Did You Know? OHTN

Do you have information on an upcoming HIV-related special event, resource, survey, funding call, job opportunity, or call for abstracts that you would like to share? Please email the OHTN to have your announcement included in our next Did You Know? newsletter.
January 26, 2011
1. Research and Training Opportunities

Canadian Institute for Health Information: Register Today for Population Health Web Conferences 

CIHI logo

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available to inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health. You are invited to join the Canadian Population Health Initiative of CIHI for 2 web conferences: (1) Competencies for Population Health Intervention Research on February 4, 2011; and (2) Population Health Intervention Research Casebook: Using Case Examples for Knowledge Transfer on February 18, 2011. Both web conferences are intended for intervention researchers, trainees, and those who use intervention research to inform the development of policies and programs. Registration is free but participation is limited so please email Annie Sebold today (January 26, 2011) and indicate the session(s) you wish to register for. Log-in instructions will be emailed to confirmed participants in advance of the web conference dates. Please note that you will need a computer and a hands-free telephone with muting capability to participate.

Skitz-in-frona-ya Workshops: Free Improv Comedy Workshops for PLWHIV Starts Tomorrow

 

The Skitz-in-frona-ya Improv Comedy Workshop is hitting the 519 in Toronto starting tomorrow. Supported by the AIDS Committee of Toronto and led by an experienced improv troupe, this free four-week workshop is offered to teach the basics of improv comedy to people living with HIV/AIDS. Students will act and learn improv techniques through simple, fun games and exercises in a group setting where everyone participates, explores and discovers the joy of being in the moment. Workshops will be offered on January 27, February 3, February 10, and February 17, 2011. Space is limited and registration is required. For more details and to register, visit www.Skitz-in-frona-ya.com.

10th Annual International Research Internship for Health Science Researchers: Apply by February 4

Are you a junior health science researcher interested in launching your research career and network internationally? If so, the 10th

Annual International Research Internship for Health Science Researchers from July 6 to 29, 2011, at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa, offers you a unique, intensive training and mentorship opportunity to support your commitment to long-term research engagement and providing tangible benefits to your home community or institution. Internships will focus on community health services and policy research, global health issues, developing research and policy networks, grant writing and publication skill building, working on interdisciplinary teams, innovative research methods, and developing programs of research. The deadline to apply is February 4, 2011. For more information and to obtain your application form, email Mrs. Lizanne Visser or see the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing website. Note for interested applicants: Travel costs and weekend meals are not included in the program fee.

 

OHTN Investigator Driven Research Program: Call for Applications due April 20

OHTN

The Ontario HIV Treatment Network is pleased to announce the Spring 2011 Competition of the Investigator Driven Research Program, including a call for applications for the:

 

For eligibility requirements and application guidelines, please visit the OHTN website. Please read the guidelines carefully to ensure eligibility. The deadline for applications is April 20, 2011. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

*New* OHTN Tutorial Sessions for Spring 2011 IDRP Applicants
OHTN

The OHTN is pleased to offer a 4-part tutorial training series to assist trainees applying to the Spring 2011 Competition of the Investigator Driven Research Program posted above. Held by teleconference, tutorial sessions will include:

February 16: Elements of an OHTN Application - Studentships, Postdoctoral Fellowships and Junior Investigator Development Awards

February 24: Community Engagement - What Does it Mean and Why Do We Ask for It?

March 22: The Relevance of Attachments to your Application

April 6: Q & A for Applicants  

Please visit the OHTN website for more information and to register. Questions? Please contact Manuel Ramos at 877-743-6486, ext 2244.

2. Job Opportunities
Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation: Finance Manager

The Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation (CWGHR) works across Canada and internationally to improve the lives of people living with HIV and other related disabilities, through rehabilitation research, education, policy and improved access to care, support and services. CWGHR is currently seeking an experienced professional to fulfill the role of Finance Manager. The Finance Manager is responsible for supporting the Board of Directors, Executive Director, other members of the management team and staff in achieving overall goals of CWGHR, and, in particular, the effective and efficient financial management of this rapidly growing organization. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. For more details, see the job posting. 

3. Knowledge Exchange Opportunities

20th Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research: Community Scholarship Applications due January 28

Are you a person living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, or do you work or volunteer in the HIV/AIDS community? Attending the 20th Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research on April 14-17, 2011, in Toronto is an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in, and evidence presented from current HIV research, and share your lived experience. A limited number of full scholarships and conference registration scholarships are available. Scholarships are limited to Canadian residents only. The deadline to apply for a Community Scholarship is January 28, 2011. For details on the Community Scholarship application and selection process, and to apply, visit the CAHR 2011 website.

HALCO's New Public Legal Education: February Workshop Series

The HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic (Ontario)'s Public Legal Education Program provides free workshops on a variety of legal topics. Next month's workshops include: February 2, 2011, What Happens if you are Arrested? An Introduction to the Criminal Law Process; February 10, 2011, Violence Against Women: Family Law Issues (for women only); February 14, 2011, Introduction to Ontario's Human Rights Systems; and February 24, 2011, HIV and Employment Law. Space is limited. Registration is required. For more information and to register, please see the Workshop Series Poster.


 

 

Promoting Health Equity: Action on the Social Determinants of Health Conference on February 11-12

The research centres of the Faculty of Community Services at Ryerson University are pleased to host the Promoting Health Equity: Action on the Social Determinants of Health Conference in Toronto on February 11-12, 2011. This conference aims to bring together community and agency partners, undergraduate and graduate students, health and social service professionals/workers, researchers, academics, government and policy and decision makers to share and exchange knowledge, and to generate the creation of new partnerships in research, education, and practice that focus on health equity and action on the social determinants of health across diverse communities. Keynote speakers include Stephen Lewis, Nancy Edwards, and Bob Gardner. For more information and to register, please see the Conference website.

2011 Student Symposium on Urban Youth and the Determinants of Sexual Health: Call for Abstracts due February 25

Planned Parenthood Toronto and Gendering Adolescent AIDS Prevention invite you to join them for the 2011 Student Symposium on Urban Youth and Determinants of Sexual Health. This free Symposium will be held on March 24, 2011, in Toronto. The organizers are calling for research and artistic submissions focused on issues concerning youth sexual and reproductive health, including social justice, HIV/AIDS prevention, harm reduction, stigma, diversity, health equity and the social determinants of health, access to health services and education, and globalization. Participatory methodologies that promote youth involvement, leadership and community development are encouraged. Awards will be granted to students in each of the oral, poster and artistic presentation categories. The deadline for abstract submissions is February 25, 2011. For more details, see the Symposium poster and call for abstracts.

 

Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics: Special Call for Abstracts due May 16

The Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics (JERHRE) publishes empirical research and reviews of empirical literature on human research ethics. Empirical knowledge translates ethical principles into procedures appropriate to specific cultures, contexts, and research topics. The JERHRE has announced a call for abstracts for a special issue on "From the Contractual to the Relational: Critical Issues in HIV-Related Community-Based Participatory Research" that will take researchers beyond 'ethics review' to the 'ethical work' involved in HIV-related community-based participatory research by exploring ethical challenges in HIV-related community-based research and 'unpacking' ethical decision making in collaborative research. Interested authors are asked to submit abstracts that address the ethical issues that emerge at various stages of their collaborative research with communities affected by HIV. Abstract submissions are due on May 16, 2011. For more information on how to submit, see the call for abstracts.

4. Advocacy & Outreach

AIDS Committee of Durham: Complete Survey on New M2M Campaign

The AIDS Committee of Durham Region (ACDR) is a community-based organization that works in partnership with many individuals and organizations to provide HIV/AIDS related services to the infected or affected and the general community in the region of Durham. Among its objectives, ACDR is committed to outreach activities that promote better physical and mental health for gay men/MSM (men who have sex with men) within the Durham Region. To meet this objective, ACDR is interested in getting your feedback on their new M2M campaign materials by asking you to complete a very short online survey. Click here  to complete this survey now.

5. Resources

Ontario Community HIV/AIDS Reporting Tool (OCHART): 5th Annual Report on "The View from the Front Lines" Now Available Online

All of the 88 programs and projects, including AIDS Service Organizations and programs within other community-based services, that receive funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario and Nunavut Regional Office, complete the web-based Ontario Community HIV/AIDS Reporting Tool (OCHART), twice a year. OCHART captures each program's activities including their education, outreach, community development, support and volunteer services. The Evidence-Based Practice Unit at the OHTN houses the data and prepares a report each year that gives funders and community-based programs the information they need to review the range of services provided, identify emerging trends and client needs, and to inform and improve planning. The 5th Annual Report, The View from the Front Lines is now available online for download.

Canadian Public Health Association: New EAT SAFE! Online Resource

The Canadian Public Health Association has recently released EAT SAFE!, a new one-stop, multilingual website that helps people minimize their personal risk from food borne illness. Supported by Maple Leaf Foods, the production of this resource targeted at vulnerable groups and their caregivers, including people living with HIV/AIDS, seniors, people undergoing cancer treatment and pregnant women, who are more susceptible to food borne illness caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. This online resource provides simple steps on safeguarding personal health, tips on buying, cooking, and storing food, and other relevant information on food safety. 

CATIE: A Practical Guide to HIV Drug Treatment for People Living with HIV

The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange's primary resource on HIV treatment and the second edition of the popular book formerly titled "A Practical Guide to HAART" is now available online for download. A Practical Guide to HIV Drug Treatment for People Living with HIV is a valuable source of plain-language information for people with HIV and their caregivers that serves as a guide to starting, switching and staying on antiretroviral therapy and reflects the many developments that have taken place in the area of HIV drug treatment in the past five years. This resource provides a comprehensive look at treating HIV with anti-HIV drugs, explains how HIV damages the immune system, explores the issues that arise when considering starting treatment, and looks at living with therapy over the long-term, from switching treatment combinations to handling long-term effects.