Total Hype Newsletter - 2009 October

totalhype
COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Program
A!work by Rob & Kate
COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Program
South Riverdale Community Health Centre
955 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON
M4M 3P3
1 ext. 232
p: 416-461-1925
October 2009
Contributors: Raffi, Jayson, Kelly G, Janet, Ben m., E, Kate, Giselle, Hussein, Sarah,
Vanessa, Rob M.
Editors:Raffi Balian & Molly Bannerman
Guest Editors: Giselle Dias & Kate Kenny
2
Welcome to
TotalHype
COUNTERfit’s Harm Reduction Newsletter
TotalHype is released monthly and is created by COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Program
Service Users, Volunteers and Staff.
What’s Inside:
We are open about what should go in TotalHype, as long as it is respectful of our
services, our service users and our harm reduction approach. Our hope is that people
will submit something they created rather than something they found written somewhere.
This is an opportunity for service users to show off their skills, knowledge & creativity and
to educate each other about important issues for drug users. We would love to have:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Information about new rug trends
Information about bad drug deals
News about bad drug warnings
Upcoming events
Community resources
Poems & artwork
Stories & creative writing
Games (i.e. suduko)
Cartoons,
Information about deaths /
memorials, educational articles
• Other stuff
•
•
•
•
Contributing to the Newsletter:
COUNTERfit Service Users, Staff and Volunteers generally contribute to TotalHype; BUT,
we’d welcome contributions from anyone as long as they fit within our mandate
(described above).
When you contribute, you can use your name – or use another name, or submit
something anonymously.
Due Date for Submissions:
All submissions should be made at least 1 week before the end of each month. For the
November Edition, the due date will be Friday, October 23rd.
If you are interested – talk to Molly (see below for contact information)
If you want more information:
If you want more information about the newsletter or how to get
involved, talk to Molly.
Molly Bannerman
416-461-3577 ext. 232
3
[email protected]
What’s Inside
About TotalHype Newsletter
3
What’s Inside
4
Partying with Fruits
5-7
New Information: Syringes, HIV & Hep C
8
Poetry
8
Poverty is Making us Sick
9 - 11
One Mother to Another
12
How is Stan
13
How you make me feel inside
13
Reclaim the Street
14
Prison project and COUNTERfit
14
Prisons & Justice
15 - 16
H1N1 & COUNTERfit
17
Poetry
18
The HOW Project
19 - 20
Island Paradise
20 - 21
Vanessa’s Curry Special
22
Community Information
23
Harvest Meal
23
Bad Date Coalition Logo Design
24
Recession Relief Coalition
25
Learning & Doing It
26
Arguments for publicly funded dental care
27
Canning Workshop
28
Board Member Wanted Ad for Ralph Thornton
29
Nothing About Us Without Us
30
4
Partying with FRUITS
Written by Raffi Balian
I
started
making
fruit
salad
almost
four
months
ago
and
got
hooked
on
them
soon
after.
Some
people
get
hooked
on
scoring,
preparing
and
cooking
drugs,
as
much
as
they
like
injecting
them.
For
me,
the
process
of
making
fruit
salad
is
as
much
fun
as
eating
it!
An
edge
is
an
important
factor
when
you’re
selecting
your
fruit.
But
just
because
a
fruit
has
an
edge,
it
doesn’t
mean
that
it’s
the
right
fruit
for
your
salad.
Your
uncle
Jack
may
have
an
edge,
but
he’s
a
fucking
cop
–
so
he’s
out,
and
so
may
some
of
your
fruit.
I
love
nectarines,
and
boy
do
they
have
an
edge?
But
put
a
nectarine
in
my
salad,
and
it
may
as
well
have
been
an
egg
yolk
because
neither
belong
there.
Also,
an
edge
should
not
be
a
prerequisite
to
invite
someone
to
a
party.
It’s
no
fun
when
every
one
is
trying
to
upstage
everyone
else.
You
need
your
schmoozers
and
loners,
your
gossiping
neighbours
and
your
discreet
adulterers;
your
hanger
on
friends
and
your
antisocial
acquaintances,
your
egoist
heroes
and
selCless
martyrs.
And
just
as
you
can’t
have
all
your
characters
look
and
sound
the
same,
you
can’t
have
all
your
fruit
look
and
taste
the
same.
A
party
needs
variety,
and
parties
themselves
vary.
Preparing
fruit
salad
is
like
preparing
for
a
party.
You
can’t
invite
every
person
or
every
one
you
know
to
the
same
party.
For
example,
if
you’re
going
to
party
with
drugs,
you’re
not
going
to
invite
your
uncle
Jack,
who
is
the
Clunky
at
your
local
Narcotics
department.
Nor
are
you
going
to
invite
your
next
door
neighbour
who
can’t
speak
or
understand
a
word
of
English.
Unless
you’re
prepared
to
spend
the
entire
night
entertaining
him,
you’re
going
to
set
the
poor
guy
up
to
boredom.
It’s
the
same
with
Fruit
Salad.
If
you
invite
the
wrong
fruit
into
your
salad,
the
pleasure
will
not
be
the
same.
So,
how
do
you
decide
which
fruit
you’re
going
to
invite
to
your
fruit
party?
Every
person
has
different
taste
and
likes
different
kind
of
parties.
That’s
why
I
don’t
go
to
most
parties,
but
I’m
there
like
a
dirty
shoe
at
some
others
‐‐
especially
if
I’m
told
there
may
be
free
drugs
or
Indian
food
‐‐
not
necessarily
in
the
same
order.
I
don’t
drink
booze,
so
I
don’t
care
for
parties
that
have
lots
of
alcohol.
Well,
not
after
informed
consent
Just
as
you
invite
an
eclectic
bunch
to
your
shindig,
you
have
to
summon
an
eclectic
selection
of
fruits
to
your
salad.
You
have
to
remember
that
all
fruits
are
great,
taste
great,
and
are
good
to
look
at.
But
you
also
want
your
fruits
to
feel
right:
sometimes
ripe
and
nubile
for
the
taking,
and
sometimes
green
and
sour
with
an
edge.
5
Griffin...
Partying with FRUITS
continued . . .
became
the
law.
Just
kidding.
I
am
not
that
easy.
 Kiwi
Fruit
(12):
These
are
like
your
mentors
who
have
now
sold
out
They
talk
a
good
talk
when
they’re
young,
but
become
conservative
and
useless
when
they
age.
You’ve
got
to
get
this
fruit
when
it’s
young
and
hard.
Otherwise,
it
becomes
irrelevant
with
a
lame
texture.
Them
fuckers
are
bursting
with
Vit
C,
have
lots
of
antioxidants
that
prevent
cancer
and
heart
disease.
They
are
also
rich
in
Cibre
and
almost
every
mineral
you
can
think
of.
But
I
digress,
again.
My
palette
is
on
the
sour
side.
Given
the
amount
of
fruit
salad
I
make
(two
huge
bowls)
and
the
amount
of
time
I
make
it
for
(one
week),
it’s
necessary
to
choose
fruit
that’s
hard
and
barely
ripe
because
fruit
can
become
soft
and
soggy
very
fast.
Also,
as
the
fruit
ripens
in
your
salad,
it
changes
it’s
taste.
It’s
like
sleeping
with
the
same
person
with
a
different
persona
every
day.
 Grapes
(1lb):
These
are
the
aristocrats
at
your
party.
Because
grapes
make
wine,
they
have
their
heads
swelled.
Aristocrats
or
not,
grapes
are
great
to
have
around,
give
colour,
taste
great,
and
are
amazing
for
your
immune
system.
These
too
have
lots
of
natural
anti‐oxidants
I
also
like
some
of
my
fruit
to
taste
neutral,
or
even
sweet.
Just
as
you
can’t
hang
out
with
overbearing
partygoers
all
the
time,
you
also
can’t
just
have
sour
fruit
in
your
salad.
Sometimes,
hanging
out
with
“nice”
friends
will
give
you
a
break
from
aggressive
folks;
fruit
that
are
sweet
will
give
your
taste
buds
a
much
needed
break.
 Pineapple
(1):
My
ex
used
to
say,
“Men,
(spitting
sound),
you
can’t
live
without
them,
you
can’t
shoot
them
in
the
head
with
a
high
powered
riCle”.
Well,
that’s
how
I
feel
about
pineapples.
They
usually
are
edgy,
boisterous,
and
downright
jarring.
But
without
them,
a
fruit
party
has
no
edge.
Pineapple
has
also
lots
of
antioxidants,
is
brimming
with
almost
every
Vitamin
and
mineral
there
is,
and
is
a
natural
healing
agent.
This
is
a
list
of
the
fruit
I
use
for
my
salad:
 Mangoes
(total
10):
These
are
the
working
class
people
in
your
party
and
come
in
all
shapes
and
sizes.
There
are
several
kinds,
and
I
include
any
kind
I
can
Cind.
This
fruit
should
be
bought
when
it’s
hard
and
sour.
Mangoes
usually
change
taste
by
the
middle
of
the
week,
getting
a
little
sweeter.
Unripe
or
sweet,
mangoes
are
delicious,
rich
in
Cibres,
vit
A
and
C,
and
replenishes
lost
potassium
6
 Asian
Pears
(2
or
3):
These
are
like
Japanese
car
makers:
on
their
Partying with FRUITS
continued . . .
own,
they
may
be
bland
and
uninteresting.
But
put
them
in
a
party,
and
they
will
copy
the
best
models
and
manufacture
cars
that
have
the
best
in
everything.
On
their
own,
Asian
Pears
have
little
taste,
and
the
texture
of
apples.
However,
they
imbibe
the
juices
of
every
other
fruit
and
start
tasting
great
by
the
middle
of
the
weak.
These
pears
have
lots
of
Vitamin
C
and
K
(Vit
K
are
natural
anti‐dots
to
poisoning
and
is
good
for
bone
health,
memory).
Asian
pears
are
also
rich
in
antioxidants
and
help
with
weight
loss.
antioxidants
than
any
other
fruit.
They
are
also
great
for
eyesight,
skin,
and
cardiovascular
health
 Lemon
and
Lime:
These
are
morale
boosters.
They
give
edge
to
fruit
that
don’t
have
one,
and
increase
the
edge
of
those
who
don’t
need
any.
Lemon
and
lime
are
also
antioxidants
and
are
jam‐
packed
with
Vit.
C.
 Fruit
that
I
don’t
use:
o Strawberries
–
they
look
pretty,
taste
good
on
their
own,
but
they
are
not
team
workers.
They
don’t
mingle
well
 Cantaloupe,
Honeydew
and
Casaba:
These
are
a
lot
like
mangoes
but
without
an
edge
and
work
the
other
way
around.
Like
Kiwis,
they
can
be
compared
to
aging
“revolutionaries”.
Instead
of
revolution,
these
fuckers
talk
of
compromise,
job
security
and
wage
hike.
Melons
are
some
of
the
best
cancer
Cighting
agents
and
are
good
for
weight
loss.
o Apples
and
Pears:
become
brown,
spoiling
the
others
A
Final
Free
Hint:
Just
as
you
should
be
careful
who
you
party
with
and
how
long
you
party
for,
be
selective
with
your
fruit,
and
know
your
limits.
Too
much
of
a
good
thing
can
be
hazardous
to
your
health!
And
if
you
get
tired
of
the
fruity
taste,
you
can
always
add
cottage
or
Ricotta
cheese.
And
if
you
want
to
be
a
little
wilder,
add
red
wine,
and
double
your
pleasure.
 Orange
(naval,
5
large):
Oranges
are
probably
like
most
people’s
next
door
neighbours
‐
confused
and
closeted.
But
oranges
add
great
colour,
are
rich
in
Vit
C,
are
powerful
antioxidants,
and
are
wonderful
for
your
skin.
 Blueberries:
These
are
like
the
friends
you
invite
only
when
you
see
them
‐
like
afterthoughts.
But
once
you
have
them
over,
you
wonder
why
you
didn’t
have
them
on
the
top
of
your
list.
Blueberries
are
wonderful
addition
to
your
salad
–
they
are
stars
in
nutritional
terms.
They
are
very
high
in
nutrients,
and
very
low
in
calories.
They
have
more
7
New Information:
Syringes, HIV and Hep C
At COUNTERfit – we encourage our
Service Users to take extra syringes with
them for emergencies. However – there
may come a time when you don’t have a
new syringe available. If this happens –
its important to know how to properly
clean your syringe. In the past, we’ve
encouraged Service Users to use a 3 X 3
X 3 method (3 X water, 3 X bleach, and 3
X water and waiting 3 minutes before
flushing the syringe). But new research
has shown that using 1 X water, 1 X
bleach and 1 X water with no waiting in
between kills all the viruses over 99% of
the time.
This new research also shows that HIV
and Hepatitis C survive longer in
removable syringes. The virus apparently
survives 5 to 6 weeks longer in these!
I feel the strength from your souls
essence
I take in the beauty of you with
full attention.
I open my heart
to find the cobwebs and dust that
lurks inside
and feel the blood blow through
once more
and touch the coldness it had
for with your smile
alone I find truth, and love.
I hold your beauty
tight in my minds eye
just so i can glow.
loneliness is gone till tomorrow
for that never comes
fear helps me grow stronger
and helps me learn new tasks
courage in my heart comes
when I open my mind to believe
empty is the space
where my confusion was
dust and webs
gather on top of wreckage and
blunders
night comes and the morn guides me
until the dusk reached
I am in this until the creator takes
me
forever is just started now.
Benjamin M.
September 18, 2009
Also, contrary to previous evidence, HIV
can survive up to six weeks longer than
Hepatitis C. However, the viral load in a
given concentration of blood is way higher
for Hep C, thus making infection much
more likely.
Information from “New campaigns to
reduce blood-borne transmission and
drug-related deaths”,
HarmReductionWorks.org.uk.
8
Poverty is Making Us Sick!
by Janet MacKenzie-Cohen
On September 23rd, South Riverdale
Community Health Centre hosted
“Something’s Brewing” – a workshop to
deal with the many ways in which “Poverty
is Making Us Sick”. The evening was
arranged in response to what the
membership of the Health Centre said in a
survey – that “Poverty” and “The
Economy” are key issues of concern to us.
poverty is affecting our health. We also
shared some good ideas on what we can
do about it. People from the “Put Food in
the Budget” Campaign in the DavenportPerth neighbourhood talked about what
they are doing.
One speaker, David McNally, pointed out
that we are living through the biggest
recession since the 1930’s and that it will
likely get worse before it gets better. He
mentioned that unemployment is currently
running at about 10 – 15% depending on
who’s statistics are talking, and that a
huge shift is taking place in job losses,
and also in the working poor, as many
jobs become part time instead of full time.
Also he said that workers are required to
be much more productive than ever before
in this economy.
“Put Food in the Budget” is a campaign
which advocates that an additional $100/
month be added to the monthly
allowances of those on social assistance
for more nutritious food – in some cases
to allow them to eat daily. Those of us at
the meeting used the “Do the Math” tool to
decide the monthly costs of living. (Do the
Math is a tool to help people decide what
kind of things a person needs to be
healthy and to live with dignity and to
calculate what it costs to pay for these
things). We found that approximately
$2,465 / month is needed to live a basic
life with health and dignity and without any
luxuries. This adds up to about $37, 000/
year which is probably what most people
would say you need to survive in this city
as a single person. The maximum payable
by Welfare (OW) is $572 and by Disability
(ODSP) is $1,020.
David McNally was also very clear that
when governments can afford to bail out
banks and major manufacturers, they
should never be short sighted and cut
education budgets to pay for that,
because our children are our future. He
pointed to California where billions have
been cut from the finance infrastructure for
education and healthcare for migrant
workers – the groups who have no
political voice - while the banks get trillions
of dollars in bailouts.
In a packed agenda, several Guest
Speakers gave us more information about
what is going on with government
programs that are supposed to help
people with an income and on how
Earlier in the evening, Jennefer Laidley
from Income Security Advocacy Centre
said that the huge cuts to Social
9
Poverty is Making Us Sick!
continued . . .
Assistance undertaken by the Harris
Government 20 years ago, have never
been restored to those who cannot work –
that somehow the unemployed have
always been blamed for their own plight.
This attitude prevails in spite of the ample
evidence that the recession is a global
phenomenon. Most people on Social
Assistance do want to work. There are
many barriers in the system to prevent
them from doing so.
try to keep their jobs by not using drugs
the night before. If you give them extra
money, it may not “just go for drugs”, it
might enable them to improve their diet
and take better care of themselves in
general. Even if it does go for drugs, they
are able to buy better quality supplies and
thus have fewer health problems than if
they are buying on the street in small
quantities.
The workshop was generally given an
excellent rating by the participants – many
of whom wanted more similar events in
the future. Everyone was glad to be linked
into similar organizations which are
making a difference in the current
economy. In the near future, we will plan
some next steps with anyone who wants
Kelly, an outreach worker with
COUNTERfit, a Harm Reduction Program
at SRCHC, addressed the myths about
drug use in today’s economy. Amongst
other things she said that drug users in
general have priorities. They pay their rent
first, that if they are working they usually
Wrapped up in your arms
Gives me a warmth
I’ve longed to know
Your feelings
you’re not afraid to show
My heart
You’ve helped to grow
My love for you
I’m worried to show
Scared to let my soul shine
in your glow
because then all my feelings are
yours to know
haven’t let someone in for a while
and last one was a hell sent trial
you’re the one I’ve wanted for a
while
Its my heart you’ve captured with
your smile
E
12 / 08
10
“Poverty is Making Us Sick”
By Kelly G
In September we had a
meeting about Poverty
here at South Riverdale
Community Health
Centre. It was called
"Poverty is Making us
Sick". It was hosted by
Frank from COUNTERfit
and Susan Bender, the
Community Engagement
Coordinator at the Health
Centre. There were guest
speakers to talk about
certain issues and we did
an activity called "Do the
Math". In "Do the Math"
we added up the
minimum of what a single
person would spend to
live in the G.T.A.. There
were 6 tables and each
table took a section (i.e.
one table had health and
beauty, one table had
entertainment, one table
had basic needs).
Although not all tables
agreed on all areas, it
probably evened out
overall. One table felt that
a single person needs
$1200 for rent, (which I
think is excessive), and
$300 for food (which I
didn't think was enough).
Anyway, we did agree
that, for a person to live
decently, it would cost
$2465 a month (that's
$37,000 / year). Yet on
OW (Ontario Works /
welfare) the maximum is
$572.00/month, on ODSP
(Ontario Disability Support
Program) $1020/month,
and if receiving minimum
wage you would make
$1429.00/month (before
taxes).
There were also a few
speakers. There was a
speech by Raffi about the
impact of unemployment
on people who use illicit
drugs, a speech from
Jonah and René about
the reality of poverty, a
speech from Jennifer from
Income Security
Advocacy Centre (ISAC)
focusing on social
assistance issues and the
problem's they're in.
Lastly, there was a
speech from David
McNali, an activist talking
about how we are living
through the biggest
economic calamity since
the 1930's.
11
The evening started at
6:30 and went until almost
8:45 p.m.. Although it
went overtime by 15
minutes almost everyone
stayed riveted to their
seats. The samosas, fruit
and pastries were
delicious.
I must say I was glad I
went and I plan to get
more involved with
poverty issues, but I did
go home very depressed.
The state of things in the
world are very dire. David
McNali believes that it's
because 13 trillion dollars
world wide have gone into
bailing out the banks.
Certainly that would have
been enough to stamp out
poverty? What I took
from this: Banks and their
mistakes seem to be
more important than
people. What a shame,
after all it should be a
major priority to take
families and children out
of poverty.
by Kelly G
One Mother to Another:
The Grief and Loss Education and Action Project
By Kate
Over the last 15 weeks, 8 women have
been participating in a pilot group for
mothers who have lost children to
Children’s Aid Society (CAS)
apprehensions as a
partnership between
COUNTERfit and
Jean Tweed’s
Pathways to Healthy
Families Program.
The group is called
the Grief and Loss
Education and Action
Project.
and belittled by the system. Women
were also able to articulate different
ways that CAS had failed to support
them and their families in times of need.
To everyone’s surprise,
we had a respectful
dialogue with Caroline,
and women felt heard
and validated in their
anger and pain about
what happened to their
kids.
I would like to
congratulate all of the
women who participated
in this project for sharing
your stories and ongoing
struggles, and for displaying amazing
strength and courage in supporting each
other and wanting to educate CAS and
others about your experiences. As the
pilot project comes to a close we will be
having a special lunch in early October
to honour and celebrate everyone’s
participation in the
project. We will
then be planning
next steps for the
project, and will
hopefully be
starting another
group in the next
few months. If you
are interested in
participating or
would like more
information please
talk to Kate or call
416-461-3577
extension 388.
We formed this group
because women who
have lost children to
CAS experience a great deal of trauma
and grief that often goes unrecognized
by society. The goal of the group was to
give women a voice and an opportunity
to speak and be heard and
acknowledged around their experiences
of loss - one mother to another - through
sharing of experiences, learning about
coping strategies, creating art, and
educating CAS about how the system
should change to better support women
and their families.
Over the course of the project, women
have shown great bravery in rising to
the challenge of acknowledging their
grief and its impacts, sharing their
stories of loss and trauma, discussing
positive ways of reconnecting with
children, and advocating for change to
support other women involved with
CAS. Toward the end of the group, we
met with a supervisor from CAS named
Caroline Usher. It felt like a monumental
encounter as for the first time many
women were able to share their stories
with CAS and did not feel powerless
12
(Artwork by
Rhonda).
How Is Stan?
A week doesn't go by
that I'm not asked
numerous times "how
is Stan?". I thought
for this week I
wouldn't make you ask
-- so here is my
update. I'm full of optimism
since my visit last week. Stan seemed better than
he has been in a long
time. He was smiling and
laughing at all the news
and gossip in South
Riverdale (albeit silently
as he still doesn't have
his vocals yet).
His eyes light up when
I mention many of your
names. I felt beyond a
shadow of a doubt that
he recognized me. When
I told him some crazy
things I did and have
happened in my life, he
gave me that look that
says "oh no", or "that's
too much", or "get out
- no way". The nurse said to me
"this man is our star
pupil" and another said
"this man
is gonna
walk out
of here
one day". That made
me so
happy and
yet it made
me wonder
how the
other
hospital
was so
quick to
give up. They said
he would never recover. We knew differently. We
fought for him and
showed that he was
not alone. Don't f--with our Stan. You
don't know what this
man is capable of. Well,
he showed them. Drug
users are not
expendable. We are not
the bottom of the
barrel. We are capable
of amazing feats. Even
miracles. The only thing I will
say is that Stan
could use even more
support. Did you
know that he can
walk with assistance
now? Currently he
doesn't have very man
people visiting him. Whole days go by
without company. So
if you have some time
- see Molly, Raffi or
Giselle for
information to visit
Stan. Our support is
necessary to his
recovery. Written by Kelly G
The Way You Make Me Feel Inside . . .
I can’t begin to tell you what it
means
all I can say for sure
is you’re truly the woman of my
dreams
every breath that I take
every thought that i have
from morning till night
are all because of you
baby girl
you’re truly my shinning light
my love
its unconditional
13
and i promise you it will never change
i even get tingles down my spine
when i hear you say my name
i love you with all my heart
i need you to always believe this
and i can’t wait till we’re together
again
so longer we have to miss
being apart from each other from the
real pain we have inside
from the hurt inside our hearts
so never again will we have to cry
By Jayson Pothier
Reclaim the Streets
October 23rd, 2009
RECLAIM THE STREETS Rally is a Rally followed
by a Walk in the East End downtown streets of Toronto.
It’s focus is to draw awareness to the violence against
women - and particularly against sex workers.
COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Service Users are
welcomed to join in making posters, sound makers, and
other artwork in the afternoon prior to the event. We’ll
be gathering in the lobby and will travel together to
Regent Park Community Health Centre where there
will be a community meal before the rally begins. Men
are invited to join in the event - however they are asked
to walk respectfully at the back of the march.
Prison Project with COUNTERfit
As users of illegal drugs, all our
service users and some of our service
providers are at risk of incarceration.
One of the few things that brighten a
prisoner’s day is to receive letters
from friends and even total strangers.
One of the ways that prisoners feel
they still exist is the acknowledgement
they get through visits and letters.
Even a few sentences will make a huge
difference in the life of an imprisoned
friend.
For a complete list of who you can
write to (or to add your name to the
list of people who would like to
receive mail) please talk to Molly or
Sang Won.
Throughout the newsletter you will
find articles, poems, letters and art
sent to us by incarcerated service
users.
If you are in prison/jail and you want
to mail us something for the
newsletter, please send us your
contribution with a note giving us
permission to publish it in TotalHype
and how you want us to acknowledge
you (i.e. do you want us to use your
full name, part of your name, no name
or a nickname?).
If you are interested in writing to our
service users who are incarcerated,
please see Sang Won. This is another
great way to increase your volunteer
involvement, while supporting your
friends.
14
Prisons & Justice
Giselle
As many of you know, on
August 10th, 2009 South
Riverdale
Community Health Center
had its first Prisoners
Justice Day event to
commemorate the lives
that have been lost behind
prison walls. We asked a
number of people to share
their experience with the
prison system as a way of
educating others about the
injustices that occur while
incarcerated. As you
will read below, this
speaker points out the
high rates of HIV and HCV
in prison. Rates of HIV are
almost 10 times higher in
prison then in the
community and HCV is up
to 40 times higher then in
the community. This is
partly due to prohibitionist
drug laws
and the high
rates of
despite support from the
Canadian Medical
Association and the
Ontario Medical
Association.
As the
below
speech
indicates, he
incarceration
was given a
for people
needle when
who
he first
use illicit
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all prisoners, unfortunately
within prisons. People
in
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not a rule. Prisoners
are not able to access
Justice Day is a day to
some of the most basic
raise awareness of prison
health care such as
issues and has become an
methadone (methadone is
international day of
only given to people who
recognition for prisoners
have been receiving it on
around the world. If you
the street or for pregnant
are interested in getting
women). There is
involved in next Prisoner’s
no policies in place for
Justice Day please speak
syringe programs in either
to Kate or Giselle.
federal or provincial
prisoners across Canada
%)
'+
Prison Survey T-Shirt Draw Winners
We would like to thank all those who participated in the prison survey through
COUNTERfit. We had 65 people fill out the survey. This information will help to tell us what
programming is necessary to support our service users.
The winners of the Prisoners Justice Day t-shirts are now posted in the
COUNTERfit Drop In.
15
Prisons & Justice
~anonymous~
“Hey. What’s Up People? Most of
you know me. Those who don’t –
my name is Joe. So I’m just going
to tell you a bit about my
experience in and out of Jail. So I
have been in and out since I was
about 14. Now I’m 32 and trust me
– I wish I had my time over again.
You know when you are younger you
try to impress the older crowd.
That’s what I fell in to. You try
so hard to be a tough guy, but in
general, trust me, you’re not. Most
times you just look like a fool.
Take it from experience.
I have been in and out of jail for 10
years. My first time I went to Y.O.
I did my first 2 years and it all
started from there. I got out 200
pounds pumped to the nuts and the
only goal I had was to look good
and impress my friends. But I
impressed nobody.
think you are big and cool anymore.
As soon as you go to reception,
take a guess what the first thing
they give you is. They give you a
syringe and a package of bleach. The
reason why - there are so many
drugs in that place. More than on
the streets. And the Federal jails
have a high rate of HIV and Hep C.
At least in the Federal Jails we have
the Inmate Committee. For those
who don’t know what that is – it’s
a group of people that stand up to
the Warden. Say if you get put in
the hole for 30 days – they try to
get you out or get your time
reduced. And for the guards, they
don’t run the pen, we do. All you
got to do is slip a screw a fast
brown and they turn their head.
Then I worked my way up to
Provincial Jails and I did so many
years in and out. I was out for a
few years – I worked a lot of years
of my life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m
not a pure criminal.
In the Federal Jails – at least the
inmates have a bigger say about how
they are going to spend their time
compared to the Provincial Jails. In
the Provincial Jails they treat you
like you are guilty before innocent
and do all kinds of crazy shit just
to piss you off. I’d rather Federal
time instead of Provincial.
So once again I fucked up and ended
up in the Pen. And when you walk 16
in that place – trust me – you don’t
Now I’m out and live in T.O. trying
to get my life back. So that’s my
story of a lifetime.”
H1N1 FLU
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms
similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu.
Symptoms include a fever and a new or worse cough and
sore throat, muscle aches, or headache. Children under 5
may get vomiting and/or diarrhea.
How do I protect myself and others?
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or
using hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve (not into your
hand!!)
• Stay away from others who may have flu
What do I do if I am SICK?
• Stay home or away from others if sick. If you have
severe symptoms, please see a health professional
• If you are pregnant, you should see a health care
professional as soon as possible (even if you don't feel
really sick). If a pregnant women gets H1N1
influenza, she is at higher risk of complications.
How do I get my Harm Reduction Supplies from
COUNTERfit if I’m sick?
(if you are sick, you will not be able to volunteer or work at
COUNTERfit or attend the Women's Drop-In)
• use COUNTERfit’s mobile service. It is available
every week day between 6 p.m. and midnight and on
weekends between noon and midnight. Just call
416-451-1951. If you don't get an answer right away,
it may be because the outreach worker is driving.
Leave a message or call back 5 minutes later.
• Knock on the front window and we will bring supplies
out to you
What if I”m HOMELESS?
If you don’t have a place to stay when you are sick, you
should call us at COUNTERfit (416-461-1925 ext. 235) or
call Streets to Homes at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398
(toll-free from a pay phone).
17
Dragged into an endless battle
of heart felt pain
My time is spent juggl’in
existence and survival
all at once
one lil’ step
over the line
is all i need
to put a hold on time
wake up from the darkness
and cobwebs
lurk’in in the corners
of my sinister mind
slowly eas’in the dreams
and destinies
of future times
life and love is not a crime
its a reality
i wish to make mine
its now come down
to the time for me
to finally wake up
from my nightmares in life
and shine.
time to Grind
~ E
and loveless days.
Burnt and picked
on the cross that people pray to
when in a fearful daze.
spent your energy fighting
a battle that is not yours to even begin.
striking, swinging, and spitting
to just get a point closer to a hopeless win.
in the dark
you fall to your knees
in the day time you spring up to seize
the one ray of hope
you wake up
your dope.
~ Ben Marki
“Give you
r heart ea
rs”
(Quo
Submi te from a g
tted by
uy at w
Sarah
o
..one o rkshop, Sep
Harm
f
Reduc
t
tion H the awesom ember 28)
ousing
e
Worke Woodgreen
rs.
18
The HOW Program
Hussein
Editor’s Note: This article is
written by Hussein, one of the
participants in the Health
Outreach Worker Program at
SRCHC. As a harm reduction
program we talk a lot about
the use of language and how
it creates the reality around
us. We talk about the
problems with words such as
“addiction” and “addict”.
Historically, this word means
“slave” and the term has
grown to be loaded with myths
about drug users. To say
someone is a slave to drugs
says they are weak and it has
come to imply that they are
sick, wicked or bad, and in
need of help or ‘treatment’.
This word and the meaning
behind it is imposed onto us
by criminologists and
traditional treatment workers
who hang on to this word
because it renders drug users
as helpless and in need of
their assistance.
We know that drug users have
a much broader identity than
what is defined by the term
“addict” and those who work
within the ‘addiction and
treatment’ field of work.
Hussein has chosen to use
this word to describe a time in
his life when drug use seemed
Being an addict and having mental health
issues is really challenging. Living this way
has meant facing harassment and there is
a lack of support. I had feelings of
emptiness and was emotionally drained.
There was no ear to listen.
That was me when I was accepted to
be part of the on going research and
training program at South Riverdale
Community Health Centre and Street
Health. At first the Health Outreach Worker
(HOW) program was very difficult to adjust
to. The training is unique and there are
components of the training that are very
serious and I don’t think that it has ever
existed before. What was covered in this
program was very educational, meaningful
and practical. We were trained about harm
reduction, sexual assault, overdose
prevention, suicide prevention, counseling
skills, mental health, referral education for
to control his life and define
his identity. Our aim, as a
harm reduction program, is to
challenge notions that make
people like Hussein feel this
way. The stigma that goes
along with drug use
contributes significantly to
those feelings and the
judgement drug users
experience.
Programs such as HOW
demonstrate the many skills
drug users possess and the
knowledge they have to offer.
Hussein has demonstrated
himself to be someone with
many skills and talents to offer
the world.
different support agencies and so on.
Before coming to this training I had
graduated from the CUP program as an
outreach worker. Before that, long ago, I
was in University back home in Iran and in
College in Canada. What made this training
unique is the aim of this program. The goal
of the HOW program is basically
counseling individuals who have difficulties
in daily life of drug use and mental health.
We give these people support and listen to
them with passion.
19
During the training we also had a
chance to deal with our own problems and
deal with them and come to some
conclusion on how to overcome those
problems. Participating in this program
allowed me to get some counseling and
support from my colleagues and facilitators.
By talking about my issues, I felt very good
and relieved. After each session of training,
The HOW Program
continued. . .
I felt very good and I felt like I had achieved
something. The best part of this program
was when I started working and the
pleasure of helping others felt amazing and
this feeling had never existed for me before.
of respect and I felt that I am a part of
something, and that they value me as a
person who can be positive and productive.
And if you compare that to the lifestyle I
have had for a long time, it’s overwhelming.
We had amazing facilitators that have lots of
knowledge and experience. This is a time to
thank them for giving us such an experience
of education, respect and support.
The group setting was a very friendly
environment. We always started the group
with a check in (sharing how we felt coming
into the group that day) and at the end of
the group we participated in a check out
(sharing how the group was). I received a lot
Written by Hussein
Island Paradise Everyday we see billboards, hear radio and television advertisements for cheap all
inclusive trips to far away paradise islands, but how many of us could actually be able
to go without winning the lottery first?
Well, the good news is that Toronto has it own island paradise; it’s called Toronto
Island Park.
Have you been there? If you have then you know what it’s like.
If you haven’t gone yet, book it in as something to do. It’s well
worth it and you might be surprised that you can go there
anytime for a bit of paradise (as long as the ferries are
running). There are three ferries that take you over to the Island
leaving from the ferry terminal at Bay St. and Queen’s
Quay. The tickets are reasonable and cover the return.
Toronto Island Park is made up of a series of islands,
all unique, and connected by bridges. The three well
known islands are;
20
Island Paradise
Continued . . .
Hanlan Island to the west, which has the Toronto Island Airport, Hanlan’s Point
Beach (with its word of mouth ‘nude beach’).
Centre Island has the Centreville Amusement Park, the pier, beaches, picnic areas,
and a hedged maze to get lost in or freaked out in (in a fun way) perfect for a
Halloween haunt.
Ward’s Island to the east is well known for its cottage community, and the best views
of the city for fireworks. Going over to the island is nostalgic, and brings you back to simpler times when
having fun, hanging out, laughing, and playing around were free and easy.
Even the ferries are old school. The ride back is just as good with the best views of
downtown Toronto. Once on the Island there is lots of room to picnic, play games,
bike ride, or hunt for beach treasures for hours on end. One of the most remarkable things about the Island Park is the abundance of old
trees. These beauties stand majestically across from the busy city like guardians.
They have had a chance to grow with lots of space around them. Their
trunks are huge and well warn with years of surviving the elements.
They are like clean lungs breathing in and out for us. Island Paradise?
Right here in Toronto.
Check it out. by Rob M.
The key to happiness is to stop listening to yourself and
start talking to yourself instead
~ John Maxwell
21
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If you always do what you’ve always done,
You’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.
~ Michelle Pfeiffer
22
!
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Community Information:
The following pages are filled with information about
community events, meetings, activities and more.
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23
24
25
-And sponsors events such as rallies, community meetings and petitions to help citizens become actively
involved.
-Collects data and stories in coordination with community organizations to track the real and often hidden impact
of the recession on all Canadians.
-Proposes economic and social policy reform to all levels of government and promotes increased investments in
our social infrastructure to address the impacts from the changing economy
-Mobilizes community support for government action to meet the needs of those affected by the shrinking
economy.
-Produces public education materials and reports to raise awareness of the human impact of the recession and
the changing Canadian economy.
The Recession Relief Coalition
To document the impact of the recession and generate public support to keep all levels of government
accountable by ensuring that the needs of those suffering from the effects of the recession are addressed and
communities are strengthened.
Mission Statement
is proud to announce its exciting new website at http://www.recession-relief-coalition.org/
The Recession Relief Coalition
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26
Let’s Get Talking …
What’s The Difference Between a
Tooth Ache & An Ear Ache?
Arguments for publicly funded dental care
Wednesday October 14, 2009
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Mustard Seed, 791 Queen St. E, Toronto
(Tel: 416-465-6069)
A forum to share ideas and information about health and fairness
Everyone is welcome
Free admission, sandwiches & snacks
Poor dental health has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other health
problems.
Have you ever wondered why dental visits aren’t covered under OHIP? Why people on
welfare, the working poor, and even some middle income Ontario's have limited access
to oral health services? Why doesn’t everyone have fair and equitable access to
preventive dental care regardless of what we earn, or who we work for?
In this community discussion, we will look at why dentistry was excluded from
Canadian Medicare and the impacts of this decision on our health.
Public financing of dental care in Ontario would be good public policy.
Let’s talk about why and what needs to be done.
With:
Carlos Quiñonez, Assistant Professor and Director of the Specialty Training Program
(Dental Public Health) at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, & Associate
Researcher at the Centre for Research on Inner City Health at St. Michael's Hospital.
Paula Fletcher, Toronto City Councillor, Ward 30, Toronto-Danforth
Sister Georgette Gregory, CSJ, Director of In Good Company, Fontbonne Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph &
Member of the Toronto Oral Health Coalition.
RSVP: Anne-Marie Tynan: 416-864-6060 ext. 2522/[email protected]
Or Leanne Kloppenborg: 416-465-6069/[email protected]
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Riverdale Food Working Group
Presents a Free Canning workshop
Ever wanted to learn
how to can the veggies
you grew in your garden
this past summer, or have
bought from the local
farmers’ market?
Please RSVP Joanne F.
by October 5th/2009
either by calling 416392-6810 ext 231 or
email her at
joannef@ralphthornton
.org
Learn from Lisa Shamai,
as she leads a hands-on
workshop on how to can
Pickles, Jams and Salsa
to enjoy in those cold
months ahead.
Who: Lisa Shamai Cuisenaire
What: Canning Workshop
When:October 7, 2009, 6-9pm
Where: 388 Carlaw ave@ Dundas St E
Toronto
: Take home one free jar.
: Each additional jars for sale $3.50-$5 each
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Dynamic Board Members for the
Ralph Thornton Community Centre
The Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC) is a dynamic community centre dedicated to community
development in South Riverdale. We collaborate with others to create a healthy, inclusive and vibrant community.
We provide space and support for diverse community groups and we offer a variety of programs to support
residents.
The People We Need
We are committed to equity, diversity and accessibility in our search for new board members. The Centre is in a
period of growth and exciting transition. We are now looking for new board members who are representative of
the community and who also bring fresh ideas and skills to our consensual board of directors. We are looking
especially for people with skills and experience in the following areas:
•
Fundraising, e.g. special events, grant writing, corporate / business sponsorships, donations, direct mail,
etc.
•
Human Resources, e.g. policy development, labour relations, staff and volunteer development, etc.
Legal, e.g. understanding of labour relations, human rights / labour codes, non-profit legalities, contracts, conflict
of interest issues.
Volunteer Management, e.g. experience recruiting volunteers, expertise in volunteer retention and management,
possibly experience recruiting, retaining and managing corporate volunteers in particular
Commitment
Board members need to:
• commit to at least one two-year term
• join a committee or working group and to diligently take on work assigned to the board or committee.
Nominating Process
1. Contact Shawn Conway, Executive Director, by October 9th and let us know if you would like to be
considered for our new board.
2. Send Shawn your resume and a statement or letter explaining why you are interested in becoming a board
member.
3. A board member will contact you by phone and arrange an interview.
Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 765 Queen St. East Tel: 416 392 6810
Email: [email protected]
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Fax: 416 392 0025
“Nothing About Us
Without Us”
Are you a current or former illicit drug user?
Are you interested in advocating for the rights
of drug users?
Do you believe we should have the same
human rights as everyone else?
Come join Toronto’s Drug Users Union -TDUU
Thursday October 8 from 3 - 5 p.m.
At South Riverdale CHC
955 Queen Street East
Coffee, snacks and TTC provided.
Please come out!
We Demand to Have a Say!
[email protected]
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In memory of
Tom O’Hara
You will be missed, Tom.
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COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Program
South Riverdale Community Health Centre
955 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON
M4M 3P3
p: 416-461-1925 ext. 232
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