Overdose Recognition & Response Training for Toronto’s ACB Community

The opioid crisis has been a growing concern across Canada, and Toronto’s Black community is not immune to its impact. In response to this pressing issue, Black CAP is proud to offer Overdose Recognition & Response Training tailored specifically for the Black community in Toronto. Our training sessions aim to equip attendees with essential knowledge and skills to address opioid-related risks effectively and foster a safer community.

Toronto’s Black community faces unique challenges when it comes to substance use and harm reduction. Stigma, systemic barriers, and historical inequalities often exacerbate the risk of overdose and limited access to critical resources. By providing culturally responsive training, Black CAP aims to bridge these gaps, empower individuals, and foster a supportive environment for those affected by substance use.

During our Overdose Recognition & Response Training, attendees will acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to confidently respond to overdose situations. The training will cover essential topics, including the identification of opioid overdose symptoms, the proper administration of Naloxone (a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication), and harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk of overdose.

Moreover, participants will learn about community resources and support services available specifically for the Black community in Toronto. By providing this tailored training, Black CAP seeks to empower attendees with the tools and resources they need to support themselves and their community members in times of crisis.

*A Naloxone kit with a couple of vials at pharmacy*

At Black CAP, we believe that every life in the Black community is valuable, and that includes safeguarding against opioid-related harms. Our Overdose Recognition & Response Training is designed to build resilience, save lives, and foster a sense of empowerment within Toronto’s Black community. Together, we can make a difference by taking proactive steps to address the opioid crisis and ensure the health and well-being of our community. Join us for this essential training and let’s create a safer and stronger future together.

For more information and collaboration opportunities contact:

Bishen Mudie
TO2AN Harm Reduction Coordinator
Phone: 416.977.9955, ext. 286
Email: b.mudie@black-cap.com

Trans ID Clinic – August Edition

Join our monthly Trans ID Clinic, exclusively for ACB community members!

Black CAP offers legal support and forms assistance monthly to help transgender individuals from the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) community through the process of legally changing their name and sex designation on Ontario and Canada government IDs, birth certificates, and other records.

Don’t miss this empowering opportunity tailored to the unique needs of the ACB trans community. Click the link below to register and let us support you on your journey of self-discovery and identity affirmation.

Click the link below to register.

KeepItReal: Empowering HIV Self Testing!

Black CAP is proud to announce our KeepItReal campaign, providing FREE HIV self-test kits to individuals in the ACB (African, Caribbean, and Black) and 2S/LGBTQ+ communities. Our mission is to break down barriers, promote inclusivity, and ensure that everyone has access to vital resources.

JOB POSTING: Program Coordinator

Job Title: Program Coordinator

Department: Health Promotion

Supervised by: Director, Programs and Services (Interim Executive Director)

Position requirements: 37.5 hours per week

Term: Full-time, 1-year contract (with potential for renewal)

Salary: $23.64 an hour

Organization Description: Black CAP is a leading organization in Canada serving the needs of Black, African and Caribbean communities impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and communities affected by HIV, including the provision of comprehensive and culturally appropriate sexual health services.

Position Overview: Black CAP is seeking an experienced and dedicated Program Coordinator to join our Programs and Services team. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for developing HIV strategies, strengthening prevention efforts, and promoting HIV treatment adherence. This role will involve working on two Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) funded projects, focusing on addressing Anti-Black Racism (ABR) as a root cause and implementing an integrated national HIV prevention strategy for ACB (African, Caribbean, and Black) people in Canada.

Responsibilities:

Project 1: Anti-Black Racism as Root Cause: ACB Knowledge in the Fight Against HIV-AIDS

Conduct desk research on approaches to addressing ABR and community-led monitoring tools.
Engage in in-person consultations with HIV Prevention Hubs.
Facilitate online consultations and feedback processes with service providers and users.
Develop an ABR index for HIV prevention.
Create an ABR community scorecard for HIV services.
Pilot the ABR index and community scorecard in Hubs, making necessary adjustments.
Develop a training guide on the index and scorecard.
Oversee peers in delivering 3-5 trainings to other providers and users.
Conduct baseline data collection and analysis.

Project 2: Integrated National HIV Prevention Strategy for ACB People in Canada

Adapt the Community Health Ambassador Model for Alliance Peer Coordinators specific to ACB sub-populations.
Develop a Peer Toolkit to support the implementation of activities.
Deliver workshops annually from years 2-5 (2024-2027) to diverse communities of ACB people.
Develop and disseminate a framework for delivery and national advocacy strategy based on a status-neutral approach, barrier reduction, Anti-Black Racism, Intersectionality, Anti-Oppression, GIPA/MIPA, SGBA+.
Create outreach/media materials and strategy, identify pop-up sites, and procure prevention technologies and external resources.
Conduct 1Love1Stop intervention pop-ups annually from year 2-5 (2024-2027).
Conduct 1 community consultation in year 1 (2022-2023) to inform the design and development of service provider workshops.
Deliver workshops annually from years 2-5 (2024-2027) to service providers.

General Responsibilities:

Assess the needs of HIV-infected and affected clients, provide counseling, advice, and referrals to other services, agencies, or programs, and develop strategies for each individual.
Conduct research on effective strategies and models for peer-based programming to inform program delivery.
Provide system navigation support and identify appropriate referrals to complementary programming based on the determinants of health framework.
Offer Prevention Case Management (PCM) and other case management support to Peers.
Coordinate the development of intake and assessment tools to assess risk and factors related to risk.
Provide ongoing system navigation support to Peers.
Recruit, train, and place Peers to engage in peer activities at all levels of program delivery.
Support the delivery of workshops on safer sex, disclosure, goal setting, and treatment adherence.
Provide referrals as required to HIV/STI testing sites, other ASOs (AIDS service organizations), and services such as housing, mental health, and employment.
Attend staff and team meetings, as well as relevant training sessions.
Participate in staff and team meetings, develop monthly reports, and perform other assigned duties.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (public health, social work, or similar)
Experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and community engagement
Knowledge of Anti-Black Racism and its impact on health outcomes
Familiarity with peer-based programming and case management approaches
Strong research and data analysis skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Proficiency in relevant computer applications

Black CAP is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those living with HIV/HCV and with diverse lived experiences (such as substance use, addiction, sex work, and/or incarceration). Disclosure of diversity in the covering letter is optional. We value diversity and promote an inclusive work environment. Submit resume and cover letter to Muhaari A. at hiring@black-cap.com.

Deadline: 30 June 2023.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

2023 Annual General Meeting

2022/2023 Annual General Meeting – Thursday, September 21, 2023

Greetings, stakeholders of the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (“Black CAP “) Membership, and community members

We are pleased to inform you that we have selected a date for our next Annual General Membership meeting. The date will be Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 5pm. Please use the Eventbrite link to reserve your seat. You will find attached the draft agenda. Finalized details will be provided closer to the actual date.

Register for the 2022/2023 Annual General Meeting through the link below:
https://lnkd.in/gj37JUnh

This meeting will be the ONLY meeting which the Board of Directors are calling to meet with Black CAP Membership and the only meeting called in accordance with Black CAP’s By-Laws and the Corporations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.C.38, the legislation under which Black CAP is currently governed.

As stated previously, the date of the Annual General Meeting has been chosen to ensure all documents that are required by, the Corporations Act are available as prepared by our external auditors, and so as to provide all transparent financial and other reporting to hold the organization accountable.

The current Board of Directors shall be present at the Annual General Meeting and hold elections for new Directors in accordance with the By-Laws.

Our Board members recruitment continues, and Black CAP is looking to recruit new members to our Board of Directors who are committed to continued leadership within the HIV/AIDS sector and ensuring the continued support of culturally responsive service to ALL African, Caribbean, and Black community members living in Toronto who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Please submit your Board application at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gc86GNec

This year we are also focused on ensuring that the Board is balanced in relation to gender, gender identity, HIV status, and age. We are also seeking members who have an understanding of the importance of intersectionality in our work.

We are seeking members with knowledge of the impact of HIV in Toronto’s Black communities and some of the following skills/knowledge:

– Knowledge of the HIV sector
– Human Resources and labour relations
– Accounting and Finance
– Governance
– Legal
– Non-profit management
– Government relations

With sincere gratitude and solidarity.
Board of Directors:
Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention

Solidarity with the LGBTQ+ Community in Uganda

Dear members of the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda,

We, at the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), are deeply concerned and distressed by the recent developments in Uganda, specifically the enactment of the stringent anti-LGBTQ+ law. As an organization, the majority of our clients, nearly 90%, are individuals from African countries who have had to flee situations similar to what you are currently experiencing. We understand the hardships you face, and we stand in absolute solidarity with you during this profoundly challenging and unjust period.

Black CAP has always been committed to the equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, expression or nationality. We believe that love is a universal language, one that should transcend all borders and boundaries, and no one should be penalized for expressing their identity or love.

We are inspired by the strength, courage, and resilience you show every day in the face of this adversity. It’s in these difficult times that we are reminded of the enduring spirit of the human heart and the power of unity.

We also applaud and fully support the brave human rights activists in Uganda and worldwide who are standing against this law and advocating for its repeal. This fight is not yours alone; it is a fight for the fundamental human rights that we all share, and we are with you in this struggle.

While we are aware of the international condemnations and potential sanctions against Uganda, we understand the negative implications that could follow such decisions, especially for the vulnerable communities most in need. We commit to do our part in advocating for thoughtful and effective international responses that prioritize human rights and dignity while minimizing harm to those most in need.

To our allies and partners worldwide, we urge you to join us in expressing your support for the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. Let us work together in ensuring that they do not feel alone or forgotten. Let’s utilize our platforms to raise awareness, build empathy, and advocate for change.

To the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda, we want to tell you this: You are not alone. Your voices matter. Your lives matter. Your love matters. We stand with you, and we will continue to speak out against this gross violation of your rights and dignity.

With deepest solidarity,

Muhaari A.

Director, Programs and Services (Interim Executive Director)

BLACK COALITION FOR AIDS PREVENTION

Click to Register

ACB Tax Clinic 2023

Tax season is here. If you’re a member of the African, Caribbean or Black community and you need support with your tax return application this year, we are offering free assistance to qualified individuals or families who meet the following criteria: