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2008-09 has been a full and energizingyear with concentrated efforts to increasefunding for much needed services.

The downturn of the global economy hascaused concern for most people and the

non-profit sector is no exception. However, in partner-ship with AIDS Saint John and AIDS Moncton we were

able to secure a significant three year commitment toassist with funding for Fredericton Needle Exchange(NEP) enabling AIDS New Brunswick to hire a longoverdue Coordinator position. Michelle Gill, BSW, hasjoined the team as Coordinator and with the continuedsupply of syringes and materials for distribution; theNeedle Exchange Program has been successful instrengthening its efforts to ensure the consumers ofthis service are able to reduce personal and potentialsocietal harms associated with injecting behaviors.

In addition, AIDS New Brunswick secured more need-ed funding from our long standing partner, the PublicHealth Agency of Canada (ACAP) to address the edu-cational and support needs of Northern Youth. Louise

Bergeron is currently working full-time as the NorthernLiaison out of the AIDS NB Bathurst Office and Youthengagement efforts have steadily increased in theNorthern Region.

As I leave the Executive Director position with AIDSNew Brunswick I would like to thank the many support-ers of AIDS New Brunswick, our funders, community

partners, Board and Staff, and the many volunteerswho have contributed their time and expertise to AIDSNBs efforts and without whom we would not exist.

I would also like to welcome Mr. Nick Scott who will beassuming team leadership with AIDS New Brunswickas the Executive Director. It is with the knowledge andconfidence in Nicks team-oriented approach and com-mitment to inclusion principles that I am confidentAIDS New Brunswick will continue to grow and re-spond creatively and effectively to the needs of ourmembers and the public we serve.

Presidents Message

AIDSNew

Brunswick

SID

ANouve

au-Brunswick

AnnualReport

April 1, 2008-March 31, 2009

2008-2009

It is hard to believe that another yearhas come and gone. As I begin the lastleg of my Presidency this is a time toreflect on how far we have come andwhere we need to be going in the fu-ture. I joined the Board of Directors in2005, wondering just how I could con-

tribute to the organization and willing to try anything.

We have succeeded in accomplishing a great dealthrough the continued enthusiasm, expertise, and reli-ance of a board that just keeps giving. Board mem-bers have come and gone, and in some situationscome again! Rarely faltering in the knowledge andwork of moving AIDS NB forward. I have seen cuts infunding, renewed need for creative fund raising, andcommencement of provincial funding.

This past year the increasing demand for the NeedleExchange Program confirms a growing drug addictionproblem in the province. The number of times the NEPwas accessed this year reflects a 16% increase fromthe previous year, with a concurrent increase of 29%

in the number of needle distributed. It is with thesenumbers that the Executive Directors of the threeAIDS Service organizations were able to convince theprovincial government that there is a growing need forthis program. The government acknowledged the is-sue and has provided some badly needed funding forthe program.

People often ask why AIDS NB is in the needle ex-change business. The answer is easy, NEPs are aharm reduction effort to safeguard intravenous drugusers from contracting Hepatitis and HIV. We knowfrom the research that Hepatitis and HIV continue tobe one of the greatest side-effects of IV drug use

and as an organization charged with the role of provid-ing support, services, and education to those livingwith HIV/AIDS, distributing clean needles makes

sense. I might suggest that we are also interested inprotecting all people from contracting HIV, so througheducation sessions and the NEP we are doing so.

AIDS NBs work in the northern portion of the provincecontinues. We had a short pause in service in the timebetween when Tanya went on maternity leave and wewere able to find a replacement. I think that we need

to continue to support this effort, as the north hasbeen a geographical area of the province that has nothad easy access to education, support, and servicesaround HIV/AIDS.

This year we held the second Red Tie Affair. Evenmore successful than the first, the evening was en-chanting. We had wonderful food, great music anddancing, and a magical atmosphere of community.AIDS NB looks forward to being able to grow thisfundraiser into one of the most anticipated socialevents of the year. It is through the generous supportof time and effort on Anne Moores part that we havebeen able to pull the event together. She has a way of

making the work fun, and encouraging people outsidethe organization to participate in this worthy cause.The Red Tie Affair provided the organization withmuch needed resources that will enable those livingwith HIV/AIDS to gather for an annual workshop ed-ucational supportive event.

In closing, I have been constantly impressed by thecaliber of people I have worked with at AIDS NB. Theirdedication to continued support of the organizationand those living with HIV/AIDS speaks volumes. Beingpresident of the board has been an extremely reward-ing role, and I hope that whoever comes behind mewill have the same experience.

Tracey Rickards

President

Executive Directors Report

Jo Lang

Executive Director

This past year the Fredericton Needle Ex-change Program (NEP) received someprovincial funding to support the work of theNEP for the next three years. We are confi-dent that this support will enable us to bettertrain our volunteers and coordinate the

growing demand on NEP services. We haveenhancedthe NEP resources to include more current and needleexchange relevant materials. Currently the FrederictonNeedle Exchange is operating with expanded Wednes-day hours (6-8pm); this is part of a continuing effort to

make needle exchange services more accessible towomen and resulted from service user feedbackobtained orally and through the Welcome-in: WIN forWomen survey. The Welcome-In: WIN for WomenSurvey and Needle Exchange office redecoration havebeen supported in part through funding from the Freder-icton Community Foundation.

-Michelle Gill BSc, BSW

Fredericton Needle Exchange Program Coordinator

Needle Exchange Program Report

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