Athletics beat Victoria squad 3-0 on soccer field
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Friday, October 2, 2015
HEALTH
Hospital brings in routine HIV tests Detection measures have fallen short of provincial guidelines, leading to regular blood work with a patient’s consent ERIC PLUMMER ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
Authorities have no idea how many people in the Alberni Valley are infected with the virus that causes AIDS, says central Vancouver Island’s chief medical officer. Currently Island Health tests just 3.9 per cent of hospital patients in the region for HIV – falling far short of the 20 per cent rate provincial health authorities believe is needed to control the virus. To gain a better handle on those infected, the West Coast General Hospital is including HIV tests in its host of routine blood work
given to admitted patients, starting Monday. Early diagnosis is essential to mitigate the development of HIV, said Dr. Paul Hasselback, central Vancouver Island’s medical health officer. Approximately one in four Canadians with HIV are unaware of their infection, and in British Columbia one in six people carry an advanced form of the virus by the time its detected, estimates Island Health. If untreated, HIV leads to AIDS, an incurable disease that destroys the immune system. “If we can find individuals early on in their illness, we can treat
them as soon as possible, they are less likely to lead to the long-term complications associated with HIV infections and we can contribute to preventing further transmission,” said Hasselback. HIV blood work will be undertaken with verbal consent, the first phase of a plan to bring the practice to hospitals across Vancouver Island next year. Nanaimo General and the Campbell River Hospital are the next facilities to introduce routine HIV tests this fall. The West Coast General was chosen to introduce the regular testing due to its smaller size.
“It’s more able to respond to opportunities like this,” Hasselback said. “There were less technical barriers.” Contraction of the virus is no longer a death sentence, said Hasselback, thanks to advancements over the last decade in drug treatment. But while pharmaceuticals can better fight HIV before it advances to AIDS, Hasselback believes detection has not improved in the region over the last ten years. “Someone who is newly diagnosed early in their infection, put on therapy, can expect to live the
COMMUNITY
same lifespan as someone who’s not infected,” he said. “Ten years ago it was a toxic cocktail of medications.” In 2013 central Vancouver Island had 12 cases of the virus – or 4.6 patients per 100,000 residents – but new diagnoses have declined across the Island since 2004, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. While infection has traditionally been more common in larger urban centres, this might not necessarily be the case today, said Hasselback. Eric.Plummer@avtimes.net
MEDIA
Initiative helps those with challenges to AV Times take a larger role with local businesses closure
announced
KRISTI DOBSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
Local businesses are taking an active role in breaking the barriers of employment through the integration of people with developmental disabilities. What they have discovered is that they are making a difference in the lives of residents of the community. For nearly 30 years, the Port Alberni Association for Community Living has been matching adults with unique abilities to suitable jobs with local employers. It provides those with the desire and motivation to work a supported transition into independent living. Today there are 32 job placements in the Valley, ranging from retail, hospitality and campground work. “Our clients are going from disability cheque to full-time employment,” said M.G. Walker “That is something that at one time they thought they were not capable of.” In her position, Walker wears many hats on a daily basis. When she is not coordinating job seekers with employers, she is out in the field training workers. The goal is to phase out from a supported position at the job site to one in which clients are fully independent. “Some days I go from wearing gum boots to a dress,” Walker said. “But I feel like we have opened the box and the possibilities are endless. I want to see what else is out there for our clients.” Walker proactively seeks out potential employers and when she approached Brad DeClercq of Starboard Grill, he agreed to hire her client, Ken Rudd. Six months ago Walker showed Rudd what was required of him in the backend of the restaurant business and he has been employed ever since. “It is going really well,” DeClercq
ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
DeClercq recently took Rudd on a shopping road trip. “We went to Costco and he had his grocery list and budget,” DeClercq said. “He only went over by three dollars.” October marks Community Living Month which brings attention to inclusive initiatives – not only in the workplace, but in family and social lives.
Black Press Group Ltd. has announced the decision to close the Alberni Valley Times within the next 60 days. “Despite the considerable efforts of its staff, the Times has been experiencing declining circulation and advertising revenues over the past few years,” said Randy Blair, president of Black Press Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island divisions. “With a paid circulation base of less than 25 per cent of the total households in the market area it unfortunately is no longer a sustainable business model.” Black Press will continue to invest in the Alberni Valley News, which has proven to be a successful free distribution, twice-weekly community newspaper serving the Valley. When the announcement was made in the Times’ newsroom Wednesday afternoon representatives from Black Press thanked the employees of the Times for their efforts and pledged to support them in their endeavours to find new employment. The company also thanks the readers and advertisers who have given their support to the Alberni Valley Times over the years. “Black Press remains very committed to supporting the many community groups and organizations who continue to work hard to improve many aspects of life in the Alberni Valley,” Blair said. “(We) will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of news and events that are relevant to the region.”
Kristi.Dobson@avtimes.net
news@avtimes.net
Ken Rudd enjoys his role in the kitchen of Starboard Grill after being hired through a partnership with the Community Employment Program of the Port Alberni Association for Community Living. [KRISTI DOBSON, TIMES]
said. “He shows up early, does the job and has a sense of humour.” Whether through part-time or full-time employment, clients are reaping the benefits of going to work. They are meeting new friends, learning responsibility and discovering a purpose in life, Walker said. Being a part of the community boosts self-worth and confidence, she said. Walker’s coworker, Nona Hawley, agrees that it is more than
just a job that they help provide, especially in a society that expects everyone to have a purpose in life. “If you were to ask our clients what they do, they now have an answer,” Hawley said. “Their quality of life improves,” Walker said. “They are earning their own money and learning how to budget.” These types of friendships and learning opportunities often extend outside the workplace.
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