Issuu

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to reflect on the significant contributions and experiences of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Toronto, particularly in relation to the ongoing fight against HIV. While ACB individuals make up just 5% of Ontario's population, they account for about 20% of those living with HIV in the province. In 2022, nearly 30% of new HIV diagnoses in Ontario were among ACB people, highlighting a pressing health disparity that requires urgent attention.

Barriers such as stigma, racism, and limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare continue to impact HIV care and prevention efforts. Studies show that ACB individuals in Toronto face higher rates of HIV, with challenges accessing care due to discrimination and a lack of supportive services.

During this month, as we honor the achievements of Black communities, it's also a time to raise awareness of these ongoing health inequities. It is important organizations address these disparities, offering culturally relevant HIV prevention, testing, and support services.

Let’s use Black History Month as a platform not only to celebrate but also to continue advocating for health equity, education, and access to care for ACB communities in Toronto and beyond.

THN ACTIVITIES

The toronto hiv/aids network is hosting a members learning session on anti black racism which will be done in two parts.

The learning series will be a two part series the first one on the 27 march 2025 which will be virtual

The second session will be an in person half day workshop the date will be announced

INVITATION FOR RESEARCH STUDY [WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY? CASE STUDIES TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF EQUITY-LENS DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Hello Community members!

I hope that this email finds you well.

My name is Sierra Sweet, and I am a Research Assistant from the Knowledge Translation Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto.

I am reaching out to invite an individual from the network to participate in a research study aimed at understanding the community perspective on whether COVID-19 public health policies were designed and implemented with health equity in mind. We want to understand where the health equity gaps are and how they can be addressed to help us empower decision makers to implement equitable health policies that will protect those most at-risk during a health emergency.

The aims of the interview are to:

1. Identify the challenges, barriers and facilitators to adopting or implementing equityrooted, targeted/prioritized PHP.

Critically assess how and why health equity was/was not considered in the development of public health recommendations, policies, or implementation decisions.

2 Participating in the study involves one interview session lasting about 60 minutes. Interviews can be conducted remotely via Zoom More detail about participating in the study can be found in the Study Information Letter attached.

CONTACT

NETWORK MEMBER ACTIVITIES

The CFGT’s 2025 Black History Month Gala is fast approaching!

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 5:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (123 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 3M9).

Let’s celebrate the exceptional achievements of the Black Francophone community under the theme: “United in Diversity: A Heritage to Celebrate, A Francophone Future to Be Built”. On the program for this unforgettable evening: Gourmet dinner; Captivating artistic performances; Inspiring speeches; Memorable dance party:

4:30-5:00 p.m.: Welcoming partners

5:00-6:00 p.m.: Partners cocktail

6:00-6:30 p.m.: Series of speeches

6:30-11:00 p.m.: Dinner, various entertainment, dance party

Take advantage of our special offer to purchase a full table that can accommodate ten people at the price of $800 excluding taxes for adult tickets (instead of $890 excluding taxes), please reserve your table by sending an email to partenariats@centrefranco.org.

Let your organization benefit from our visibility offer as part of this event, please fill out the sponsorship offer form and send it by email preferably before February 22, 2025 to the following address: partenariats@centrefranco.org.

Come celebrate, network and support diversity and Francophone excellence.

NETWORK MEMBER ACTIVITIES

SNAP is back for the 23rd year on Friday, March 21st to raise funds for people living with and at risk of HIV, presented by the TD Ready Commitment!

Friday, March 21, 2025

Daniels Spectrum: 585 Dundas Street East, Toronto 7pm Until Late

Highlights of the Evening

✨ A Diverse Collection: Explore a curated selection of photographic art spanning various genres and styles in our Live Auction.

�� Exclusive Entertainment: Patrons at our pre-SNAP reception will enjoy a musical performance by String and Keys, a local piano and violin duo who bring passion and creativity to their craft. During the Live Auction, stay tuned for a high energy halftime performance by Toronto's own Sofonda Cox.

Don't miss this opportunity to acquire remarkable photographic art that will inspire, provoke, and leave a lasting impression, while supporting people living with and at risk of HIV. Reduced ticket price available until Valentine's Day. Prices increase on February 15th!