and puts forth recommendations for action.
For more info feel free to contact Keerthy: Keerthy@cassa.on.ca or 416-932-1359 x 12, or visit http://www.cassaonline.com/index3/
Read more...
Over the past two years, the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) has worked closely with community providers and other stakeholders to build a strategy to promote health equity for South Asian Communities in Ontario. This work included consultations with close to 150 participants from over 60 organizations and key expert interviews.
A Diagnosis for Equity combines the findings from these consultations with a scan of existing research to show that South Asian communities in Ontario experience health disparities that are symptoms of social inequity. This exploratory report indicates that these disparities must be addressed through coordinated community-based action that challenges the social determinants of health, like racialization and poverty, and puts forth recommendations for action.
For more info feel free to contact Keerthy: Keerthy@cassa.on.ca or 416-932-1359 x 12, or visit http://www.cassaonline.com/index3/
Read more...
The Regional Diversity Roundtable is hiring! Deadline May 24th
The Regional Diversity Roundtable is a network of organizations and institutions committed to
building inclusion and diversity competence that results in the institutionalization of equity in their core values, structures, workforce, policies and services. They are currently hiring a Program Assistant. Deadline is May 24th and the competition is open to youth aged 15-25.
For more information, please contact:
Sume Ndumbe-Eyoh
Coordinator, Regional Diversity Roundtable
sume@regionaldiversityroundtable.org
P. 905 457 7288 ext 236 F. 905 454 0767
www.regionaldiversityroundtable.org
Read more...
building inclusion and diversity competence that results in the institutionalization of equity in their core values, structures, workforce, policies and services. They are currently hiring a Program Assistant. Deadline is May 24th and the competition is open to youth aged 15-25.
For more information, please contact:
Sume Ndumbe-Eyoh
Coordinator, Regional Diversity Roundtable
sume@regionaldiversityroundtable.org
P. 905 457 7288 ext 236 F. 905 454 0767
www.regionaldiversityroundtable.org
Read more...
Blog Author Change
Please note that Sheela Subramanian is no longer the author of this blog.... please contact Alina Chatterjee at healthequity@scaddingcourt.org for more information.
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Did you know that Monday May 17th was the International Day Against Homophobia?
The International Day Against Homophobia, held on May 17 every year, is a rallying event offering an opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one another. Fondation Émergence promotes, mainly on a pan-Canadian level, the International Day Against Homophobia and encourages organisations and individuals to highlight this event in their environment.
For more information, please visit: http://www.homophobiaday.org/
Read more...
For more information, please visit: http://www.homophobiaday.org/
Read more...
Monday, March 8, 2010
The City is a Sweatshop (Toronto) - March 19-20
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/thecityisasweatshop
Featuring:
Adil Charkaoui - Migrant Justice Advocate
Lee Maracle - Poet and Author
Clayton Thomas-Mueller - Defenders of the Land
Uzma Shakir - Atkinson Economic Justice Fellow
Sakura Saunders - Media Activist
and many others...
Hidden behind skyscraper towers and corporate greed is a city built on the foundations of stolen land, exploitation of immigrant labor and denial of basic services to those living without full status or in poverty – Toronto. A sweatshop city.
Massive changes to the immigration and refugee system, coupled with renewed Immigration raids have created an even more precarious situation in Toronto, home to thousands of people living without full status.
Non status people are being systematically shut out of schools, food banks and hospitals, and harassed at women’s shelters by Police and Immigration Enforcement while rebuilding their lives. Migrants are exploited at work, and threatened with deportation when attempting to unionize. Immigration enforcement is attacking people in their homes, at work and on the streets.
But we are taking back our city. One shelter at a time, one food bank at a time, one health care centre at a time. Breaking the walls, fences and borders in Toronto, we are creating a Sanctuary City that ensures justice and dignity for all.
Join us this year in our second annual City Is A Sweatshop series of events
Read more...
Featuring:
Adil Charkaoui - Migrant Justice Advocate
Lee Maracle - Poet and Author
Clayton Thomas-Mueller - Defenders of the Land
Uzma Shakir - Atkinson Economic Justice Fellow
Sakura Saunders - Media Activist
and many others...
Hidden behind skyscraper towers and corporate greed is a city built on the foundations of stolen land, exploitation of immigrant labor and denial of basic services to those living without full status or in poverty – Toronto. A sweatshop city.
Massive changes to the immigration and refugee system, coupled with renewed Immigration raids have created an even more precarious situation in Toronto, home to thousands of people living without full status.
Non status people are being systematically shut out of schools, food banks and hospitals, and harassed at women’s shelters by Police and Immigration Enforcement while rebuilding their lives. Migrants are exploited at work, and threatened with deportation when attempting to unionize. Immigration enforcement is attacking people in their homes, at work and on the streets.
But we are taking back our city. One shelter at a time, one food bank at a time, one health care centre at a time. Breaking the walls, fences and borders in Toronto, we are creating a Sanctuary City that ensures justice and dignity for all.
Join us this year in our second annual City Is A Sweatshop series of events
Read more...
Emergency Community Meeting (Toronto) - Stop the Raids on Women's Shelters - TODAY
Please forward widely*
Emergency Community Meeting - March 8 (International Women's Day)
17 Phoebe Street, Toronto Rape Crisis Centre 10:00am Sharp
The Shelter Sanctuary Status Campaign invites shelter workers, residents, managers, counselors and anti-violence against women advocates and activists to attend an urgent community meeting on March 8th.
It has come to our attention, that the Canada Border Services Agency invaded a shelter for women - on February 27, looking to track down Jane, a single mom and survivor of violence from Ghana.
"It's so scary," Jane says, who wishes to keep her real name anonymous butis willing to speak to the media. "I thought the shelter was supposed to be a safe space for me and my baby. I'm scared not just for myself, but for non-status women in shelters everywhere who are facing the same fear," she continued.
"We have heard of the CBSA waiting outside of shelters, looking to apprehend women without status, but I have never heard of officers actually walking into a shelter to look for women," says Eileen Morrow, Coordinator of the Ontario Association for Interval and Transition Homes, the largest shelter association in Canada. "This is an unprecedented attack on women in our communities and we demand it end immediately!"
"The women in our shelters are survivors of violence. They are healing from trauma. The last thing we need is the bullies from CBSA barging in her to re-traumatize them," says Bernadette Dondo, a counsellor at Nellies.
"The women's movement fought long and hardfor access to shelter and safety. This is a fundamental right for all women, regardless of immigration status. The CBSA violated this right and the women's movement is going to hold them accountable," asserts Fariah Chowdhury, an organizer with the Shelter Sanctuary Status Campaign.
Shelter workers, residents and anti-violence against women advocates will be joined by women from Toronto Rape Crisis Centre, Sistering, METRAC -Metropolitan Action Committee Against Violence Against Women and Children and many other women's organizations demand that Canada Borders Service Agency immediately stop visiting or waiting outside shelters or organizations that provide services to women; that women fleeing domestic abuse and violence be given status immediately and a full and inclusive regularization program be implemented.
For more info phone: 647.836.8781 or email shelter.sanctuary.status@gmail.com
Organized by the ShelterSanctuaryStatus Coalition, a growing movement of over 120 anti-Violence Against Women organizations that are working to create safe spaces for all women, regardless of immigration status -http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/sss
Read more...
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Where diabetes hits the hardest - health, race and poverty - Toronto Star interactive feature
A new Toronto Star feature explores links between diabetes in Toronto, poverty and racialization. This interactive map of the city is based on the ICES Diabetes Altas. Roll over to see how different neighbourhoods and communities are affected:
http://www.thestar.com/staticcontent/772097
Check out the Star's feature on diabetes here:
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/yourhealth/diabetes
Read more...
http://www.thestar.com/staticcontent/772097
Check out the Star's feature on diabetes here:
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/yourhealth/diabetes
Read more...
Monday, March 1, 2010
CBC news (Feb 26/2010) - N.B. waives waiting period for health coverage for newcomers
From CBC news online:
The New Brunswick government is eliminating the three-month waiting period for medicare coverage for newcomers to the province.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/02/26/nb-health-coverage-immigrants-military-1133.html#ixzz0gwBG3y7v
Read more...
The New Brunswick government is eliminating the three-month waiting period for medicare coverage for newcomers to the province.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/02/26/nb-health-coverage-immigrants-military-1133.html#ixzz0gwBG3y7v
Read more...
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
ROUNDTABLE (Toronto) - South Asians and Health Care Governance - THIS FRIDAY
The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) is hosting a round table discussion on:
South Asians and Health Care Governance: Challenges, barriers and opportunities
Date: Friday, February 26th, 2010
Time: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Scadding Court Community Centre,
Room 4, 707 Dundas St. W., Toronto
Refreshments will be served. The outcomes of the roundtable will inform the next steps for CASSA
Space is Limited. Please RSVP Farhat Hasan at farhat[at]cassa.on.ca by Feb. 24th
CASSA is a social justice umbrella organization working with Ontario’s diverse South Asian communities. Our mission is to facilitate the economic, social, political and cultural empowerment of South Asians by serving as a resource for information, research, mobilization, coordination and leadership on social justice issues affecting our communities.
COUNCIL OF AGENCIES SERVING SOUTH ASIANS (CASSA)
2401 Eglinton Ave. E., Suite 212, Toronto, ON, M1K 2N8 Phone: (416) 932 1359 Fax: (416) 932- 9305
Email: cassa[at]cassa.on.ca Website: http://www.cassa.on.ca/
Read more...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
EVENT (Toronto) - Health for All: Fixing a Broken Healthcare System for Immigrants and Refugees (March 4/2010)
*please forward widely*
Health for All: Fixing a Broken Healthcare System for Immigrants and Refugees
March 4th, 2010
6:30 PM
Location: Bahen Centre, Room 1180
Address: 40 St. George Street
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Meb Rashid, Family Physician
Jackie Esmonde, Immigration Lawyer
Manavi Handa, Registered Midwife, WestEnd Midwifery Collective
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The cost of healthcare has been established as a barrier for under and uninsured migrant communities in accessing healthcare for decades. Despite the talk, few affordable healthcare options have been made available to these communities.
In recent years, the midwifery model of care in Ontario has proved to be a cost effective, accessible option for uninsured populations in Ontario to access maternity care. Payment structures that resulted from collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and professional midwives have served as an innovative way for persons without status living in Ontario to access maternity care.
Community Health Centres are another point of access to primary healthcare for underinsured populations in Ontario. Interdisciplinary staffing and coordination of care, with alternative payment structure arrangements from the Ministry of Health, seek to ensure that uninsured populations have access to primary care.
This evening will look at the opportunities and barriers to ensuring health for all! The panelists will discuss the successes of these two models of care, and the victories won by various professionals and communities in providing healthcare for the uninsured. As the momentum and pressure to recognize the fundamental human rights of those residing in our cities and communities grows, so must our organizing efforts within the health sector and beyond.
Join "Health for All" for an evening where we re-envision what a just healthcare system looks like and show how we are working to make it a reality!
__________________________________________________________________________________
For more information, please email healthforalltoronto@gmail.com
‘Health For All’ is a group of healthcare professionals, students, and activists. We believe health is a fundamental human right. Health requires not only access to medical, mental health and dental care, but also full economic, social, environmental and political rights for all people. We call for universal health coverage and full regularization for all people to ensure health for all!
Endorsers:
Canadian Doctors for Medicare, University of Toronto
Health Providers Against Poverty
Law Union of Ontario
Medical Reform Group
Public Health Interest Group, University of Toronto
No One Is Illegal - Toronto
Ontario Public Interest Research Group, University of Toronto
Right to Health Coalition
Residents Without Borders, University of Toronto
Right to Health Coalition
Health Is Political
Read more...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
CONFERENCE (Toronto) - Healthcare for the undocumented and uninsured (Feb 12/2010)
Where: 155 College Street, Suite 610,Toronto
When: Feb. 12, 2010 at 9:00 am UTC to 4:00 pm UTC
Presented by:
Women’s College Hospital’s Network on Uninsured Clients
Wellesley Institute
Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto
York Institute for Health Research (YIHR), York University
Register by Monday February 1, 2010
This event is free but space is limited.
Refreshment breaks and lunch will be provided.
Download the registration form in Microsoft Word
Send a completed form to linda.gardner[at]wchospital.ca
Conference Goals
This one-day research conference in Toronto aims to gather local academic and community researchers with interest in health services for uninsured and undocumented clients.
The goals of the conference include:
To document and share research on the health and health care for undocumented and uninsured clients;
To bring researchers together to coordinate and collaborate on their research efforts; and
To produce and disseminate a summary report and policy recommendations based on the research findings and discussions that emerge at this conference.
Review the preliminary agenda for details on this conference.
Read more...
When: Feb. 12, 2010 at 9:00 am UTC to 4:00 pm UTC
Presented by:
Women’s College Hospital’s Network on Uninsured Clients
Wellesley Institute
Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto
York Institute for Health Research (YIHR), York University
Register by Monday February 1, 2010
This event is free but space is limited.
Refreshment breaks and lunch will be provided.
Download the registration form in Microsoft Word
Send a completed form to linda.gardner[at]wchospital.ca
Conference Goals
This one-day research conference in Toronto aims to gather local academic and community researchers with interest in health services for uninsured and undocumented clients.
The goals of the conference include:
To document and share research on the health and health care for undocumented and uninsured clients;
To bring researchers together to coordinate and collaborate on their research efforts; and
To produce and disseminate a summary report and policy recommendations based on the research findings and discussions that emerge at this conference.
Review the preliminary agenda for details on this conference.
Read more...
EVENT (Toronto) - Pathways to mental health care for ethnic groups in Toronto - Dr. Kwame McKenzie - February 19, 2010
MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY
GRAND ROUNDS
Pathways to mental health care for ethnic groups in Toronto
Presenter: Dr. Kwame McKenzie
Senior Scientist Social Equity & Health Research section, Deputy Director of Continuing & Community Care, Schizophrenia Program,
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto,
Professor, Institute of Philosophy Diversity and Mental Health, University of Lancashire
One of Dr. McKenzie’s key interests is health equity, in particular improving the health outcomes for racialized people. Dr. McKenzie is committed to using scientific investigation to help build inclusive, humane and effective models of mental health care for everyone. He is a member of the Tri-Hospital Patient Data Collection project, which MSH coordinates.
Date: Friday, February 19, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon
(Grand Rounds will start promptly at 10:40 a.m.)
Location: 18th floor auditorium, Mount Sinai Hospital
Learning Objectives:
Understand the differences in pathways to care for different ethnic groups
Understand the reasons for the differences in pathways to care for different ethnic groups
Read more...
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY
GRAND ROUNDS
Pathways to mental health care for ethnic groups in Toronto
Presenter: Dr. Kwame McKenzie
Senior Scientist Social Equity & Health Research section, Deputy Director of Continuing & Community Care, Schizophrenia Program,
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto,
Professor, Institute of Philosophy Diversity and Mental Health, University of Lancashire
One of Dr. McKenzie’s key interests is health equity, in particular improving the health outcomes for racialized people. Dr. McKenzie is committed to using scientific investigation to help build inclusive, humane and effective models of mental health care for everyone. He is a member of the Tri-Hospital Patient Data Collection project, which MSH coordinates.
Date: Friday, February 19, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon
(Grand Rounds will start promptly at 10:40 a.m.)
Location: 18th floor auditorium, Mount Sinai Hospital
Learning Objectives:
Understand the differences in pathways to care for different ethnic groups
Understand the reasons for the differences in pathways to care for different ethnic groups
Read more...
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Community Planning Forum on Immigrant/Refugee/Non-Status and Racialized PHAs (Toronto) - January 27
From the Health Equity Council listserv:
Dear Friends,
On behalf of Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment (CAAT), I am writing to invite/remind you to join us for a very important full day community planning forum on immigrant/refugee/non-status and racialized PHAs we are organizing for next Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at the Ramada Plaza Toronto on 300 Jarvis Street in downtown Toronto.
We are organizing this forum to get your input on the key issues, emerging needs and challenges facing immigrant, refugee, non-status and racialized PHAs and how CAAT can work more effectively with its partners to address these issues. This is a critically timely discussion to help prepare us to develop strategies to ensure that our communities' needs are equitably addressed through the new provincial and federal AIDS strategies currently in development.
Tentative Forum Agenda:
9:20 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
10:00-10:45 Introduction, history of CAAT, report card on key activities since last strategic planning session
10:45-11:30 Current statistics, issues and research evidence on immigrant/refugee/non-status PHAs, Report card
11:30-12:15 Identification of key emerging issues, challenges and unmet needs
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:30 Planning exercises to identify current strategies and remaining gaps
2:30-3:20 Identification of priority issues for program development, research and policy work
3:20-4:00 Action Planning and next steps
4:00-4:15 Wrap-up/ Evaluation
Your participation and input is very important to us, so please join us for as much of the day as you can. It would be great if you can join us for the whole day but do try to come even if you can only attend part of the day.
Kindly RSVP to maureeno[at]regentparkchc.org or Tel: 416 364 2261
I look forward to working with you on January 27th, 2010.
Thanks
Alan Li
Read more...
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
MA Program in Critical Disability Studies (York University) - Deadline: March 15, 2010
The MA Program in Critical Disability Studies at York University, Toronto, Canada is accepting admission applications for September 2010 entry until March 15, 2010.
Detailed information about this pioneer MA program is available at: www.yorku.ca/gradcdis/ma/index.html
Read more...
Detailed information about this pioneer MA program is available at: www.yorku.ca/gradcdis/ma/index.html
Read more...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Great health equity video - Louisville Department of Health & Wellness
This simple and clear video shares information about health inequities in the U.S. and the Centre for Health Equity at the Louisville Department of Health and Wellness:
Read more...
Read more...
Monday, January 11, 2010
and speaking of the power of women of colour for community building...
I am still reeling from the Shades of Power dinner last night. The event was a volunteer-organized fundraiser to raise awareness about women of colour's mental health. Funds were raised to support Across Boundaries, a mental health centre providing support to people of colour in the GTA.
I was moved and inspired by the courage and energy of the women of colour who performed, shared experiences and organized the event. The speaker and performers' words reflected the painful realities of the health inequities experienced by women of colour in Ontario and beyond -- the impacts of racialized and gendered violence, migration, racism, displacement, isolation, navigating the mental health system, housing, legal system, mothering and family relationships, what it means and takes to feel good and beautiful as a woman of colour -- and the beauty and joy of the support systems of community, friends and family.
This event was organized through the initiative, passion and energy of volunteer Mya Vijendran. Thank you, Mya, for this incredible event!
Read more...
I was moved and inspired by the courage and energy of the women of colour who performed, shared experiences and organized the event. The speaker and performers' words reflected the painful realities of the health inequities experienced by women of colour in Ontario and beyond -- the impacts of racialized and gendered violence, migration, racism, displacement, isolation, navigating the mental health system, housing, legal system, mothering and family relationships, what it means and takes to feel good and beautiful as a woman of colour -- and the beauty and joy of the support systems of community, friends and family.
This event was organized through the initiative, passion and energy of volunteer Mya Vijendran. Thank you, Mya, for this incredible event!
Read more...
This bridge called my back: A retro look at women of color and power
An interesting essay about the vital importance and power of women of colour for social justice by Nisha Agarwal, Director of the Health Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest:
http://www.race-talk.org/?p=1771
Read more...
http://www.race-talk.org/?p=1771
Read more...
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
CBC news (Jan 4/10) - US lifts travel ban on HIV+ individuals
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/01/04/hiv-aids-travel-ban.html
HIV travel ban lifted in U.S.
Last Updated: Monday, January 4, 2010 | 12:13 PM ET CBC News
Canadians with HIV/AIDS are allowed to visit the United States as of Monday, after the U.S. lifted its 22-year ban against foreigners infected with the virus.
Since 1987, the ban had restricted people who are HIV positive from immigrating to or visiting the U.S.
At the time, little was known about how HIV was transmitted, and some American politicians believed they could stop the virus from spreading in the U.S. by keeping foreigners with AIDS out of the country.
Washington, D.C., is hosting the 2012 International AIDS Conference * an event made possible with the removal of the ban, U.S. President Barack Obama's administration said.
An estimated 65,000 Canadians were HIV positive in 2008, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Read more...
HIV travel ban lifted in U.S.
Last Updated: Monday, January 4, 2010 | 12:13 PM ET CBC News
Canadians with HIV/AIDS are allowed to visit the United States as of Monday, after the U.S. lifted its 22-year ban against foreigners infected with the virus.
Since 1987, the ban had restricted people who are HIV positive from immigrating to or visiting the U.S.
At the time, little was known about how HIV was transmitted, and some American politicians believed they could stop the virus from spreading in the U.S. by keeping foreigners with AIDS out of the country.
Washington, D.C., is hosting the 2012 International AIDS Conference * an event made possible with the removal of the ban, U.S. President Barack Obama's administration said.
An estimated 65,000 Canadians were HIV positive in 2008, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Read more...
Monday, January 4, 2010
SURVEY - Health Communities Ontario
Please forward this to anyone that might be interested in participating in this survey. If you have already received a similar message please do not complete the survey again and accept our apology for cross-postings.
The Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion offers capacity building services to organizations and groups that are interested in acquiring training and supports services for the Healthy Communities Ontario.
The Healthy Communities Ontario approach includes six priority areas of focus. These include:
• Physical Activity, Sport & Recreation
• Healthy Eating
• Tobacco Use/ Exposure
• Injury Prevention
• Mental Health
• Substance and Alcohol Misuse
The Ministry of Health Promotion would like your help to plan their services to respond effectively to the needs of organizations and groups that are interested in participating in Healthy Communities Ontario. If you belong to an organization or group that may be eligible and interested in applying to Healthy Communities Ontario, please take 15 minutes of your time to respond to the survey. Your responses will be confidential and reported anonymously. Copies of the report will be available on request by contacting lorna[at]ohcc-ccso.ca .
Please complete this survey by January 15, 2010.
For more information on the Healthy Communities Ontario approach and the Healthy Communities Fund visit the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion online at http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/healthy_communities/default.asp
If you have any questions about the questionnaire, please contact Lorna Heidenheim, Executive Director, Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition by email at: lorna[at]ohcc-ccso.ca or by telephone at 416-408-4841 or 1-800-766-3418, ext. 4 or Laura King Hahn, Program Coordinator, Ministry of Health Promotion by email at: laura.king-hahn[at]ontario.ca or by telephone at 416-314-5514.
Please click here to open the survey.
Read more...
The Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion offers capacity building services to organizations and groups that are interested in acquiring training and supports services for the Healthy Communities Ontario.
The Healthy Communities Ontario approach includes six priority areas of focus. These include:
• Physical Activity, Sport & Recreation
• Healthy Eating
• Tobacco Use/ Exposure
• Injury Prevention
• Mental Health
• Substance and Alcohol Misuse
The Ministry of Health Promotion would like your help to plan their services to respond effectively to the needs of organizations and groups that are interested in participating in Healthy Communities Ontario. If you belong to an organization or group that may be eligible and interested in applying to Healthy Communities Ontario, please take 15 minutes of your time to respond to the survey. Your responses will be confidential and reported anonymously. Copies of the report will be available on request by contacting lorna[at]ohcc-ccso.ca .
Please complete this survey by January 15, 2010.
For more information on the Healthy Communities Ontario approach and the Healthy Communities Fund visit the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion online at http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/healthy_communities/default.asp
If you have any questions about the questionnaire, please contact Lorna Heidenheim, Executive Director, Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition by email at: lorna[at]ohcc-ccso.ca or by telephone at 416-408-4841 or 1-800-766-3418, ext. 4 or Laura King Hahn, Program Coordinator, Ministry of Health Promotion by email at: laura.king-hahn[at]ontario.ca or by telephone at 416-314-5514.
Please click here to open the survey.
Read more...
SURVEY - Invisible Chronic Illness - Lesbian and bisexual women and Trans people
The purpose of this survey is to gather information regarding the challenges faced by lesbian, bisexual and queer women, and transgendered and transsexual people who live with invisible chronic illnesses. You do not have to have a formal medical diagnosis to fill out this survey. However, you must have an invisible chronic physical condition. Invisible chronic illnesses (ICIs) share a number of characteristics regardless of diagnosis. Some of these characteristics are: non-observable symptoms (i.e. pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulty), some symptoms are immeasurable, sometimes people appear well, and the illness has periods of exacerbation and remission.
There are many ICIs. A few examples are: multiple sclerosis, arthritis, HIV, fibromyalgia, lupus, and irritable bowel syndrome. If you are not sure whether you are living with an ICI we still want to hear from you. Please fill out the survey. There will be room at the end for comments and you can let us know there why you are not sure.You also must reside in Canada since the results of the survey will be used to advocate for change within the Canadian medical system and for community-based services. It does not matter whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee claimant, temporary worker, or undocumented. As well, you must be at least 18 years old.
This survey is anonymous. You are not requested to provide your name to participate. Any identifying information you provide will be altered to ensure confidentiality. Your privacy will be protected.The results of this survey will be presented at the Rainbow Health Ontario 2010 Conference to raise awareness regarding ICIs and to start a conversation that will lead to change regarding the services needed for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and trans people living with ICIs. To find out more about Rainbow Health Ontario go to: http://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/
Additionally, results from this survey may be used for publication to raise awareness and/or advocate for change.
The survey takes between 20 and 30 minutes to fill out. Here is the link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/icisurvey
The survey will be online until February 21, 2010.
About the researcher
The researcher is Silvana Bazet. This survey was designed by Silvana with the input of a Community Advisory Committee. Silvana is a lesbian and lives with an undiagnosed ICI. She is also a psychotherapist in private practice and Clinical Member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists. To find out more about Silvana go to: http://torontopsychotherapy.wordpress.com
Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Silvana at: queericisurvey[at]gmail.com
The survey is also available in Word to be printed and distributed to those who may not have access to a computer. Please contact Silvana to obtain a copy.
Read more...
Trainings for Service Providers: Building Capacity in Trans Health Care (Toronto)
Trainings for Service Providers: Building Capacity in Trans Health Care
This two part workshop is intended for physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and counsellors
1. The Joy of Gender: Understanding Trans Experience
by Hershel T. Russell, MA, Med, Independent Psychotherapist
The workshop will cover the spectrum of gender presentation, gender identity, including the historical and cross-cultural contexts of trans people?s lives. The workshop will build on the physician?s and nurse?s role in providing general and transition-related health care to trans patients.
2. Providing Comprehensive Primary Care for Trans Clients
by Dr. Kate Greenaway and Dr. Ed Kucharski
This workshop will give the participants an introduction to providing specialized primary care to trans clients. Specifically, we will look at starting hormones for gender transition from the evaluation stage to prescribing an initial regimen. The workshop will use a combination of didactic teaching, case studies and group discussion
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Location: Sherbourne Health Centre, 333 Sherbourne St, Toronto
Registration Cost: $ 50.00
Includes: Clinical Protocol Guidebook and lunch
Space is limited to a maximum of 15 persons
For further information and payment please contact Devan Nambiar
dnambiar[at]rainbowhealthontario.ca 416-324-4100 ext. 5262
Read more...
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