Regional HIV AIDS Connection

Regional HIV AIDS Connection AIDS service community-based organization Our vision: Voice, Knowledge, Hope, and Home. Our value statement: The courage to do what is right!

Warning: Beige/white fentanylThrough anecdotal reports and observations with on-site drug testing at Carepoint Consumpti...
10/17/2025

Warning: Beige/white fentanyl

Through anecdotal reports and observations with on-site drug testing at Carepoint Consumption & Treatment Services, we would like to share the following information about possible side effects that could be associated with white/beige fentanyl.

Through on-site drug testing, we are able to share that the following substances were detected:

• Xylazine
• Nitazene
• Medetomidine

We have noticed reactions that include:

• Significant confusion after waking up including loss of time

• An increase in “tranquilizer-like” reactions

• Unusually difficult to rouse, sleep-like state but not in overdose as vital signs are stable (AKA “a heavy nod”)

Harm reduction recommendations when using substances:

• Try not to use alone.

• If you use alone, tell someone where you are. Ask them to check on you. The National Overdose Response Service (NORS) is available as a confidential overdose prevention hotline providing compassionate, nonjudgmental support for people who use drugs alone: 1.888.688.6677

• Use in small doses.

• Avoid mixing substances, if possible.

• Encourage use of Carepoint (Mon-Sun: 9:30 AM-8PM).

• Have naloxone ready and know how to respond to an overdose. Visit Ontario.ca/naloxone to learn more.

For more information, please contact Director of Harm Reduction Services, Megan Van Boheemen, at mvanboheemen@hivaidsconnection.ca or 226.377.8721.

Posted October 17, 2025. Please remove this notice by October 26, 2025 as the unregulated drug supply changes constantly. Visit hivaidsconnection.ca/advisory for more.

RHAC is now hiring for the following opportunity: • African, Caribbean and Black Community Engagement & Training Coordin...
10/07/2025

RHAC is now hiring for the following opportunity:

• African, Caribbean and Black Community Engagement & Training Coordinator
(Full-Time/Temporary/Fixed Term Contract from $43,500/year)

This role centres peers with lived/living experience to deliver a peer training program for African, Caribbean, or Black (ACB) and GBTQ+ (Gay, Bis*xual, Trans, and Q***r men and non-binary people who have s*x with men). Learn more at hivaidsconnection.ca/careers to apply by October 14 at 9 AM EST.

09/26/2025

On September 30, RHAC joins community to recognize Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). Together, we honour the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home. We remain deeply committed to justice, truth, and reconciliation—every day.

With the exception of John Gordon Home and Carepoint, RHAC offices will be closed on Monday, September 30. We encourage community members to wear orange and engage in opportunities to foster learning, healing, and meaningful action. For more information on local events and resources, please visit: hivaidsconnection.ca/NDTR.

If you or anyone you know needs support: The Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day to individuals affected by the Residential School System at 1.866.925.4419. The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to Indigenous people across Canada at 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca.

RHAC is now hiring for the following opportunity: • African, Caribbean and Black Community Engagement & Training Coordin...
09/17/2025

RHAC is now hiring for the following opportunity:

• African, Caribbean and Black Community Engagement & Training Coordinator
(Full-Time/Temporary/Fixed Term Contract from $43,500/year).

This role centres peers with lived/living experience to deliver a peer training program for African, Caribbean, or Black (ACB) and GBTQ+ (Gay, Bis*xual, Trans, and Q***r men and non-binary people who have s*x with men). Learn more at hivaidsconnection.ca/careers to apply by September 22 at 9 AM EST.

RHAC’s Annual Report is here! In time for our 40th anniversary, and this evening’s Annual General Meeting, the release o...
09/04/2025

RHAC’s Annual Report is here! In time for our 40th anniversary, and this evening’s Annual General Meeting, the release of this report looks back at our fiscal year and celebrates the theme of ‘Safer Together Since 1985.’

Pictured on the front page: A safety pin. In the 1980s, it was a staple in Punk fashion and a statement of Q***r style. Since 1991, the safety pin has put countless red ribbons together, securing them over our hearts on World AIDS Day. Years later, the safety pin’s still trusted to hold the most cherished items together. It turns out that safety never goes out of style.

Since 1985, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) has been providing safer spaces and supportive programs to people affected by HIV/AIDS. Our legacy as an organization is owed to the community members who have equally supported us. Communities can count on RHAC, because their longstanding trust and support make it possible. We look out for one another, and we work towards a better future. Safety is never a promise. But safer communities and outcomes are made possible when we come together.

Safety-pinned to the physical copy of every report is a red ribbon. We invite attendees at tonight’s AGM to wear these ribbons with pride in honour of people living with HIV. You can also read the Annual General Report (AGR) online at: www.hivaidsconnection.ca/AGR

Warning: Strong fentanyl including medetomidineThrough anecdotal reports and observations with on site drug testing at C...
09/02/2025

Warning: Strong fentanyl including medetomidine

Through anecdotal reports and observations with on site drug testing at Carepoint Consumption & Treatment Services, we would like to share the following information about possible side effects that could be associated with fentanyl potentially cut with medetomidine. (Please note: Multiple colours of the substance currently associated with this advisory have been reported).

Some of the possible side effects include:

* An increase in “tranquilizer-like” reactions.
* Unusually difficult to rouse sleep-like state, but not in overdose as vital signs are stable (AKA “a heavy nod”).
* Significant confusion after waking up, including lost sense of time.

In the community, a person can present as not responding to stimulation after multiple doses of naloxone, but is breathing and has a pulse. They may appear to be in a deep sleep-like state. It is still important to call 911. Substances such as fentanyl can be ‘cut’ (or mixed) with other drugs. Even a very small amount can cause an overdose or other side effects.

Harm reduction recommendations when using substances:

* Try not to use alone.
* If you use alone, tell someone where you are. Ask them to check on you.
* Use in small doses.
* Avoid mixing substances, if possible.
* Encourage use of Carepoint (Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM).
* Have naloxone ready and know how to respond to an overdose

For more information, please contact Director of Harm Reduction Services, Megan Van Boheemen, at mvanboheemen@hivaidsconnection.ca or 226.377.8721.  

Posted September 2, 2025. Please remove this notice by September 13, 2025 as the unregulated drug supply changes constantly.

Thank you to Harm Reduction Supplies for continuing to support RHAC’s harm reduction programming and our annual Internat...
08/25/2025

Thank you to Harm Reduction Supplies for continuing to support RHAC’s harm reduction programming and our annual International Overdose Awareness Day event. Learn more about Harm Reduction Supplies at: harmreduction-supplies.com

Join us at Carepoint (446 York Street) this Friday on August 29 from 1-3 PM in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we have lost and remain committed to supporting those we serv...
08/22/2025

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we have lost and remain committed to supporting those we serve.

Between March 2024 and April 2025, our Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service served 15,909 visits and treated a total of 266 overdoses. Our team also distributed a total 4,888 naloxone kits to help prevent overdoses in our community.

Everyone can . Learn more about how you can prevent and respond to an overdose with naloxone at: Ontario.ca/naloxone.

Everyone can  . In honour of International Overdose Awareness Day, we invite community to join us at Carepoint (446 York...
08/18/2025

Everyone can . In honour of International Overdose Awareness Day, we invite community to join us at Carepoint (446 York Street) on August 29 from 1-3 PM.

Come together in solidarity and compassion for those we have lost, and those we continue to support. There will also be a community fire on-site in partnership with OAHAS and Chippewa of the Thames.

Everyone has a role to play in ending overdose and making our community a safer, healthier place for all. Learn more about how you can prevent and respond to an overdose with naloxone at: Ontario.ca/naloxone.

In 2024, approximately 20 Canadians lost their lives to the toxic drug crisis every day.* Overdose does not discriminate...
08/12/2025

In 2024, approximately 20 Canadians lost their lives to the toxic drug crisis every day.*

Overdose does not discriminate. The devastating effects of this crisis impact everyone. We believe that every human being has the right to health, safety, and dignity—including people who use substances. RHAC’s harm reduction services are here to provide safe and supportive spaces and resources for people who use drugs.

Learn more about how our Carepoint program is helping to prevent overdose in our community: healthunit.com/carepoint

* Source: Government of Canada, 2025
(health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/)

Join us for Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC)’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 4 from 6-8 PM at the Goo...
08/07/2025

Join us for Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC)’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 4 from 6-8 PM at the Goodwill Centre (255 Horton St. E, London). The event will be held in the Town Hall room on the third floor with a catered reception starting at 5:30 PM.

The theme of this year’s AGM is “Safer together, since 1985.” We look forward to gathering with community as we continue to celebrate RHAC’s 40th anniversary and reflect on the agency’s progress over the past fiscal year.

Please RSVP by August 22 to Morgan at marmour@hivaidsconnection.ca.

For Members Only: New and returning members must complete and submit Membership Applications no later than Monday, August 25. Please contact Morgan to learn more and (re)apply!

Join the team! RHAC is hiring for the following opportunity:• Multicultural HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator (Full-Time |...
07/30/2025

Join the team! RHAC is hiring for the following opportunity:

• Multicultural HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator (Full-Time | From $43,500/year)

To learn more and apply by August 4 at 9 AM EST, please visit hivaidsconnection.ca/careers

Address

201-602 Queens Avenue
London, ON
N6B1Y8

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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