Draft:AIDS Committee of Ottawa

The AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) is a charitable organization established on July 9, 1985, in response to the emerging HIV/AIDS crisis. Co-founded by Barry Deeprose and Bob Read, ACO played a pivotal role in providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in the Ottawa area. The organization officially incorporated as a charity on August 7, 1987, coinciding with increased funding availability.

Navigating the Emergence of AIDS (1980-1989)
The emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the early '80s prompted proactive measures within Ottawa's community. These early initiatives, ranging from pivotal discoveries to community meetings and fundraisers, laid the groundwork for addressing the evolving concerns surrounding AIDS.

Early Response and Initiatives
On July 3, 1981, a volunteer with Ottawa's Gayline discovered an unusual article on the organization's notice board. Sourced from The New York Times, the July 3, 1981, article titled "Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals" highlighted a rare cancer found in gay men.

Responding to escalating concerns within the community, Barry Deeprose, a volunteer with Ottawa's Gayline, and John Duggan took action in 1981. Gays of Ottawa (GO) organized public meetings in 1982 and 1983 to disseminate vital information about AIDS, with Dr. Gordon Jessamine providing early insights.

On July 19, 1983, Peter Evans became Ottawa's first identified AIDS patient, countering media misinformation by publicly disclosing his diagnosis. The community responded with the first AIDS Walkathon fundraiser on October 1, 1983, raising over $5,000 for AIDS-related causes.

By October 13, 1983, Dr. Clayton reported 44 AIDS cases in Ottawa, comprising 40 cases in individuals assigned male at birth and 4 cases in individuals assigned female at birth. On January 7, 1984, Peter Evans became Ottawa's initial recorded AIDS casualty and the 35th reported Canadian to succumb to AIDS. His passing occurred at the Ottawa General Hospital, subsequently evolving into a prominent AIDS treatment centre for the region.

Foundation and Early Programs
The AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) laid a solid foundation during its formative years, establishing crucial programs and initiatives that emphasized its commitment to community well-being.

Established on July 9, 1985, ACO attained charitable status on August 7, 1987, marking a significant milestone in its dedication to serving the community. This official recognition paved the way for ACO to broaden its reach and impact.

Key figures played pivotal roles in shaping ACO's early initiatives. Barry Deeprose introduced a buddy program, fostering community support, while Bob Read spearheaded prevention and education efforts, reflecting ACO's multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS.

In October 1985, a well-attended community information meeting, led by Barry Deeprose and Dr. Gilles Melanson, highlighted ACO's active engagement with the community. This event became emblematic of ACO's commitment to transparency and collaboration.

Throughout 1986, ACO initiated educational campaigns such as the Condom Blitz, Innovative Demonstrations, and the Captain Condom Campaign, demonstrating a proactive stance in promoting safe sex practices during the height of the AIDS crisis.

In 1986, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) launched several educational campaigns aimed at promoting safe sex:


 * Condom Blitz: ACO executed a campaign distributing condoms and informational materials across various venues, including bars. The goal was to raise awareness of safe sex practices among the community.
 * Innovative Demonstrations: As part of the Condom Blitz, ACO organized entertaining and memorable demonstrations, featuring props like a zucchini and a wooden dowel named "Mr. Woody." These engaging activities enhanced the effectiveness of their educational efforts.
 * Captain Condom Campaign: ACO introduced a cartoon series featuring Captain Condom, distributed in the form of postcards. These postcards encouraged gay and bisexual men to embrace their sexuality while promoting safer sex practices. The campaign emphasized diversity in backgrounds and body types.
 * The Explicit Ads Controversy surrounded ACO's Captain Condom series, which faced criticism for its explicit content, despite the organization's efforts to normalize discussions about sexuality. However, some community members found the explicit imagery offensive, sparking contentious discussions and ultimately resulting in the discontinuation of the ads in Ottawa.
 * Captain Condom Campaign: ACO introduced a cartoon series featuring Captain Condom, distributed in the form of postcards. These postcards encouraged gay and bisexual men to embrace their sexuality while promoting safer sex practices. The campaign emphasized diversity in backgrounds and body types.
 * The Explicit Ads Controversy surrounded ACO's Captain Condom series, which faced criticism for its explicit content, despite the organization's efforts to normalize discussions about sexuality. However, some community members found the explicit imagery offensive, sparking contentious discussions and ultimately resulting in the discontinuation of the ads in Ottawa.
 * The Explicit Ads Controversy surrounded ACO's Captain Condom series, which faced criticism for its explicit content, despite the organization's efforts to normalize discussions about sexuality. However, some community members found the explicit imagery offensive, sparking contentious discussions and ultimately resulting in the discontinuation of the ads in Ottawa.

These multifaceted efforts underscore ACO's comprehensive strategy, which combined condom distribution, visually impactful campaigns, and engaging demonstrations to advocate for safer sex practices and raise awareness about AIDS. In 1990, Barry Deeprose, recognized for his work in the early days of AIDS, was awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, and in 2005, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions.

During the crisis, ACO played a key role in founding the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) in 1986. With 16 founding members, including ACO, CAS evolved into a national representative body, incorporating the perspectives of those living with HIV/AIDS.

In November 1987, the Ontario Ministry of Health allocated $164,000 annually to ACO for prevention and health services. Grant MacNeil served as interim executive director, succeeded by David Hoe in March 1988. In response to community needs, ACO expanded its team, hiring five staff within the first year. These moves helped ACO adapt to HIV/AIDS challenges and better serve the gay community. In 2002, David Hoe, the first Executive Director of The AIDS Committee of Ottawa, received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for Excellence in the Field of HIV/AIDS in Canada. Then, in 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his involvement with the Canadian AIDS Society.

Advocacy and Growth
ACO responded to challenges by engaging in efforts to address community needs and shape public discourse.

In July 1987, ACO entered a crucial phase of advocacy and growth. The organization obtained a draft of the Ministry of Education guidelines through the Coalition for Gay Rights in Ontario, and the Coalition assisted in distributing copies to the Ontario AIDS Network. In response to the document's blatant homophobia, ACO actively engaged, leading to a proactive request for intervention by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

In May 1988, ACO supported activists from AIDS Action Now as they organized a press event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The objective was to publicly consume non-approved drug treatments to protest the government's restrictions through the Emergency Drug Release Program. ACO, based in Ottawa, played a facilitating role in assisting AIDS Action Now, a Toronto-based charitable organization, during their advocacy efforts. They released an informational guide sourced from details gathered at the Fourth International Conference on AIDS in Stockholm, conducted from June 12 to 16, 1988.

Establishment of Bruce House
In September 1988, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) marked a pivotal moment by establishing Bruce House—an AIDS hospice in Ottawa. This initiative, accompanied by the expansion of the workforce by five employees and subsequent charitable status, aimed to provide crucial assistance and care to those affected by AIDS, initially focusing on support for the gay community. Bruce House, originating as an ACO sub-committee known as the AIDS Housing Group, not only secured funding and a suitable home but also attained charitable status on October 6, 1989, continuing its vital work to this day.

Milestones and Advocacy
On December 1, 1988, the World Health Organization formally designated World AIDS Day.

By 1989, ACO, led by figures like David Hoe, advocated for anonymous HIV testing as a means to encourage more individuals to get tested. This initiative faced opposition from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Richard Schabas, who expressed concerns about the potential implications. Despite initial resistance and discussions between ACO and health authorities, anonymous testing was ultimately implemented and continues to exist today.

During Ottawa Pride Week in June 1989, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa organized the U.S. Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt exhibit at Lansdowne Park, specifically in the Coliseum building. The exhibit, featuring 1,200 panels, including 268 contributed by Canadians, drew in approximately 4,000 visitors. This event marked a noteworthy chapter in commemorating those affected by AIDS in Ottawa.

Publication of Safe Sex Guidelines
In December 1988, the Canadian AIDS Society, in collaboration with AIDS organizations such as AIDS Committee of Ottawa and AIDS Vancouver, published the first safe sex guidelines for Canada titled 'Safer Sex Guidelines: A Resource Document for Educators and Counsellors.'

Shifting Dynamics and Milestones (1990-1999)
In February 1990, 19-year-old Anne Pilon entered the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) office, becoming the first HIV-positive heterosexual woman to utilize the centre primarily established for gay men.

ACO took a proactive step in AIDS awareness by incorporating the Red Ribbon into their grassroots campaigns. Inspired by Jeremy Irons, who hosted the 45th Tony Awards on June 2, 1991, and wore the ribbon during the event, this initiative aimed to raise awareness and foster empathy in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, symbolizing support for those affected.

In March 1992, Canadian AIDS activist Jon Gates, who himself was living with AIDS, visited the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO). During his visit, Gates engaged in discussions about women and AIDS with ACO members Caroline Ford, Hannah Cowen, Bibiana Seaborn, and Stephen Cowen. The dialogue centered on the urgent need to address HIV/AIDS, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Gates stressed the importance of prioritizing AIDS awareness and support, citing 30% infection rates. He emphasized coping strategies to assist communities in living with AIDS, aligning with the approach advocated by AIDS organizations.

Advancements in Medical Response and Recognition
By January 1992, the Ontario Ministry of Health established anonymous HIV-testing centres across the province. This initiative encouraged more individuals to get tested and contributed to a more comprehensive public health approach to HIV prevention and management.

In 1996, Dr. Don Kilby, a respected physician involved in Ottawa's fight against AIDS within the gay community since the 1980s, witnessed a significant shift with the approval of antiretroviral drugs. The availability of these medications led to a notable decline in patient mortality rates, marking a crucial turning point in the ongoing battle against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Dr. Kilby received global recognition and multiple accolades. In 2006, he was honored with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. In 2014, he received the prestigious Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award, followed by the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) in 2017, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Tackling the Resurgence of STDs (2000-2009)
In the early 2000s, a noticeable increase in syphilis cases led to the appointment of a new manager, Orhan Hassan, at Ottawa's Sexual Health Centre. He engaged with community leaders through interviews, discussing the concerning situation and expressing disappointment in the "perceived" inaction of the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO), despite substantial funding.

Around 2002, Orhan Hassan convened a meeting with community representatives, addressing Public Health's uncertainties about the most effective approach within the gay community. ACO emphasized that syphilis, while easily contracted, is also easily cured, unlike HIV. Initially attributing syphilis transmission to unsafe sex practices, it was clarified that it could be contracted even with condom use.

In 2003, Health Canada played a crucial role in funding and supporting the creation of a public service announcement titled 'Syphilis is Back.' The 60-second animated video aimed to illustrate the connection between syphilis and HIV, emphasizing the heightened risk of HIV transmission with syphilis infection. Collaborating with organizations such as the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Pink Triangle Services, Boomstone, Action Séro Zéro, the City of Ottawa, and Régie Régionale de la Santé et des Services Sociaux de Montréal-Centre, the initiative sought to raise awareness and control the prevalence of syphilis and HIV.

Strategic Evolution and New Home (2010-2019)
The AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) experienced a transformative decade marked by strategic restructuring, service expansion, and a commitment to social justice initiatives.

Strategic Strengthening and Community Focus
In 2010, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) initiated a strategic plan to strengthen its impact. This involved a comprehensive restructuring of its board to better reflect the diverse communities it serves. Simultaneously, ACO diversified its programs to address evolving needs, collaborated with volunteers sharing its core values, and committed to providing essential support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization also prioritized financial sustainability through strategic fundraising.

ACO's Move to 19 Main Street
On December 1, 2014, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) expanded its services by relocating to 19 Main Street. The new facility, designed with increased capacity, symbolizes ACO's commitment to diverse, community-driven HIV/AIDS initiatives. Key programs, such as the "Living Room" and the "Tool Shed," continue to provide essential support, marking a new chapter in ACO's service and coinciding with World AIDS Day.

ACO Director's Parliamentary Speech
On May 7th, 2019, ACO's Executive Director, Khaled Salam, spoke in Parliament to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. He emphasized the organization's 35-year commitment to social justice, specializing in education, support, and advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS in Ottawa. Salam voiced concerns about criminalizing HIV non-disclosure, endorsing a health-focused approach and supporting a federal directive limiting unjust prosecutions. Despite progress, Salam urged nationwide Criminal Code reforms.

Dynamics and Impact (2020-2029)
The AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) actively addresses evolving challenges related to HIV/AIDS, emphasizing community engagement and participation in broader initiatives to combat stigma and discrimination.

Navigating Challenges
On April 23, 2020, ACO collaborated with the University of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health on the GetaKit pilot project, supported by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network. This initiative facilitated at-home HIV self-testing during the COVID pandemic. ACO played a key role in developing counseling materials and an ordering website, providing resources, HIV information, and instructions, including self-testing videos.

Starting July 20, 2020, eligible participants in Ottawa had the opportunity to conveniently order free HIV self-test kits online at GetaKit.ca for mail-out delivery. The kits were accompanied by instructional video to facilitate the testing process.

At the 2022 International AIDS Conference in Montreal, the Health Minister announced $17.9 million to improve HIV testing access, including self-testing kits, for priority populations, including those in northern, remote, or isolated (NRI) communities.

Advocacy Initiatives
In 2021, ACO launched a study focusing on the challenges encountered by Ottawa’s Black community in accessing HIV medication under the U=U (Undetectable equals Untransmittable) principle. Addressing disparities within marginalized communities, the study aims to gauge awareness levels and identify potential obstacles in treatment access.

On December 1, 2023, during the annual World AIDS Day flag-raising ceremony, ACO continued its efforts to address stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. The Ribbons of Acceptance event involved Ottawa residents tying red ribbons made from clothing. Executive Director Khaled Salam highlighted the importance of dialogue in reshaping perceptions and challenging stereotypes related to HIV transmission.

Executive Director
Khaled Salam joined the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) in 2003 as a placement student through Algonquin College’s social work program. Following his placement, Salam assumed the role of ACO’s manager of support services. In November 2011, he took on the position of acting executive director, leading a comprehensive board of directors' reorganization. In 2013, Salam officially became the executive director, contributing to the ongoing operations of the AIDS Committee of Ottawa.