About the Programming Connection

The Programming Connection is an online toolkit that highlights models of front-line programs that provide HIV and hepatitis C prevention, care, treatment and support. The featured programs and resources will inspire community-based service providers with: 

• Information on a diverse range of front-line programs from across Canada
• Bilingual resources on program planning and delivery
• High-quality training strategies based on practice
• Innovative outreach, advocacy and capacity-building solutions

Objectives

The Programming Connection will:

• Facilitate the exchange of information on front-line HIV and hepatitis C programs
• Highlight programs that have targeted specific challenges with creative approaches to inspire ongoing innovation
• Stimulate new practices appropriate to local circumstances and resources
• Raise community-based standards of practice and encourage experimentation
• Support service providers to share knowledge and resources
• Facilitate national dialogue, networking and partnerships

These objectives are based on recommendations gathered in 2008 when CATIE met with AIDS service organizations from across Canada to solicit suggestions for effectively designing and implementing a national knowledge transfer and exchange network (see the Front-Line Consultation Report for more information). Since then, an advisory committee has been established to support the design and development of the Programming Connection.

Shared Experience, Stronger Programs: Programming Connection Case Studies

Each of the programs profiled in the Programming Connection is a model of front-line practice: a program or project that advances HIV prevention, care, treatment and support efforts in Canadian communities. Case studies are developed in collaboration with Canadian service providers.

As most HIV and hepatitis C programs in Canada cannot provide evidence-based results, CATIE relies on the experiences and testimonies of front-line service providers to assess how successful each program has been.

The inclusion of a program in the Programming Connection is in no way meant to suggest that the program is better or more successful than those that have not been included. Rather, it is an indication that the program has responded in a creative way to specific challenges and may serve as an inspiration to other service providers looking for solutions to similar challenges. Click here for more information on the Programming Connection development policies.

Maintenance of the Programming Connection

To ensure that the Programming Connection remains up-to-date, the models of practice will be reviewed annually. To assess the efficacy and relevance of the case studies, CATIE will seek input from service providers, conduct site visits and collect information at conferences and other events.

For more information, please contact:

Christie Johnston
Manager, Community Prevention Programs
programmingconnection@catie.ca
416-203-7122 ext. 226

Acknowledgements

CATIE would like to thank the following people and organizations for their contribution to the Programming Connection:

The Programming Connection Advisory Committee

Barry Adam, Alix Adrien, Margaret Akan, Patricia Bacon, Moffatt Clarke, Monique Doolittle-Romas, Grace Getty (2009-10), Brian Lester, Alan Li, Joanne Lush, Maria Mac Intosh, LaVerne Monette (2009-10), Ken Monteith, Eric Mykhalovskiy, San Patten, Shannon Ryan (2009-10), Daven Seebarran (2009-10), Marcie Summers, Kim Thomas (2009-10)

Organizations:

AIDS Committee of Toronto, Asian Society for the Intervention of AIDS (ASIA), Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, Clinique médicale l'Actuel, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission, Ottawa Public Health, RÉZO, Streetworks, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), Unité d'intervention mobile l'Anonyme