April 1, 2008March 31, 2009

Annual Report

Presidents Message
It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. As I begin the last leg of my Presidency this is a time to reflect on how far we have come and where we need to be going in the future. I joined the Board of Directors in 2005, wondering just how I could contribute to the organization and willing to try anything. We have succeeded in accomplishing a great deal through the continued enthusiasm, expertise, and reliance of a board that just keeps giving. Board members have come and gone, and in some situations come again! Rarely faltering in the knowledge and work of moving AIDS NB forward. I have seen cuts in funding, renewed need for creative fund raising, and commencement of provincial funding. This past year the increasing demand for the Needle Exchange Program confirms a growing drug addiction problem in the province. The number of times the NEP was accessed this year reflects a 16% increase from the previous year, with a concurrent increase of 29% in the number of needle distributed. It is with these numbers that the Executive Directors of the three AIDS Service organizations were able to convince the provincial government that there is a growing need for this program. The government acknowledged the issue and has provided some badly needed funding for the program. People often ask why AIDS NB is in the needle exchange business. The answer is easy, NEPs are a harm reduction effort to safeguard intravenous drug users from contracting Hepatitis and HIV. We know from the research that Hepatitis and HIV continue to be one of the greatest side-effects of IV drug use and as an organization charged with the role of providing support, services, and education to those living with HIV/AIDS, distributing clean needles makes sense. I might suggest that we are also interested in protecting all people from contracting HIV, so through education sessions and the NEP we are doing so. AIDS NBs work in the northern portion of the province continues. We had a short pause in service in the time between when Tanya went on maternity leave and we were able to find a replacement. I think that we need to continue to support this effort, as the north has been a geographical area of the province that has not had easy access to education, support, and services around HIV/AIDS. This year we held the second Red Tie Affair. Even more successful than the first, the evening was enchanting. We had wonderful food, great music and dancing, and a magical atmosphere of community. AIDS NB looks forward to being able to grow this fundraiser into one of the most anticipated social events of the year. It is through the generous support of time and effort on Anne Moores part that we have been able to pull the event together. She has a way of making the work fun, and encouraging people outside the organization to participate in this worthy cause. The Red Tie Affair provided the organization with much needed resources that will enable those living with HIV/AIDS to gather for an annual workshop educational supportive event. In closing, I have been constantly impressed by the caliber of people I have worked with at AIDS NB. Their dedication to continued support of the organization and those living with HIV/AIDS speaks volumes. Being president of the board has been an extremely rewarding role, and I hope that whoever comes behind me will have the same experience.
Tracey Rickards President

2008-2009

AIDS New Brunswick SIDA Nouveau -Brunswick

Executive Directors Report

2008-09 has been a full and energizing Bergeron is currently working full-time as the Northern year with concentrated efforts to increase Liaison out of the AIDS NB Bathurst Office and Youth funding for much needed services. engagement efforts have steadily increased in the Northern Region. The downturn of the global economy has caused concern for most people and the As I leave the Executive Director position with AIDS non-profit sector is no exception. However, in partner- New Brunswick I would like to thank the many supportship with AIDS Saint John and AIDS Moncton we were ers of AIDS New Brunswick, our funders, community able to secure a significant three year commitment to partners, Board and Staff, and the many volunteers assist with funding for Fredericton Needle Exchange who have contributed their time and expertise to AIDS (NEP) enabling AIDS New Brunswick to hire a long NBs efforts and without whom we would not exist. overdue Coordinator position. Michelle Gill, BSW, has I would also like to welcome Mr. Nick Scott who will be joined the team as Coordinator and with the continued assuming team leadership with AIDS New Brunswick supply of syringes and materials for distribution; the as the Executive Director. It is with the knowledge and Needle Exchange Program has been successful in confidence in Nicks team-oriented approach and comstrengthening its efforts to ensure the consumers of mitment to inclusion principles that I am confident this service are able to reduce personal and potential AIDS New Brunswick will continue to grow and resocietal harms associated with injecting behaviors. spond creatively and effectively to the needs of our In addition, AIDS New Brunswick secured more need- members and the public we serve. ed funding from our long standing partner, the Public Jo Lang Health Agency of Canada (ACAP) to address the eduExecutive Director cational and support needs of Northern Youth. Louise

Needle Exchange Program Report

This past year the Fredericton Needle Exchange Program (NEP) received some provincial funding to support the work of the NEP for the next three years. We are confident that this support will enable us to better train our volunteers and coordinate the growing demand on NEP services. We have enhanced the NEP resources to include more current and needle exchange relevant materials. Currently the Fredericton Needle Exchange is operating with expanded Wednesday hours (6-8pm); this is part of a continuing effort to make needle exchange services more accessible to women and resulted from service user feedback obtained orally and through the Welcome-in: WIN for Women survey. The Welcome-In: WIN for Women Survey and Needle Exchange office redecoration have been supported in part through funding from the Fredericton Community Foundation.
-Michelle Gill BSc, BSW Fredericton Needle Exchange Program Coordinator

AIDS New Brunswick : 22 Years in Service with PLWHIV/AIDS and the NB Public 1987-2009
AIDS New Brunswick Appreciation Awards for 2008-2009 Volunteer Award of Excellence Gail Hachey Student Volunteer Award of Excellence Riley Veldhuizen Caring Corporate Partner Award Thomas & Joanne Gimblett Racines Caring Corporate Partner Award Brent Conlin The Crowne Plaza Board Leadership Award Tracey Rickards Lifetime Contribution Award The Honorable Hermngilde Chiasson Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2008-09 EXECUTIVE:
Tracey Rickards- President James Lord Edwards Vice-President/PHA Rep Denis Cyr Treasurer Marie-Thrse Fournier- Secretary Directors: Anne Moore Rina Arsenault Roland Boudreau Sarah Smith Donna Bulman Arlene Glencross

PRIMARY FUNDERS Public Health Agency of CanadaAIDS Community Action Program Correctional Services of Canada New Brunswick Department of Health OTHER FUNDERS N.B. Dept of Post Secondary Education, Training & Labour (summer student grants) Service Canada (summer student grants) Donors York Credit Union Dr. Peter Currie Department of Education Remsoft Decorators Mill Wilsons Insurance Ross Drug NB Nurses Union Service New Brunswick Natalie Webb, Remax Group Reality Racines Woodstock High School Fredericton Dental Association Simpson Builders BIDS Dobblesteyn Signs Molson Canada

2nd annual Red Tie Gala raised $6000 in support of the annual 2008 PLWHIV/AIDS Forum! AIDS New Brunswick held its 2nd Red Tie Gala on Saturday, November 1st, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in conjunction with local restaurants; Brewbakers, Crowne Plaza, Racines and The Blue Door. This progressive dining experience was held with hors doeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine. Dinner followed with an entre from exclusive menus specifically created for this event. A wonderful array of desserts was offered to the sounds of the George Street Blues Project. 2008-2009 National AIDS Walk

Last year, the PHA Fund was accessed on eleven occasions

Last year the N.E.P distributed 19,287 condoms to the General public.
Last year, the PHA Fund was accessed on eleven occasions

101,922 syringes were provided to Needle Exchange Service Users in 2008

Last year 2903 English materials were provided to the general public, organizations and clients. 446 French, and 3898 Bilingual materials were also provided. A Community of Commitment: 2008-2009 Audited Financial Statements prepared by: Shannon & Buffet, LLP Chartered Accountants

We are pleased to announce that last years AIDS Walk raised $2672.31 from corporate and private sponsors with an additional $2,667.96 raised from walkers pledges; for a grand total profit of $ 5,340.27!! Top Individual prize went to James Lord Edwards, while the top team prize went to Wyndham Worldwide. Holy Cross House received the top STU residence prize. STAFF MEMBERS

75 volunteers contributed a total of 1325 hours in support of AIDS NB this past year!
We would like to thank James Lord Edwards and Ted Gaudet for their valuable contribution as speakers. If you are a PHA and would like to learn more about this great opportunity, please contact Diedre at 1-800-561-4009.

Once Again, Special Thank-you to Cyrille Godin, Stephanie Turner-Chiaison and Helen Rooney for their volunteer translation services and to D.J. Pete and Jon for their ongoing support of the AIDS NB Dances.
From a Student My work placement has been amazing. Working herehelped to increase my confidence significantly. I hope to continue volunteering from now on. The staff are easy to get along with and were welcoming. -Amanda Logan

Joannah (Jo) Lang- Executive Director Jennifer Dion Program Support Coordinator Diedre Smith--PLWHIV/AIDS Liaison Judy Burwell (Interim Liaison) Michelle Gill - NEP Coordinator Tanya Amberman - Northern Liaison (maternity leave) Olivier Thriault - Northern Liaison SUMMER STAFF Marchell Coulombe - AIDS Walk Coordinator (Fredericton) Melissa Murray, Walk-in Coordinator Sara Williamson, Walk Assistant Jeannette Lanteigne, Bathurst office Ashley Scott, AIDS Walk Coordinator, (Bathurst) PROJECT STAFF Gail Hachey-Production Assistant

Students Tara Robertson (3rd year social work student) Tiffany King & Chantal Durette (UNB 4th year nursing) Office/NEP Volunteers Michelle , Riley, Jessica, Annette, Mike, Gail, Aimee, Sandra, Laura, Ryan, Sue, Deb, Kelly Dance Volunteers Norman, Kathy, Julie, Sam, Andrea, Amy

From a new NEP client Thank you so much for listening and being here. I will definitely be back. From a NEP client you provide the best service. What you do is so important.
From a helpline caller Thank you so much for listening. I feel a lot better.

Did you know?

AIDS NB began its own collection of HIV/AIDS related materials in partnership with the NB Public Libraries. Resources may be borrowed through inter-library loans. Please visit to learn more: http://www.librariesfoundation.ca/english/partnerships_en.htm

AIDS New Brunswick is a provincial organization committed to facilitating community-based responses to the issues of HIV/AIDS. The aim is to promote and support the health and well-being of persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in New Brunswick.