1. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org From taking care of ourselves to taking care of each other: Engagement of immigrant, refugee, non-status PHAs and those from racialized communities as treatment advocates, caregivers, and service-providers Maureen Owino Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment & Ethno racial Treatment Support Network Toronto, Canada July 25, 2012 Washington, D.C www.hivimmigration.ca

2. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Acknowledgement ETSN Graduates and co-facilitators Funding Partners (past and present): –A–ACAP, Public Health Agency of Canada (Ontario Region) –A–AIDS Bureau, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care –O–Ontario Treatment Support Network Program Sponsorship: Gold Sponsors: –G–GSK Shire BioChem, –T–Tibotec Silver Sponsors: –A–Abbott, –B–Boehringer Ingelheim, –B–Bristol-Myers Squibb, –G–Gilead

3. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Who we are? CAAT - ETSN: Ethno-racial Treatment Support Network’s peer treatment counselling training program. ETSN is a two level intensive 8 day skill building program The program provides capacity building for PHAs in areas of treatment literacy, health promotion skills and peer counselling and support skills. It is a partnership project amongst ACAS, APAA, BCAP, CAAT, CSSP, ASAAP and CATIE and a community partner (ABRPO) www.hivimmigration.ca www.treathivglobally.ca

4. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org How we came together? Need for increased peer based treatment education/support for smaller/marginalized communities that lack support resources; Interest from community members to improve treatment literacy and peer support skills“ www.hivimmigration.ca

5. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org How ETSN-Peer Based Training was developed Started with a main focus on translating Treatment information in different languages Surveys, focus groups and program evaluations identified immerging learning needs among training participants A pilot project was first conducted in 2003 targeting over 17 diverse PHA & service providers www.hivimmigration.ca

6. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org components ETSN-Peer Based Training works continued and progressive structured training on facilitation and presentation skills, pre- and post- practice debriefing sessions group reflective learning involving peer graduates facilitators/presenters A group of core trainers made up of both PHA and non-PHAs. www.hivimmigration.ca

7. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Learning and Helping Out : Curriculum Structure Helping Ourselves; 4 full days covers: a)treatment literacy and b)effective communication c)service advocacy skills Level 2: Helping Each Other 4 full days covers: a) in-depth treatment related issues and b) peer counseling and support skills.

8. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org What have we done? Cont’d... Model of progressive engagement of peers who are trained through the program Structured mentorship and resources to support peers to take on progressive leadership roles Curriculum content grounded in PHA’s lived experiences and responsive to emerging community needs

9. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Dimensions of Empowerment Capacity Building &Skills development: 1.Treatment literacy 2.Peer Counseling Skills 3.Facilitation and presentation skills 4.Advocacy skills 5.Leadership

10. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Dimen sions of Empowerment Increased/sustained community engagement 1.Volunteering in ASO’s & Other sectors 2.Collaborative curriculum planning & designing with PHAs and Trainers 3.Peer trainer/Facilitator 4.Peer mentor 5.Service provider

11. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Dimensions of Empowerment Resources Support/Incentives : 1.Honorarium for participating 2.Contracts as peer facilitators and educators 3.Part time and full time employment opportunities

12. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Outcomes: 111 Peer Treatment Counselors have graduates from 5 ethno-racial communities – 22 became peer educators/facilitators for subsequent series of training – 42 got HIV/AIDS/Health sector related jobs – Together volunteering for over 70 organizations

13. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Experience Sharing Among ETSN- graduates and Graduates &Facilitators

14. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Why ETSN works?: Culturally appropriate and safe space Individualized mentorship and support Group based peer learning Curriculum responsive to participants’ needs Integrate community social network building Promotes and enhances PHA involvement and leadership

15. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Most importantly, we learn and grow together and create a community!

16. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org