HIV and isolation

As companions, pets do so many wonderful things; from fuzzy friends to emotional supports. We invited our guests to share how having a pet or service animal has improved their quality of life while living with chronic disease. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.Special thanks again to David Matta for audio engineering season 2 of Positively Speaking,  and Nick Nausbaum for composing the music. ---Additional Resources:Toronto Humane Society -  "We are operating and exploring new service models for Veterinary Care, Operating Preventative Wellness Services, Dental Care and Spay/Neuter services to clients in need."Toronto Humane Society Urgent Care Program–“ Urgent Care is a response-based, preventative program, offering temporary foster care for pet owners experiencing a short-term crisis which impacts their ability to care for their pet.” Toronto Animal Services - The City of Toronto and the Toronto Humane provide a wide variety of free pet goods and services to unhoused people with pets.Balance for Blind Adults - provides rehabilitation services for people with sight loss. Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs - Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs empowers Canadians living with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence, by providing a Dog Guide at no cost and supporting them in their journey together.    Support the show

Marty is a woman who is loved, with a job and family, who also uses crack cocaine. In this episode, Marty discusses her experience as a person who uses drugs, its repercussions, and both the pull and judgement of drug use. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.*Warning: this episode contains descriptions of intimate partner violence*---Additional Resources:ConnexOntario – Provides service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Available 24/7. CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) – From assessment to brief interventions, inpatiant programs, day hospital services, continuing care, outpatient services and family support, CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services. The Works –  A Harm Reduction Program for People who use Drugs - Toronto Public Health (TPH) provides programs and services to reduce drug-related harm for people who use drugs, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Rapid Access Addiction Medical Clinics (RAAM) – A RAAM clinic is a walk-in clinic for people with substance use problems. The purpose of the clinic is to provide people with quick access to addiction services without a referral or appointment. Most RAAM clinics are first-come/first-serve and offer clients brief counselling and referrals to community services. RAAM clinics are available across Ontario. The Access Point Toronto – The Access Point is a centralized point where you can apply for individual mental health and addictions support services and supportive housing. Support the show

Like many, Fred’s substance use is a way to manage with trauma. In this episode, he describes how he uses drugs to cope with his emotional and physical pain, and the importance of compassion and harm reduction in his life. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. *Warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse.*---Additional Resources: ConnexOntario – Provides service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Available 24/7. CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) – From assessment to brief interventions, inpatiant programs, day hospital services, continuing care, outpatient services and family support, CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services.The Works –  A Harm Reduction Program for People who use Drugs - Toronto Public Health (TPH) provides programs and services to reduce drug-related harm for people who use drugs, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Rapid Access Addiction Medical Clinics (RAAM) – A RAAM clinic is a walk-in clinic for people with substance use problems. The purpose of the clinic is to provide people with quick access to addiction services without a referral or appointment. Most RAAM clinics are first-come/first-serve and offer clients brief counselling and referrals to community services. RAAM clinics are available across Ontario.  The Access Point Toronto – The Access Point is a centralized point where you can apply for individual mental health and addictions support services and supportive housing.Drug Checking Toronto – A service that provides people who use drugs timely and detailed information on the contents of their drugs, helping them to make more informed decisions. Where to access free Naloxone kits and overdose trainingSupport the show

Following Episode 2 on immigration, we take a deeper dive into Xica’s story of growing up in isolation and adversity. She shares her journey not only traveling from Honduras, but in finding her true self while in Canada.Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.*This episode contains references to suicide, and other content that may be upsetting to some listeners*---Additional Resources:Trans Hotline-  Canada – 877-330-6366LGBTQ2+ Youth Line - Canada - 1-800-268-9688 Text: 647.694.4275 TTY: 416.962.0777Rainbow Health, Toronto - A program of Sherbourne Health, Rainbow Health Ontario creates opportunities for the healthcare system to better serve 2SLGBTQ communities.Trans Pulse - Trans PULSE Canada is a community-based survey of the health and well-being of trans and non-binary people in Canada.Friends of Ruby, Toronto - Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the progressive well-being of 2SLGBQTIA+ youth (aged 16-29) through mental health services, social services and housing. The 519 Community Centre, Toronto –   a number of trans specific programs.Hamilton Trans Health Coalition - A non-profit coalition of health care providers, advocates, and community members working to increase the capacity of health systems in Hamilton, Ontario to meet the needs of trans, gender-diverse, and non-binary people.Canada Transgender Resources - In addition to transgender resources outside Canada, this site has specific information on national trans resources as well as listings by Canadian province or territory. Support the show

The road to becoming Canadian comes with extra complexities when you live with HIV.  Hear three stories of people who arrived in Canada as refugees: Miguel, Ower, and Xica, and how they navigated new challenges and opportunities in a new country.Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.*This episode contains references to suicide and other content that might be upsetting to some listeners* ---Additional Resources:HALCO – HIV AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario and CLEO Connect. Provides free legal services to people living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario. Other services include public legal education activities across OntarioHIV Disclosure – Women and HIV / AIDS Initiative. WHAI is working with communities across Ontario to build capacity so that women living with HIV have control over how and why their HIV status is disclosed.Fact Sheet – HIV Non-Disclosure and the Criminal Law. Government of CanadaAIDS Information - Let POZ Be Your Guide. Go-to online resource for surviving and thriving with HIV/AIDS. Your Questions Answered. Completely Free Resource. Highlights: Magazine Available, Newsletter Available. Immigration and Travel to Canada for People Living with HIV: Questions and Answers (2018)– HIV Legal Network  What's "coming out"? Planned Parenthood Support the show

Three and a half years after being diagnosed with ALS, Eric chose medical assistance in dying (or MAID) at Casey House.  Listen as Eric reflects on his past, the lead up to his decision, and how MAID gave him a renewed sense of choice, dignity and hope.Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. ---Additional resources: MAiDHOUSE – “MAiDHouse is a non-profit organization based in Toronto devoted to providing those eligible to receive medical assistance in dying (MAiD) with a supportive, inclusive and comfortable setting.”  For more information visit www.maidhouse.caDYING WITH DIGNITY – “Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) is the national human-rights charity committed to improving quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights, and helping people across Canada avoid unwanted suffering.“ For more information visit www.dyingwithdignity.caBRIDGE C-14 – “is a non-profit organization that works to help improve the lives of individuals and their loved ones throughout all stages of the assisted death process in Canada.” For more information visit www.bridgec14.orgSupport the show

Casey House's podcast, Positively Speaking, returns for season 2 to share more stories from those living with HIV. This season we will be discussing medical assistance in dying (MAID), immigration, trans experience, substance use, and pets & service animals.  New episodes will be released on Wednesdays. Visit CaseyHouse.ca for more details. Support the show

The last episode of season 1 ends on an encouraging note; you'll hear from guests Robert, Kenneth, Eliot and Francois, who despite facing multiple challenges, have been able to find constructive new ways to understand their circumstances and find positive ways to engage with the world.  Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.Support the show

There are few medical conditions as stigmatizing as HIV/AIDS. Tell friends or family that you have cancer or diabetes and they often rally around you; tell them you are HIV+ and their responses can be quite different. Guests Allan, Michael, Scott and Tim describe their experiences with isolation and loneliness, some self-imposed, and how they have come to find peace within themselves.Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.Support the show

Toronto already has an affordable housing problem. Finding clean, safe, supportive and affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS experiencing physical, mental health and/or substance use issues adds another layer of complexity. Guests Allan, Michael, Scott and Tim discuss challenges finding appropriate housing, stigma and discrimination because of their HIV status, and the urgent need for more supportive housing in our city. We also discuss the difference appropriate housing makes to their health and well being.Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.Support the show