Trauma and HIV

Alisha OstbergBlog, living with HIV, support, Trauma

What is Trauma? These days we hear a lot of talk about Trauma and experiences that may have been traumatic in our lives. Trauma is described by the American Psychological Association as an “emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster”. The APA goes on to note that “Longer term reactions [can] include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea”.

Occupational Therapy and HIV – What Can OT Offer?

Alisha OstbergBlog, living with HIV, personal story, support

had the privilege of spending the last six weeks on placement at HIV Community Link. This was a unique opportunity because I am studying to be an occupational therapist, and there has never before been an occupational therapist at HIV Community Link. During this time I learned a lot about occupational therapy (OT) in the context of HIV, and I would like to share what I learned.

What You Need to Know…

Alisha Ostbergantiretroviral therapy, Blog, harm reduction, living with HIV, prevention, research, support, testing, treatment

At HIV Community Link we are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest and greatest information and trends affecting our work and the communities we serve. One way we do this is through our new series: What You Need to Know. The first four topics in this series are based on the most common and frequently asked questions we receive in-person, online, by phone, email and social media. Get in touch with all your questions – we’re the LINK!

Human Trafficking: A Sex Worker Rights & Harm Reduction Narrative

Alisha OstbergBlog, harm reduction, human rights, sex work

At Shift, we don’t spend a whole lot of time talking about human trafficking.

In 2014, we provided ongoing support and case management to 125 registered program clients; only a handful of these individuals had experienced trafficking. In the 8 year history of Shift, people experiencing human trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation have remained a small minority of the individuals we support.

What Now?: Sex Work in Calgary Post Bill C-36

Alisha OstbergBlog, sex work

When Bill C-36 (The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act) was first proposed the Shift Line phone was ringing off the hook. And honestly, it hasn’t stopped ringing. Sex workers are confused, upset, frustrated, and in general unsure how this new law is going to affect their lives. Many of the people who call us care about following the law and avoiding criminal charges, but these laws are so vague that they just can’t figure out what they can and cannot do.

2 Months or a Year – HCV Treatment Improvements

Alisha Ostbergantiretroviral therapy, Blog, harm reduction, stigma, STIs, testing, treatment

New direct-acting Antivirals are changing chronic Hepatitis C treatment for the better. Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment has gone from a once exhausting 48 weeks duration to as a little as 8 weeks with a 95% sustained virologic response (SVR). SVR is defined as a viremia (the presence of viruses in the blood) 24 weeks after completion of antiviral therapy for chronic HCV infection (. In analyses of SVR durability, the incidence of late relapse is extremely low, less than 1%.

Why I Choose the Shift Program

Alisha OstbergBlog, sex work

As I began my search for a practicum I knew that that finding a harm reduction program was top priority. In a sea of abstinence based programs in Calgary, I was ecstatic to find the Shift program, a pro-choice, client centered, program for adults who have ever been involved in sex work.

Everyone Loves Cooking with Coral

Alisha OstbergBlog, living with HIV, support

A number of years ago I was chatting with clients at a Friday lunch and the topic of cooking skills came up. I was surprised by the number of clients who stated that they didn’t know how to cook and what to cook to stay healthy. Shortly after this the birth of an interactive coffee connections now known as Cooking with Coral was born.

African Communities Project Rocking it in the Night Clubs

Alisha OstbergBlog, condoms, prevention, safer sex

Online dating, youth groups and night clubs are all great places where people can meet and start dating. The African Communities project has made great strides in spreading the HIV message to its community members while most recently joining hands with some African Night clubs in the city.