Lena Smye - the AIDS Network - August 26

Posted by Allyson Wenzowski 
 

Lena Smye is the Director of Marketing & Fund Development for The AIDS Network which serves Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant.  The AIDS Network provides accurate, up-to-date information to individuals and groups, in an effort to reduce the risk of transmission and increase the understanding of HIV/AIDS and related issues.

 

Lena Smye is the Director of Marketing & Fund Development for The AIDS Network which serves Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant.  The AIDS Network provides accurate, up-to-date information to individuals and groups, in an effort to reduce the risk of transmission and increase the understanding of HIV/AIDS and related issues. The AIDS Network wide range of education initiatives includes the following:

 

Speakers Bureau

Trained speakers are available to address groups in the community on topics related to HIV and AIDS such as AIDS in the workplace, psycho-social issues, living with HIV and AIDS,

 

Resource Centre

Accurate and up-to-date information is provided in a variety of formats, including videos, newsletters, magazines, and newspaper clipping files, as well as books, government reports and pamphlets. Some of the topics covered include health information, grief and bereavement, women and HIV, gay and lesbian issues and complementary therapies.

 

Treatment Information Exchange

An Internet link so service users can access the most current information on HIV and AIDS treatments.  

 

Print Materials and Condom Distribution

Information is available through pamphlets and information sheets on a variety of topics related to HIV/AIDS and community services.

 

Health Promotion Strategies

Specific health promotion strategies and programs have been developed to provide relevant (culturally sensitive, age specific, using appropriate jargon, etc.) information to individuals and communities who may not access broader education information. These strategies include targeted programs for youth, aboriginal communities, men who have sex with men and incarcerated individuals.

 

The VAN Needle Exchange Program

This program is a partnership with Hamilton Social and Public Health Services focussing on the street community, which includes mobile and fixed needle exchange services as well as critical health promotion services. Halton Needle Exchange Program, Network staff and volunteers support and participate on the advisory committee of this program.

 

Displays

Volunteers and staff are available to set up and/or accompany a display with relevant information at health fairs, workplace community days, local festivals and other relevant venues.

 

Train the Trainer

A Train the Trainer program is available. Identified staff in community-serving agencies are connected with The AIDS Network, and trained to lead ongoing staff training within their own agencies.

 

Workshops

Ongoing workshops are planned to provide up-to-date, accurate and relevant information to health care providers, community partners, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, volunteers and caregivers. Specific workshops may be targeted to the broader community to raise general awareness of relevant issues.

 

For further information please call Lena at 905-528-0854 x 228.