Canada: New Hope for People With HIV/AIDS

Northern Ontario's HIV/AIDS Extended Network (HAVEN) program marked its 20th anniversary Monday. HAVEN currently provides HIV-related services to 230 people in the region. Since its founding in 1992, the program has assisted some 800 clients.

Judy Latendre-Paquette, program coordinator, said the caseload "grows every year. We are seeing approximately 40 referrals a year. Some people are referred, but never show up for care, or come once or relocate," she said after a press conference at the Ramsey Lake Health Center.

HAVEN operates as an outpatient clinic staffed by a coordinator, doctor, counselor, and three nurses. The program also can access a nutritionist and pharmacist. It is funded by a variety of community agencies and organizations, including ACCESS AIDS and the Sudbury and District Health Unit.

Medical advances have helped HAVEN better coordinate and provide care following diagnosis, said Latendre-Paquette. "We are able to test the patient now to see what drug will work best for them," she said. "And with the Health Unit, they are now doing rapid HIV testing." "It's something out there for them and lets them know immediately if they are HIV-positive and can start doing assessment."

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