In 1986, as number of AIDS Service Organizations recognized the need for information-sharing and peer support and the Ontario AIDS Network began.
Since then, the OAN has evolved and grown to a membership of 45 agencies, providing services to over 27,000 people in Ontario living with HIV/AIDS. This has created one of the strongest health movements in Ontario.
The OAN also provides leadership in the HIV/AIDS movement with representation on the Ontario Ministry of Health Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network.
What is the Mission of OAN?
To advocate for its member groups for:
- sustainable funding,
- user-friendly legislation
- state-of-the-art treatment for all persons living with HIV/AIDS in the province.
How does OAN Complete its Mission?
The OAN does not provide any direct services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Rather it manages its 45 member organizations across the province to ensure that their care delivery is supported and guided by best practices, so everyone with HIV/AIDS gets the same level of help and care, regardless of location.
How do People with HIV/AIDS Participate Directly in OAN?
The OAN does offer people living with HIV/AIDS opportunities to participate:
- On the board – half of board members must be living with HIV/AIDS
- On advisory committees – people living with HIV/AIDS have a protected space where discussions and recommendations can be made directly to the OAN board on how to strengthen services and resources across Ontario.
- At the annual general meetings where they can engage with executive directors from member agencies and government partners to influence future direction and opportunities.
Participation at all levels ensures that many voices and perspectives are heard.
Brittany’s Story
I am 28 years old and have been HIV positive for almost 8 years. I am also a full-time student in social work, a small business owner and a mother of three beautiful children.
I wanted to talk about the wonderful leadership training that I received from the OAN which changed my life. Before I attended the training, I knew that I was passionate about creating change, but didn’t feel that I had the power to do so because I had no formal training. I live in a rural community with very few opportunities to better educate myself about HIV.
When I attended the training, I didn’t know what to expect. My only expectation at the time was to go and come back in one piece, potentially empowered to continue making a difference in my community as someone living with HIV. Little did I know the training that I received would set the foundation for me to go back to school and solidify my decision to work for social services. I found my voice, could see a future, search for opportunities to change, grow and improve, strengthen others by sharing my experiences, and celebrate my values and victories by creating a sense of community.
This support has added value and purpose to my life, and it is because of the training I have received through OAN that I continue to advocate for those living with HIV, myself included. As I go into the workplace, I often reflect on the leadership skills I learned with gratitude.
