African and Caribbean Council on HIV and AIDS in Ontario

Happy Pride Month 2024!
This June, ACCHO celebrates Pride Month under the theme of unity, resilience, and celebration, shining a spotlight on our African, Caribbean, and Black 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Let's continue to uplift each other, advocate for justice, and create inclusive spaces where everyone can live freely.
ACCHO

Compassion heals us!

On our journey of healing, let us remember that compassion begins within ourselves. It is the practice of self-kindness, the acceptance of our vulnerabilities, and the courage to seek help when needed. Together, we can create a culture of compassion where no one feels alone in their struggles.

Mental Health Week (May 6 to 12, 2024)

Mental Health and Anxiety
Having occasional feelings of anxiety is a normal part of our life, but excessive anxiety, fear, terror, and panic in everyday situations need to be addressed. It may affect our quality of life and prevent us from functioning normally.
You should see your healthcare provider if your anxiety is affecting your life and relationships.
You can also find mental health support centers in Ontario by clicking the following link: http://ow.ly/vzcM50Opxtf

As the director of ACCHO, I effectively address work-related burnout by employing various strategies. These include prioritizing tasks and establishing boundaries. I am very intentional in blocking time for family, work, self-care, and socializing.

Engaging in self-care activities such as exercise helps me recharge. Additionally, I cultivate a support network comprising of colleagues, friends, and family, which offers me emotional support.

Additionally, I embrace flexibility and adaptability to sustain a harmonious equilibrium. This is not only extended to me, but also ensuring that my staff never experience burnout by allowing flexible working hours and encouraging them to engage in self-care routines.

By implementing these measures, I strive to effectively manage work-related burnout, by fostering a healthy and gratifying work-life balance while guiding ACCHO towards its mandate.
Lounanjio Brown O’Sullivan
ACCHO Director

Your lifestyle determines your combo- What's your HIV prevention combo?




PrEP Clinics and Resources in Ontario: https://ow.ly/MgKe50R8JNa

HIV and the Criminal Law - What You Need to Know.

PrEP is an effective HIV preventative method and using a condom correctly is the most effective way to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).





https://ow.ly/wXS050QUHZb

Happy International Women's Day!

When commemorating International Women's Day 2024, themed "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," it is crucial to spotlight the distinct challenges encountered by African Caribbean and Black women, including the heightened vulnerability to HIV and other health-related issues.

Observing International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the pressing need to confront intersecting forms of discrimination.

Empowering African, Caribbean, and Black women and ensuring their comprehensive engagement in economic, social, and political spheres isn't solely a matter of justice but also a driving force for overall advancement.

The African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO) urges for tangible commitments, from targeted initiatives to address healthcare disparities to policies promoting equitable representation in leadership roles.

Sharing is caring…but not everything!
Safe injection always requires the use of a new needle and syringe!

Please use the following link to access harm reduction resource: https://ow.ly/9qqj50QK0Aq

As we commemorate International Zero Discrimination Day on March 1, 2024, under the theme of “to protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights,” we emphasize the fundamental importance of safeguarding the health and rights of every individual, while also highlighting how imperative it is to eliminate HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination within the African, Caribbean, and Black communities.

Discrimination takes many insidious forms, whether it's based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, health status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or marital status. No one should ever be subjected to unfair treatment because of who they are.

Zero Discrimination Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, calling on us all to challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors wherever they may arise.

Today, as the African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO) marks International Zero Discrimination Day, let us recommit ourselves to the values of inclusion, compassion, and respect for diversity.

ACCHO celebrates Black History Month 2024 through the lens of HIV with the theme "Breaking the Stigma".

1. The power of our words can shape attitudes; let's speak with mindfulness and empathy.
2. We must confront and dispel myths and stereotypes; actively educating those around us.
3. Treating everyone with dignity and respect is paramount; offering support is essential in fostering a more inclusive and informed community.

ACCHO celebrates Black History Month 2024 through the lens of HIV with the theme "Breaking the Stigma".
1. The power of our words can shape attitudes; let's speak with mindfulness and empathy.
2. We must confront and dispel myths and stereotypes; actively educating those around us.
3. Treating everyone with dignity and respect is paramount; offering support is essential in fostering a more inclusive and informed community.

ACCHO celebrates Black History Month 2024 through the lens of HIV with the theme "Breaking the Stigma".

1. The power of our words can shape attitudes; let's speak with mindfulness and empathy.

2. We must confront and dispel myths and stereotypes; actively educating those around us.

3. Treating everyone with dignity and respect is paramount; offering support is essential in fostering a more inclusive and informed community.

Join us on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, and let us discuss stigma, systemic barriers, trauma, disclosure, and success in our ACB communities.