Coping with COVID-19: Insight from the front lines of HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health emergency. Here in Canada, issues like staffing, supply shortages and cancelled programs are having a major impact on harm reduction, HIV and hepatitis C programs. Many community members, especially those who are most marginalized, rely on these essential services for their health and well-being.

This interactive webinar will provide a forum for frontline workers across the country to discuss issues and ideas on how they are serving vulnerable people in their communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will hear from a panel who will share what their agencies and communities are doing, and provide a venue for attendees to ask questions and share ideas and resources with each other. We will also share the latest science on the risks for COVID-19 among people living with HIV, hepatitis C or people who use drugs.

Moderator: Chris Hoy, Knowledge Specialist, CATIE

Speakers:

• Sean Hosein, Science and Medicine Editor, CATIE 
• Zoë Dodd, Hepatitis C Program Coordinator, Toronto Community Hep C Program
• Jason Altenberg, Chief Executive Officer, South Riverdale Community Health Centre
• Holly Gauvin, Executive Director, Elevate NWO
• Matthew Bonn, Consultant, HaliFIX Overdose Prevention Society, Halifax Area Network of Drug Using People (HANDUP)
• Ahmed M. Bayoumi, General Internist and HIV physician at St. Michael’s Hospital
• Patrick McDougall, Dr. Peter Centre

Un webinaire en français sur le même sujet sera organisé à une date ultérieure.