Annual General Meeting
AGM
2009-2010
May 28th, Fredericton Inn
2008-2009 President’s 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 NB’s 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 Moore’s 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 Executive Director’s Message
2008-09 has been a full and energizing year with concentrated efforts to increase funding for much needed services.
The downturn of the global economy has caused concern for most people and the non-profit sector is no exception. However, in partnership with AIDS Saint John and AIDS Moncton we were able to secure a significant three year commitment to assist with funding for Fredericton Needle Exchange (NEP) enabling AIDS New Brunswick to hire a long overdue Coordinator position. Michelle Gill, BSW, has joined the team as Coordinator and with the continued supply of syringes and materials for distribution; the Needle Exchange Program has been successful in strengthening its efforts to ensure the consumers of this service are able to reduce personal and potential societal harms associated with injecting behaviors.
In addition, AIDS New Brunswick secured more needed funding from our long standing partner, the Public Health Agency of Canada (ACAP) to address the educational and support needs of Northern Youth. Louise Bergeron is currently working full-time as the Northern Liaison out of the AIDS NB Bathurst Office and Youth engagement efforts have steadily increased in the Northern Region.
As I leave the Executive Director position with AIDS New Brunswick I would like to thank the many supporters of AIDS New Brunswick, our funders, community partners, Board and Staff, and the many volunteers who have contributed their time and expertise to AIDS NB’s efforts and without whom we would not exist
I would also like to welcome Mr. Nick Scott who will be assuming team leadership with AIDS New Brunswick as the Executive Director. It is with the knowledge and confidence in Nick’s team-oriented approach and commitment to inclusion principles that I am confident AIDS New Brunswick will continue to grow and respond creatively and effectively to the needs of our members and the public we serve.
Jo Lang, Executive Director
2008-2009 Needle Exchange Coordinator’s Message
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, NEP Coordinator
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