Community Innovation Program 2002

The GlaxoSmithKline - Shire BioChem Community Innovation Program promotes innovative projects that meet the needs of targeted groups of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) who face greater difficulty gaining access to services, antiretroviral treatment and the health system.

Twelve non-profit organizations across Canada shared the $100,000 available in 2002 through the Program. To September 2003, the Program has granted $860,000 to community-based AIDS service organizations in Canada.

The 2002 Program recipients, and the amounts of their grants, are as follows:

AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador - $10,000

In collaboration with community partners and the local HIV Clinic, to implement in September 2002 a PHA skills building symposium which includes a treatment education component delivered by Clinic staff.

Bureau Régional d'Action SIDA Outaouais - $3,640

To develop methods and strategies that help female HIV+ sex trade workers improve their treatment adherence, in collaboration with Hull CLSC and other community agencies.

Groupe d'Entraide à l'Intention des Personnes Séropositives, Itinérantes et toxicomanes - $7,500

To develop injection drug user peer support workshops that provide life skills training to improve health and adherence outcomes.

HIV Network of Edmonton Society - $10,000

In collaboration with community partners, to develop a methadone therapy pilot project for HIV+ women addicted to heroin and other opiates, within Edmonton's Directly Observed Therapy (DOT for HAART) program.

HIV North Society - $9,000

In partnership with the University of Alberta HIV Clinic, to offer a satellite HIV clinic in Grande Prairie two to four times a year, and provide testing and counselling services to injection drug users in the region.

Maison Plein Coeur - $10,000

To develop and evaluate, in collaboration with health and social services professionals, a series of adherence and quality of life workshops for HIV+ women.

Peterborough AIDS Resource Network - $4,000

To develop and promote a PHA Rural Connections Project providing peer networks in four counties.

Positive Women's Network - $11,665

In collaboration with IBM, to provide HIV+ women and their caregivers with access to up-to-date antiretroviral treatment options for women, using an internet-based e-learning education platform. (*)

Spectre de Rue - $7,500

In collaboration with CPAVIH and a local clinic, to develop an empowerment process whereby HIV+ injection drug users can take charge of their health. (*)

The Teresa Group - $6,695

In collaboration with The Hospital for Sick Children and other health centres, to develop a support and information group for HIV+ women in pregnancy or just having given birth. (*)

The Vancouver Meals Society - A Loving Spoonful - $10,000

To implement and evaluate a case management model of nutritional care and therapy for PHAs with active addiction issues, for use by dieticians and nutritionists.

Voices of Positive Women - $10,000

To develop and implement an enhancement and awareness campaign for Telelink, a phone support line available throughout Ontario for HIV+ women.

(*) indicates grants donated by Shire BioChem; the remainder by the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.