This paper will try to discuss a non-governmental organization and the services it renders to the society. It will attempt to describe, provide a history and to give emphasis on the role they played in the society with regards to solving a social problem being endured by the society. The organization chosen to represent the subject matter is the group AIDS Niagara located in Ontario, Canada with a website located at URL address
This organization was initially called the “AIDS Committee of Niagara”. AIDS Niagara started in 1987 as an advisory committee to the Niagara Regional Public Health Services – AIDS Program (AIDS Niagara). It was organized and implemented to look at the problem of HIV and AIDS in the Niagara Region, where it was quickly realized that more had to be done since people in the community were living and dying of HIV and AIDS, and needed services. These medical and psychological services needed by patients afflicted with AIDS cannot be solely provided by the government; therefore, the organization provided a supplementary health service and therapy to AIDS victims ().
The vision of this organization is the creation of an educated and supportive environment and the eradication of AIDS/HIV, while its mission is to dedicate itself to the improvement of the quality of life of people infected or affected by the AIDS/HIV virus (). Likewise, the organization is also dedicated in combating and reducing the effect and spread of this disease. AIDS Niagara advocates an idea on the equality of opportunity for all members of the community in accordance with the Charter of Human Rights and that every individual has a responsibility to provide services to any individual infected/affected by HIV with respect, dignity, caring and strict confidentiality (). The agency also adheres to a notion that the society and the people in it promotes continuous improvement on support services, education, public awareness, behavioral change and public financial commitment to activities that will prevent the spread of AIDS ().
In response to the challenges of AIDS, the committee became an active volunteer, community based AIDS organization. A Trillium grant in late 1989 gave the organization the needed resources to hire new workers, personnel and equipments that will be necessary in fulfilling its important role. In 1990, additional funding was secured through the Ontario Ministry of Health – AIDS Bureau ().
These grants from private and government organizations and agencies enabled AIDS Niagara to become fully operational, moving in 1991, to larger office space in St. Catharines, Ontario in a building on the site of the Shaver Hospital property. In 1993, AIDS Niagara moved to 50 William St. in St. Catharines, and in July 2000, the agency relocated to its present location at the Normandy Resource Center at 111 Church St. in St. Catharines. AIDS Niagara is also an active member of the Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) and the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) and it also has the support and access to the resources of AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) across Canada.
AIDS Niagara offers services and assistance to persons suffering from AIDS and emotional support and aid to family members whose relatives and friends are afflicted by the disease (). Basically, the organization provides caregiver support wherein it recognizes the needs and inadequacies inherent in families, friends and caregivers of people living with HIV and AIDS. AIDS Niagara offers training with regards to personal coping skills, maintaining relationship with the individual, knowledge of the disease and maintenance of emotional well being while supporting their loved one or client. The agency also provides professional caregivers with therapies and a caregiver support program that deals with secondary trauma or depression due to the lost of a client due to the disease ().
Educating the society about the AIDS is also one the most important functions of the organization. The organization facilitates symposiums and public forums on schools to help promote awareness of this disease and the proper ways to combat it and to face it. During these forums and symposiums, the agency can best serve public welfare when it disseminates information regarding the symptoms, mode of transmission and prevention of AIDS and can also help eliminate certain biases, myths and misconceptions regarding AIDS ().
The agency is also active in its program called In-Service Training where it provides housing, financial assistance, legal services, employment help and counseling to people with AIDS/HIV. AIDS Niagara does not only focus its energy and resources in educating teenagers and schools about AIDS, it has also tapped at the workplace as a vital vehicle for explaining and defining AIDS. During these AIDS seminars conducted at the workplace, certain wrong impressions about the disease is cleared which leads to greater understanding for people who are afflicted with the disease. These work seminars can also be used to reiterate the social, psychological and emotional need of a patient afflicted with AIDS (). These goals are achievable since this non- governmental organization coordinates the seminars and provides speakers and resource persons to talk about basic HIV/AIDS information and tips for risk reduction.
The agency is not only active in campaigns and organizing forums that tackle the issue on AIDS/HIV, it also provides services to AIDS/HIV patients. In response to this situation, AIDS Niagara was successful in obtaining funds from the Ontario Ministry of Health in 1997 for a Supportive Housing Program ().
The agency has established its own supportive housing program where patients can avail of the necessary medical services that are specific with the kind of complications the disease has brought to their body (). A supportive housing program is also a facility where patients can get treatment if they have no family or relatives to take care of them. This program is also effective since it monitors, oversees and controls the medication and treatment of the patient resulting in a speedy recovery. A supportive housing program also raises the self-esteem and confidence of a patient by remaining independent as possible.
To properly accomplish the goals and projects of the society, a proper funding must be first made since all the projects and activities of the agency need funds and financial resources. Although financial support for this organization is starting to decrease, it has tapped private corporations and individuals in contributing for its cause. Fundraising activities and private donations are used to supplement the meager fund given by the government. Appeals to Foundations, Corporations and individuals are also used to help the AIDS Niagara’s fundraising program ().
APPENDIX A
TESTING INFORMATION
An “AIDS Test” as it’s commonly called, is actually an HIV Antibody test.
When we have been infected by a virus, our body produces antibodies to that particular virus. Antibodies are a part of our immune system that “kick start” the other parts of our immune system to fight off viruses.
The blood test that is done to determine if you have been infected with HIV looks for antibodies that are specific to that virus, so it is called an HIV Antibody Test.
If the test finds HIV antibodies in your blood, then it means that you have been infected with HIV.
What Is A “Window Period”?
Within a few days of becoming infected with HIV, our bodies begin to produce antibodies that are specific to the virus.
It takes the average person 12 – 14 weeks (approx. 3 months), to produce enough antibodies to show up accurately in a blood test. This 3 month period is called a “window period”.
If you are tested for HIV during this time, the test may not find antibodies, even though you are actually infected. That is why it is important to wait out the window period before you go for the blood test. If you go before this, you will still not know if you have been infected with HIV, since the test will not be accurate.
Anonymous Vs. Confidential
Anonymous Testing
Your name and identity is not known or recorded, a code number is used instead. Pre-test and post-test counseling must be provided.
Non-Nominal or Confidential Testing
Your initials or a code can be used instead of your name, and this is then reported to your local Medical Officer of Health. Pre-test and post-test counseling must be provided.
APPENDIX B
ADDICTION SERVICES
Alcohol And Drug Treatment Centre (Niagara)
Queen St., 2nd Floor
St. Catharines, ON
non-residential Day Treatment Program
aftercare for people who have completed a drug or alcohol treatment program
Family Program for relatives of chemically dependent people
Men’s Niagara Regional Detoxification Centre
Adams St.
St. Catharines, ON –
residential 24 hour crisis intervention for male alcohol/drug abusers
non-medical withdrawal management
Regional Niagara Women’s Detoxification Centre
Adams St.
St. Catharines, ON –
for women seeking support while undergoing withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
14 bed, 24 hour residential program
assessment and non-medical withdrawal
1:1 and outpatient counseling
Niagara Alcohol And Drug Assessment Service (NADAS)
St. Paul St. Suite 6
St. Catharines, ON –
program to help individuals with alcohol and drug problems obtain effective treatment
assessment, individualized treatment plans, and referrals
New Port Centre
The Port Colborne General Hospital
of the Niagara Health System.
Sugarloaf St.
Port Colborne, ON –
21 day residential program and outpatient program for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction
Women’s Addiction Recovery Mediation (WARM)
Garrison Rd.
Fort Erie, ON -
support and referral service for women who are chemically dependent
REFERENCE:
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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