HowHard

11/08/2023

NSW Health has issued an alert following the detection of two new cases of mpox in NSW.

This brings the total number of cases to 63 since May 2022.

The recent cases have involved overseas travel.

Data shows the global hotspot locations in 2023 are in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions, including in Japan, South Korea, Thailand and China.

Gay, bis*xual, and other men who have s*x with men who are s*xually active are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible against mpox.

Vaccination is free and a Medicare card is not needed.

Two doses are required. Anyone who has only received one dose of the vaccine should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first. Find you nearest vaccination location at:

➡️ health.nsw.gov.au/monkeypox

Heading overseas – particularly to hotspot locations? Stay informed, monitor for symptoms and stay safe by:

· Avoiding close contact with people who have mpox or mpox symptoms

· Avoiding contact with infected materials, such as bedding or towels

· Exchanging contact information with s*xual partners

· Practising good hand hygiene For more information, visit:

➡️ aconhealth.org.au/monkeypox

09/08/2023

Two new cases of mpox (monkeypox) have been notified in NSW since 4 August, bringing the total cases to 63 since May 2022.

The recent cases have involved overseas travel. Data shows the global hotspot locations in 2023 are in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions, including in Japan, Republic of Korea, Thailand and China.

Gay, bis*xual, and other men who have s*x with men who are s*xually active are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible against mpox. Visit the NSW Health website to find a vaccination clinic.

Vaccination is free and a Medicare card is not needed. Two doses are required. Anyone who has only received one dose of the vaccine should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first.

If travelling overseas, particularly to hotspot locations, stay safe by:
• avoiding close contact with people who have mpox or mpox symptoms
• avoiding contact with infected materials, such as bedding or towels
• exchanging contact information with s*xual partners
• practising good hand hygiene.

Monitor for mpox symptoms, including once you’re back home after overseas travel.

Symptoms may include: small pimple-like skin lesions which then spread and develop pus then crust over. Some people experience mild fever, headache, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes. Mpox can spread to others until the lesions crust over and fresh skin covers the area.

Experiencing symptoms? Self-isolate and call a doctor or the NSW Sexual Health Info Link on 1800 451 624 for advice.

Find out if you should get the mpox vaccine: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/book-a-monkeypox-vaccine

Find a mpox vaccination clinic: www.health.nsw.gov.au/mpox-clinics

Translated mpox information: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/monkeypox/Pages/mpxv-awareness-toolkit.aspx

08/08/2023

คุณเคยฉีดวัคซีน mpox (ฝีดาษลิง) สองเข็มหรือยัง? ค้นหาสถานที่ฉีดวัคซีนใกล้บ้านคุณได้ที่นี่:

➡ www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/monkeypox/Pages/mpox-clinics.aspx

08/08/2023

您已经接种过两剂猴痘疫苗了吗？如果还没有，这里可以找到离您最近的诊所：

➡ www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/monkeypox/Pages/mpox-clinics.aspx

08/08/2023

Have you had two doses of the mpox vaccine? Find your nearest vaccination location:

➡ www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/monkeypox/Pages/mpox-clinics.aspx

29/10/2022

Are you camera-confident and want to make a difference?

ACON is seeking community members to participate in a new campaign around substance use and hooking-up.

We are looking for a diverse group of individuals – all ages, gender identities and cultural backgrounds. People with a lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Participants may elect anonymity and will receive a gift voucher as gratitude for their time and contribution to this great cause.

If you’re willing to share your story to help others, we want you!
Don’t delay – express your interest today:
https://endinghiv.org.au/eoi-m3thod/

Be part of the next Ending HIV campaign. Are you confident on camera and want to make a difference? Express your interest to be part of the next Ending HIV HIV testing campaign. Find out more

11/11/2021

We’re aware that someone has set up a fake profile page called Howard Hard and may be sending out messages to members of our community. We have reported this account and trying to have the profile removed.

Please know that our HowHard profile does not initiate contact, we only respond to messages from community asking questions about s*xual health and other health related topics.

If someone does attempt to message you from this profile, please disregard the messages and report the profile as fake.

15/08/2021

Rules and restrictions are in place in Greater Sydney and regional NSW. Remember, unless you have a reasonable excuse, you must not leave your home. Visitors into your home are also not allowed unless you are in a singles bubble.

In lockdown, regardless of your vaccination status, it’s important we comply with public health orders. Together, we will get through this like we have before.

Go to ➡ nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules

14/08/2021

Stay at home rules apply in Greater Sydney and parts of regional NSW. Remember, unless you have a reasonable excuse, you must not leave your home. Visitors into your home are also not allowed unless you are in a singles bubble.

In lockdown, regardless of your vaccination status, it’s important we comply with public health orders. Together, we will get through this like we have before.

Go to ➡ nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules

27/11/2020

ACON has been made aware of recent overdoses relating to the drug fentanyl found in co***ne and he**in, and particularly in Dubbo and surrounds, and Sydney. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of overdose, and be mindful of these alerts when using substances.

NSW Health has issued an alert warning of the presence of fentanyl and its relative acetylfentanyl…

30/10/2020

PnP peer chat is a confidential service led by people who party and play, for people who party and play who want to check or manage their chem use. Book online for a chat with a non-judgemental, trained peer today: https://endinghiv.org.au/toolkit/pnp-peer-chat/

22/10/2020

NSW Health has issued an alert relating to party substances, especially in regional NSW. Head to Pivot Point to help you understand what that means, and how to stay safe. Learn more: https://pivotpoint.org.au/alert-fentanyl-and-acetylfentanyl-found-in-co***ne-and-ketamine/?fbclid=IwAR3THDU8Q1Qu-T4hp5o7epAUiruhuwVpihsRjJ-7IBswyRKMIK5a5HNrEJc

NSW Health has issued an alert warning of the presence of fentanyl and its relative acetylfentanyl…

29/07/2020

ACON's you[TEST] is a convenient and contactless way to test for HIV. The new service allows you to connect with a trained peer via virtual appointment and be provided with information about two different home testing options: a HIV self-testing kit or the Dried Blood Spot collection kit. A kit is then sent out to you for you to test for HIV in the comfort of your own home. The service offers the option of a follow up chat by phone or video call to provide further information, and referral support if needed.

you[TEST] is free with no Medicare card needed and is available to all gay men and men who have s*x with men (cis and trans) living in NSW.

More info: https://endinghiv.org.au/test-often/book-a-test-at-youtest/

30/06/2020

We need gay and bis*xual men to tell us how COVID-19 has impacted their lives. Join now and help our response to COVID-19.

https://www.hepp.org.au/

29/06/2020

Important Notice for ACON Visitors

To ensure the health and wellbeing of our clients, staff and volunteers, the following COVID-Safe guidelines are in place for all visitors to ACON offices and sites:

- Do not visit if you are undergoing the self-isolation period or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
- Do not visit if you are unwell or have a dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, high temperature or fever, body aches or pains
- When visiting, please provide us with your contact details and give us permission to provide them to NSW Health if they ask us to do so for the purpose of contact tracing
- Maintain a distance of 1.5m between yourself and other people at all times
- Follow physical distancing signage and orders as illustrated throughout the premises
- Practise good hygiene – hand sanitiser is provided at all ACON offices and sites

04/06/2020

We stand in solidarity with First Nations people, African American communities and people of colour. We are united in this global movement against police brutality, injustice, racism and white privilege. 💪🏿💪🏾💪🏽💪🏼💪🏻

Indigenous voices are calling on Australians to turn their outrage at police brutality in the US to action in their own backyard.

30/04/2020

Yes, it’s tempting. You may be thinking “Damn, he’s hot!” or “I might not get this chance again”, but now is not the time to become complacent. We know that saying no can be difficult, and we want to help, by sharing some ways of gently and respectfully responding to offers for s*x, for when that next d*ck comes knocking.
https://endinghiv.org.au/blog/he-wants-to-meet-up-what-should-i-do/

It’s been a little while now since we’ve started practising social distancing. This has meant a huge change in the way we live our lives…

08/04/2020

What does drug use look like in the time of COVID-19? Pivot Point had a chat with Will about how he’s managing lifestyle changes at the moment, including changes to how he usually socialises and uses drugs.
https://pivotpoint.org.au/covid-19-drug-use-wills-story/

Covid-19 Social Distancing and Drug Use: Will's Story