Regional HIV AIDS Connection

07/22/2025

You can have hepatitis C for many years without having symptoms or feeling sick, even though the virus may be injuring your liver. The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested. Knowing if you have hepatitis C early and getting cured means there is less time for your liver to become injured by the hepatitis C virus.

It takes two different blood tests to tell if you have hepatitis C: The first test is a screening or hepatitis C antibody test. It checks to see if you have ever had hepatitis C. The second test is a confirmatory or hepatitis C viral load test. It checks to see if you have hepatitis C right now. Sometimes both tests are done using blood collected at a single visit and sometimes you will need to return to provide a new blood sample for the second test. Talk to your nurse or doctor about getting tested for hepatitis C.
 
(This content was originally published by , Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information. For more information about hepatitis C, visit: https://www.catie.ca/essentials/hepatitis-c-basics.)

07/21/2025

Did you know July 28 is ? Hepatitis C is an infection in the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Over time, the virus causes liver injury and scarring and can make you very sick. The hepatitis C virus gets into the blood through breaks in the skin or in the lining of the nose and mouth. Hepatitis C is a strong virus: it can survive in a tiny drop of blood that is too small to see and can live outside of the body for many days. In certain conditions, such as inside a syringe, the virus can survive for many weeks. This means dried blood can also pass the virus.
 
(This content was originally published by , Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information. For more information about hepatitis C, visit: catie.ca/essentials/hepatitis-c-basics.)

07/16/2025

Rain or shine, our annual Wellness Fair is coming back to 602 Queens Avenue for ! On Friday, July 25, join us on the front lawn from 10 AM—12 PM for free ice cream and giveaways and learn more about preventing, treating, and testing for hepatitis C. This year, St. Joe’s Café will also be providing free breakfast and lunch courtesy of the Hepatitis C Care team.

The Hepatitis C Care Team is a partnership between RHAC and . We support populations at increased risk for hepatitis C to improve access to testing, care, and prevention. To learn more about the Hepatitis Care Team and the communities we serve, visit: lihc.on.ca/programs/hepatitis-c-care-team/

07/10/2025

Join us this Saturday at Palace Theatre for a recital of vocal works by Q***r composers to celebrate Pride!

We are delighted to welcome our friends from as they perform this weekend in Procunier Hall.

Please join us on Saturday, July 12 from 7-9 PM for Q***ring the Canon: A classical recital of Q***r composers by a cast of local Q***r musicians.

Featuring piano and vocal performances, the concert reclaims classical music as a part of Q***r history and culture. Free from some of the conservative traditions that have tried to define the classical music scene, this event is open to everyone as a celebration of Q***rness. Show your Pride at the Palace Theatre for a night of singing as we explore the contributions of q***r musicians throughout history!

The show is free to attend, but space is limited!

For accessibility and visitor information, please visit palacetheatre.ca

07/09/2025

You’re invited to our weekly Vogue Workshop Series presented by . Join us on July 26, August 2, August 9, and August 17 from 7–9 PM at Dance Extreme (1-725 Notre Dame Drive) in London. Celebrate Pride through movement, community, and an introduction to voguing that will be fun for everyone!

07/08/2025

Pride Month may be over, but our commitment to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities is everlasting. After 40 years, we’re still here for you and your health—with Q***r-affirmative services and staff dedicated to serving the diverse needs and realities of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. To learn more about our services, visit hivaidsconnection.ca. You can call on us, toll-free, at 1.866.920.1601.

06/27/2025

Everyone has an HIV status. What’s yours? June 27 is National HIV Testing Day! The only way to know your HIV status for sure is to get tested. When it comes to testing, you’ve got options! In Ontario, getting tested is free and can be done anonymously without your name or health card. Rapid testing, which is available in London through the clinic, can be as quick and easy as a prick of the finger! You can even order a self-testing kit to test for HIV from the comfort of wherever you choose. To find HIV testing options near you, visit whereto.catie.ca or sexualhealthontario.ca.

Learn more about testing with at: catie.ca/the-hiv-handbook/hiv-testing

06/26/2025

Things look a little different after 40 years—but our Pride keeps playing on. Since 1985, RHAC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities have been making our voices heard as we sound off against stigma and call for positive change. This Pride season, RHAC is celebrating through music, movement, and creative expression to make our Pride louder than ever. Follow along for updates, upcoming events, and more!

06/17/2025

Just two more weeks until our 29th annual Indigenous Solidarity Day in celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities! This year's event will be held Friday, June 20th, 2025 at The Green in Wortley Village (206 Wortley Rd, London). We invite you to join us for this in-person gathering featuring Sunrise Ceremony, Singers, Dancers, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Community Service Providers, and more. Bring your family and friends - everyone is welcome!

This community initiative is brought to you by the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, Atlohsa Family Healing Services, City of London, N'Amerind (London) Friendship Centre, and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

Please share this event with your contacts, socials, and communities!

06/17/2025

This , we’re proving that classical music can be incredibly, unapologetically Q***r! Join us on Saturday, July 12 from 7-9 PM at London’s Palace Theatre (Procunier Hall) for Q***ring the Canon: A classical recital of Q***r composers by a cast of local Q***r musicians.

Featuring piano and vocal performances, the concert reclaims classical music as a part of Q***r history and culture. Free from some of the conservative traditions that have tried to define the classical music scene, this event is open to everyone as a celebration of Q***rness. Show your Pride at Palace Theatre for a night of singing as we explore the contributions of q***r musicians throughout history!

For more accessibility and visitor information about , please visit: palacetheatre.ca/patron-services/

06/16/2025

Pride and the HIV movement are forever linked by the community care and radical activism at the heart of our shared histories. Since 1985, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities have been leading heroic contributions to our mission. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, RHAC is amplifying the Pride that has powered our organization since the beginning. This summer, RHAC’s Pride events will be creating spaces that celebrate q***rness through creativity, expression, and a deep appreciation for the histories and communities that move Pride and the HIV movement forward.

We can’t wait to share our lineup of Pride events with community. You can also find us at ***rjoycanada’s Pride in the Park from July 12-13 at Canatara Park. For even more Pride celebrations, check out .519 for an exciting slate of FREE q***r events in the heart of London from June 18-21!

06/13/2025

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

* Peer Harm Reduction Worker (Full-Time • From $43,500/year): Peer Harm Reduction Workers enhance the quality of life for individuals and diverse communities living with, at-risk for, or affected by the challenges associated with HIV/AIDS and HCV within London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

* Peer Support Coordinator (Full-Time, Temporary, Fixed Contract • From $43,500/year): The Peer Support Coordinator will provide coaching and support on a drop-in basis to clients accessing Carepoint and Counterpoint over the course of a 6-month contract, with the possibility of extension.

* Personal & Resident Support Worker (Temporary, Full-Time, Fixed Contract • From $23.90/hour): The Personal & Resident Support Worker will support residents of our John Gordon Home program.

Visit hivaidsconnection.ca/careers to learn more and apply by June 23 at 9 AM EST.