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A new system of care must be made available to gay, bi and queer men to reduce HPV related cancers. Screening for pre-cancerous lesions and treating them early can dramatically lower the prevalence of anal cancer resulting from HPV infection. Early screening and treatment are vital to better health outcomes for our communities. However, the first line of defense remains prevention of the HPV infections by getting vaccinated against HPV.
While the Federal government’s vaccine advisory committee (NACI) recommended the vaccine for all gay, bi, and queer men, BC’s government does not provide coverage for gay, bi and queer men over 26 years of age.
HIM is organizing the advocacy campaign “GetGarded for Life” to mobilize folks to take action and call upon the BC government to create the necessary change and expand access to the HPV vaccine. You can participate in this by using the tool available on our GetGarded.ca resource page to send a letter to representatives of the BC government.
GetGarded.ca is a resource developed by HIM to help GBQ men and gender diverse people explore the different pathways for them to access the Gardasil vaccine.
Health Initiative for Men (HIM) has been selected as the recipient of a generous $10,000 donation from 100 Gay Men for a Cause, a locally organized network of gay men dedicated to supporting charitable causes in the community.
100 Gay Men for a Cause operates on a unique model where members gather quarterly to listen to pitches from local charities and vote on which organization will receive the funds. The charity with the highest number of votes receives $10,000, while the two runners-up receive $2,500 each.
HIM was deeply honored to receive the top donation, which will be dedicated to the expansion of the HIM on Davie Health Centre. The funds will be used to set up a new clinic space, complete with four examination rooms. This expansion aims to reduce turn-aways and enable HIM to serve a greater number of community members each year.
“We are incredibly grateful to 100 Gay Men for a Cause for their generous donation, and it is meaningful that it came from this group of people” said Aaron Purdie, Executive Director at HIM. “This funding will make a significant impact on our ability to provide essential health services to the GBQ men and gender diverse communities in Vancouver.”
HIM on Davie Health Centre provides a range of health services, including sexual health testing, counseling, and community support programs. The expansion of the clinic space will allow HIM to enhance its capacity and reach more individuals in need of care and support, in a safe and supportive environment.
The donation from 100 Gay Men for a Cause underscores the importance of community support in advancing health initiatives and addressing the needs of marginalized populations. HIM looks forward to utilizing the funds to expand its services and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the GBQ men and gender diverse communities in Vancouver.
The Two Other Charities:
HIM was honoured to pitch alongside two important communities organizations who also deserve community support:
Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) promotes the health of people of diverse sexualities and genders through research and intervention development.
Donate to CBRC
The Heart of Richmond's mission is to identify the needs and develop the support services/programs for persons living with HIV, their families, friends and caregivers. We aim to provide education and public awareness regarding HIV and the prevention of transmission.
Donate to The Heart of Richmond
As Pink Shirt Day approaches on February 28th, Advocacy Canada is excited to unveil its limited-edition You Belong shirts, specially designed to promote inclusivity, diversity, and the power of speaking out. Pink Shirt Day is a significant annual event that stands against bullying and discrimination, fostering an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Advocacy Canada's You Belong pink shirts, with a design created by Kelowna Indigenous queer artist Sarah Jones are not just a fashion statement, but a powerful symbol of support for the 2SLGBTQ community on Pink Shirt Day. The shirts include the powerful nsyilxcen phrase kʷu yʕayʕát kʷuʔ čn̓k̓ʷɬn̓xiʔm̓ which translates to we all join in together / we are all part of it together.
The funds raised through the sale of these shirts for Pink Shirt Day Kelowna will directly support Advocacy Canada's initiatives to uplift and unite the voices of the 2SLGBTQ community in Kelowna and across Canada. By participating in Pink Shirt Day with Advocacy Canada, individuals contribute to creating a world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.
To purchase your You Belong shirt and stand up against discrimination, visit the Advocacy Canada website. Together, let's make Pink Shirt Day 2024 a powerful statement of unity and acceptance.
A Fraser Health Authority and HIM Collaboration.
Surrey, February 2024 - We are thrilled to announce the reopening of Health Initiative for Men’s Health Centre in Surrey. After a period of closure due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, HIM and Fraser Health Authority are delighted to welcome you back to our clinic in Surrey as of Thursday February 1st
Whether you’ve used our sexual health services before or not, HIM aims to provide culturally competent, safe, and comfortable health care for gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men, as well as gender diverse people. We have heard from our community that accessing STI testing services focussing on our populations have been a barrier for some, with limited options in the Fraser Health region—our work to re-operationalize and improve our previous health centres begins now, in Surrey. We thank you for your patience and continued trust in HIM and Fraser Health. We look forward to serving you again, or for the first time!
What We Offer:
We are working towards improving our services for you: As we begin to restart our health operations, we currently do not have the capacity to prescribe HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Come on in: Currently we are not accepting appointments. Walk-ins are welcome during our hours of operation.
Location:
North Surrey Public Health Unit
Auditorium
10362 King George Blvd
Surrey BC
Operating Hours:
Thursday's 4 - 7 pm
Doors at 3:30
Nurse sees first client at 4 pm
Last client at 6 pm
For more information and regular updates on HIM programs and services in Fraser region area, please visit: fraser.checkhimout.ca
Health Initiative for Men (HIM) is pleased to announce that Darren Ho (he/him) has been hired as Director of Health Services at HIM. Darren will be taking over from former Director of Health Services, Simon Rayek. Darren comes to HIM with significant experience in queer health, community engagement, program development, provincial network management, research, and evaluation. Darren will act as the third member of HIM’s shared leadership team which includes Executive Director, Aaron Purdie (he/him), and Program Director, Evan Matchett-Wong (they/them). The Director of Health Services at HIM is responsible for overseeing the ways that clinical services (e.g. testing, treatment, vaccination) are delivered across the province, and leading a team that develops health promotion and customized resources for gay, bi, queer men, and gender diverse people.
Darren comes to HIM from his current position at the Community Based Research Centre (CBRC) as the Associate Director of Population Specific Programs. Darren has been a vital team member at CBRC and has performed his duties with dedication, skill, and passion.
“CBRC should be commended for their game-changing work in developing the queer health sector by creating opportunities, changing policy, and building capacity amongst their staff across Turtle Island. We are overjoyed and fortunate to be able to hire one of those staff as we welcome such an experienced Director onto our team”
Aaron Purdie, Executive Director, HIM.
HIM and CBRC have a long history of collaboration and partnership. HIM and CBRC have collaborated on creation national alliances of queer health service providers, partnered on grants and research projects, and have co-facilitated programs such as Totally Outright. CBRC’s Sex Now Survey has been the single most important source of the information needed to, not only, form HIM as a stand-alone health organization, but also as an ongoing source of information to ensure HIM’s programs and services remain evidence-based and informed by the people we work with.
Darren will begin his position at HIM on October 23rd, 2023, and in the spirit of partnership, Darren will continue his role co-directing the CBRC Summit which occurs on November 16-17th, 2023.
The mpox vaccine is given as a two-dose vaccine. Get vaccinated in time for summer.
BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), British Columbia's (B.C.) regional health authorities, and partners like Health Initiative for Men (HIM) are reminding people who are eligible for the mpox (monkeypox) vaccine to get vaccinated now, ahead of Pride season and summer activities, including travel.
While the 2022 mpox outbreak has been declared over, there is potential for new cases in B.C. The virus has the potential to be reintroduced locally at large gatherings like Pride events or could be acquired while travelling. Since 2022, there have been 199 confirmed cases of mpox in B.C.
Imvamune® vaccine is available to British Columbians at the highest risk of contracting mpox. It is given as a two-dose vaccine. To date, more than 27,500 vaccine doses have been administered, most as first doses. Vaccination has been successful in controlling the outbreak of mpox and bringing case numbers down.
“We had an excellent response to the vaccine campaign last summer, and we saw a dramatic decrease in the number of mpox cases,” said Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). “However, most people only received a single dose, and we’d really like everyone to complete their series with a second dose of Imvamune for stronger, longer-lasting protection.”
To help promote vaccination, Health Initiative for Men has launched a new campaign to promote vaccination. It Takes 2 reinforces the message that a complete vaccine series requires two doses. People who have not yet been vaccinated for mpox and those who only received their first dose are at higher risk of getting mpox if exposed. The campaign is appearing on transit, dating apps and social media.
“Estimates of vaccine effectiveness vary but two doses provide about 90 per cent protection against mpox,” says Dr. Monika Naus, Medical Director of Immunization Programs and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Service for the BCCDC. “If you have only had a single dose, you should get your second dose for optimal protection.”
No vaccine is 100 per cent effective and even if you have been vaccinated, you can develop symptoms. People who have been vaccinated are less likely to experience severe symptoms.
“While vaccination has been very successful in reducing cases in B.C., it is still possible to be exposed to the virus locally or while travelling,” says Dr. Mayank Singal, Physician Epidemiologist with BCCDC’s Public Health Response team. “If you have been exposed to mpox and develop symptoms, seek medical attention so you can be tested as soon as possible.”
Two-Spirit and transgender people and cisgender males who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men community and at least one of the following:
Appointments are available at select pharmacies and community clinics:
People who have received two doses or who had an mpox infection do not require another vaccine. Booster doses may be required in the future should mpox transmission continue into 2024.
The BC Centre for Disease Control, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides public health leadership through surveillance, detection, treatment, prevention and consultation services. The Centre provides diagnostic and treatment services for people with diseases of public health importance, and analytical and policy support to all levels of government and health authorities. The BCCDC also provides health promotion and prevention services to reduce the burden of chronic disease, preventable injury and environmental health risks. For more, visit www.bccdc.ca or follow us on Twitter @CDCofBC.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) provides specialized health care services and programs to communities across British Columbia, the territories of many distinct First Nations. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured this land for all time, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlil̓w̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations on whose unceded and ancestral territory our head office is located. We work in partnership with other B.C. health authorities and the provincial government to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us @PHSAofBC.
Health Initiative for Men (HIM) is a nonprofit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being in communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC. HIM offers a full spectrum of health-based programming and services to meet the sexual, mental, physical and social health needs of communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC. Visit checkhimout.ca/mpox for more information
For 45 seasons the West End Slo-Pitch Association (WESA) has created space for gay, bi, and queer men and our gender diverse siblings/neighbors to have a space to engage in sports in a community setting. We applaud WESA for creating opportunities for people that have been historically rejected from sports. Since their foundation they have been a group of strong community advocates who have raised funds for organizations like: Qmunity, Rainbow refugee, and more.
When we told WESA about how governments were taking no action on the healing and recovery efforts that were needed following the federal ban/illegalization of “conversion therapy” (which we call Conversion Efforts) they immediately rose to the occasion.
The WESA Association, lead by Commissioner Sean Cummings, as well as event Host Lance Sandover, welcomed HIM as the beneficiary of the 2023 WESA Drag Pageant Fundraiser. The pageant has been a fixture of the league’s annual activities since 1987 and this year hosted over 700 enthusiastic attendees. The fundraiser managed to raise close to $11,000 which will empower HIM to operate Survivors, a Peer-led program designed to support the survivors of conversion efforts.
Survivors is led by people with lived experience because we know how much of a difference it makes to have programs and services directed by the people who are most impacted. This program is built on a foundation of compassion, understanding, and empowerment. A key component of the program is the way that it invites and trains participants to become peer-leaders and to come back through the program as facilitators, organizers, and promoters of healing and wellness.
This is a shining example of a time when our community shows up and shares their resources towards a better future. 100% of the donation will be going back into community through this program.
Introducing a new online booking platform and more online booking options for HIV & STI testing appointments in Vancouver
We're excited to announce that starting later this week, we will be piloting a new online booking platform and options for sexual health appointments in Vancouver. This is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to address client turnaways and improve our services. Your valuable feedback has greatly influenced these changes. In fact, adding more online booking options was the most recommended change by community.
We encourage you to keep an eye on our Health Centres Hours & Locations page for links to the new booking system coming later this week. Thank you for your continued support and feedback as we work towards better serving our community!
November 29, 2022
Since 2009, the HIM on Davie Health Centre has been a central site for our communities to access the sexual health services we need. In partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) clinicians and allied health professionals, the Davie Health Centre has delivered an average of 788 sexual health appointments a month this calendar year (not including phone consult or appointments with the physicians that sometimes work out of the Davie Health Centre). Although we’ve found creative ways to increase capacity year to year, no health service is perfect. The Davie Health Centre is no exception: we simply have not been able to meet community demand for sexual health services and are having to turn away nearly 300 clients a month.
Over the next several months, HIM and VCH are implementing a project to address the high number of client turnaways. We will test several different changes, analyze what worked or didn’t work about them, and adopt the changes that are most impactful (and appropriate). We’re going to test changes both in the HIM Health Centres and components related to the Health Centres: the language on HIM’s website, the ways appointment bookings work, the HIM phone line, etc. We will proactively communicate major changes being tested in the newsletter, the HIM website, and/or HIM social media.
HIM is a small organization with a big footprint. As with all of our work, we need your help to ensure the success of this project. If you have ideas on how we can minimize turnaways or improve patient experience in the HIM Health Centres share them with us using this anonymous form. Know that all your input will be read by HIM and our VCH partners (including me personally) and considered.
Lastly, we ask that you be patient with us as we implement this project and, more importantly, our invaluable community volunteers and VCH partners without whom HIM’s sexual health services would not be possible. This process will be challenging and at times frustrating. However, we owe it to you to make changes and innovations that will help us better serve the health needs of our communities.
Simon Rayek
Director, Health Administration
Monkeypox (mpox, MPV, MPXV) cases are increasing in Canada and globally. It can affect anyone of any gender identity or sexual orientation, however, this outbreak has particularly impacted men in the 2SGBTQ+ community.
We at Health Initiative for Men have been working alongside the various health sector agencies to ensure equitable and stigma free access to monkeypox information, vaccination and treatment. See below for a number of community focused resources for advocates and other organizations who wish to help prevent the spread of monkeypox in British Columbia.
Poster
We encourage anyone to use this poster to raise awareness around monkeypox. Upon scanning the QR code users will be directed to checkhimout.ca/mpox where they can access information regarding monkeypox including locally relevant monkeypox vaccination clinic information.
Click on the image or here to download the media files.
Poster + Social Media Assets
Cancelling or otherwise limiting access to bathhouses and parties is not recommended for reducing the spread of monkeypox. Some cases have reported visiting bathhouses or parties, although it is not yet known if transmission occurred at these venues - A sexy poster and social media assets for sexy spaces.
Click on the image or here to download the media files.
Poster
Vaccine information for community members. Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community from monkeypox. Use this poster in places where people want to learn more about vaccines and vaccine access.
Click on the image or here to download the media files.
Poster + Social Media Asset
Symptoms for Monkeypox usually appear 1-2 weeks after transmission but can take anywhere from 5-21 days. Symptoms can last up to 2-4 weeks. This poster and social media asset illustrates what symptoms might look like at the different stages.
Click on the image or here to download the media files.
Other Resources: