Summer Career Placement Job Opportunity

ANKORS

is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

     for an AIDS WALK For Life COORDINATOR

The AIDS WALK For Life Coordinator will coordinate, develop and organize aspects of the 2012 AIDS WALK for Life in Nelson.  The AIDS WALK is the premier fund raising event of the year to support people living with HIV/AIDS in the region.  The AIDS Walk for Life coordination includes the organization of volunteers, events site, media, entertainment, recruitment of walkers, teams and speakers, food and donations for prizes and silent auction.

Experience with events planning, media communications and fundraising are an asset.

32hrs/wk at $14/hr – Start date: As soon as suitable candidate is hired.  End date: August 30^th.

Send in your resume ASAP as this is a popular summer career placement position.

This job opportunity is supported by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

In order to qualify for this job position, you must have been registered as a full-time student this past academic year and you must intend to return to school next year.  Those between the ages of 17 and 30 years are eligible to apply for this position.

Aboriginal students and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please send resumes to:

AIDS Walk

c/o ANKORS

101 Baker St.

Nelson, BC

V1L 4H1

Fax# 505-5507or Email: information@ankors.bc.ca

For more information, please contact Cheryl or Karen @ 505-5506

 If you have volunteered with ANKORS or for an ANKORS event, such as the annual AIDS Walk, you are invited!

Where? At ANKORS. 101 Baker Street, Nelson BC

Who? Volunteers

Gonorrhea is increasingly becoming antibiotic-resistant. When penicillin was first introduced in the 1940s, it was a highly effective treatment for gonorrhea. Back then, as little as 72 mg of penicillin could cure that infection. Over the subsequent decades, gonorrhea began to lose its initial susceptibility to penicillin. By the late 1960s, a 40-fold increase in the amount of penicillin was needed to cure gonorrhea.

In the mid-1970s, strains of gonorrhea were developing resistance to even large doses of penicillin, and so another antibiotic, spectinomycin, became favoured by doctors. However, spectinomycin had to be given via injection and was much more expensive.

50% of infected women are asymptomatic.

In the 1980s, another antibiotic called ciprofloxacin (Cipro)—first at a single oral dose of 250 mg and later at a dose of 500 mg—became the mainstay of gonorrhea therapy. But in the mid-1990s, reports of treatment failure with ciprofloxacin began to emerge. At first these reports were isolated. However, by the end of the decade it became clear that cipro-resistant gonorrhea could be found in many countries.

Over the past decade, as ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of gonorrhea became common, doctors switched to cephalosporins, a class of antibiotics derived from penicillin. Cephalosporins have activity against a broad range of bacteria. Two cephalosporins—cefixime (Suprax) and ceftriaxone—became the preferred treatment for gonorrhea in many high-income countries. However, isolated reports of treatment failures with cefixime and ceftriaxone have been appearing. As was the case with ciprofloxacin-resistant gonorrhea, the reports of treatment failure with cefixime and ceftriaxone first appeared in the Asia-Pacific region and then in other regions of the world, including Western Europe.

InCanada

In Canada, research by public health scientists has found that gonorrhea is on the cusp of becoming resistant to cefixime and ceftriaxone. To forestall the development and spread of cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhea, the Public Health Agency of Canada has recently alerted health care professionals to interim guidance on this issue.   In summary, PHAC has doubled the recommended doses of cefixime and ceftriaxone for the treatment of gonorrhea:

• cefixime – a single oral dose of 800 mg and now only for uncomplicated forms of gonococcal disease in the cervix, urethra and rectum and no longer for throat infections, PID and other complications. This is a major change because previously cefixime was was used for even complicated forms of infections with gonorrhea-causing germs.
• ceftriaxone – an intramuscular injection of 250 mg

However, this should be viewed as a provisional step because gonorrhea will eventually develop resistance to even these higher doses. In the meantime, leading researchers on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) around the world are discussing what future steps might be taken to more firmly prevent the spread of cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhea.  We remind our readers that such ideas will require well-designed clinical trials to be certain about their effectiveness.

Don’t forget Chlamydia

The current recommended practice in many high-income countries is to treat a person diagnosed with gonorrhea with an antibiotic for the gonorrhea (usually cefixime or ceftriaxone) as well as with another antibiotic (usually azithromycin), because someone who has gonorrhea often will also have the common STI Chlamydia. Azithromycin has some activity against gonorrhea, so some researchers suspect that the use of a cephalosporin and azithromycin has delayed the rise of gonorrhea with high-level resistance to cephalosporins, at least in countries where dual treatment is used. However, this dual treatment, while safe, carries the risk that resistance may emerge against two important drugs used for the treatment of gonorrhea. In addition to cases of gonorrhea resistant to cephalosporins, there are also cases of gonorrhea resistant to azithromycin.

The last word

“The easiest gonorrhea to treat is the kind that is prevented by condoms.”~  Marc Steben (MD) One of Canada’s leading STI researchers.

Check out these great PSAs about condom use… And, remember to practices safer sex! http://www.thethreeamigos.org/psas.htm

Are you thinking about trying a new supplement? Do you need to refill your vitamin supply? Buying your vitamins at the Kootenay Coop, March 4-10, provides an opportunity to support vulnerable members of our community.

The Community Partnership:

For every supplement purchased by an active member during Wellness Week, the Co-op will donate $1 towards the purchase of vitamins and supplements for ANKORS, up to a maximum value of $1,000.

March 4-10 The Kootenay Co-op is also offering 10% off nearly all items in the wellness department, so this the perfect time to stock up!

ANKORS has been serving people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C in the Kootenay Boundary Region since 1992. Our Vitamin Program supports those whose immune system may be compromised and nutrient intake may be low. All vitamins are provided to ANKORS by the generous donations from our community partners.

HUGE thanks to:

• Castlegar Pharmasave
• Grand Forks Pharmasave
• Trail Safeway
• Castlegar Safeway
• Remedy’s in Nelson People’s Pharmacy in Nelson
• Paragon Columbia Pharmacy in Castlegar

Why is the ANKORS Vitamin Program important?

People with chronic health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and addiction, may also be struggling with poverty. Buying an entire bottle of even one kind of vitamin is not possible for people on fixed and low incomes. As well, people with low incomes are tasked with being able to buy enough vitamin-rich, nutritious foods, and still be able to pay their rent. Food banks are a big and important support for many folks in this situation, but even the food that they are able to provide is generally non-perishable and lacking in the much needed nutritional benefits contained in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin B (without iron) is good for depression and liver ailments. Vitamin C is offered to help support the immune system. ANKORS also provides multivitamins. Aside from the immune help, vitamin C also helps to protect against scurvy and scurvy-like conditions which can lead to teeth falling out and joint issues. Proper nutrition and and vitamin supports are integral to maintaining the best health possible. People with compromised immune systems have to pay close attention to their wellness, in order to maintain health and energy levels. This enables them to live more comfortably and in the best health possible.

There will be a volunteer and pamphlets available at the Co-op during this initiative. If you come in, please feel free to approach, get brochures, and ask questions. We appreciate all community support and are excited for this fundraising opportunity through the Kootenay Co-op. Thank you to the Co-op and their patrons.

Hi friends!!

It’s true.  ANKORS has a Drop-In!  Perhaps you have already been to our West Kootenay office and had coffee with us … or perhaps you didn’t know that you could.  Here are some things we’d like you to know about our Drop-in:

What is the ANKORS “Drop-In”?

A small, safe and welcoming space, for anyone to come for a coffee, a chat, or just to rest their feet for a little while.  It’s a place where you are likely to be greeted with a warm smile and a genuine “Hello; how are you?”.  Karen really wants to hear the answer!

When is the Drop-In open?

Mon 10-12, 2-4

Tue 10-12, 2-4

Wed ONLY 2-4

Thu 10-12, 2-4

Why does ANKORS have a Drop-In?

We see Drop-In as ‘Harm Reduction in practice’.  Building relationships makes an immeasurable positive difference in people’s lives!  Many people living outside the margins of the dominant culture or with chronic illness (including addiction) experience stigma and the disintegration of their social support network.   We provide a safe, low barrier space for people to connect, share, talk, listen, and to get a hot beverage on a cold day or a cold one on a hot day.  

~Karen Newmoon, ANKORS Drop-In Coordinator

Who can come to ANKORS Drop-In?

Everyone!  We said “low barrier”, right?

As a practicum student, I have very much enjoyed being part of the Drop-In.  I have noticed that people feel comfortable here.  Often times, folks come in with an issue and leave with a wide range of ideas on how to deal with it, coming from staff and peers, alike.  People also come in with personal news to share or an idea to discuss.  Sometimes guests are quiet and just want to relax or use the computer.

The Drop-In can be seen as a gateway to other supports and services.  When you come in, you are likely to be greeted with a warm smile and welcoming attitude.  The next time that you are near 101 Baker Street during Drop-In hours, please come in and say “Hello!”.  We are happy to see you!

Do have questions about our Drop-In or other services at ANKORS?  If so, feel free to come in and ask, call us at 250-505-5506, email Karen at information@ankors.bc.ca, or leave a comment here on our blog!

We look forward to seeing you!

Some of our readers who access the ANKORS Needle Exchange may have been aware of or taken part in a recent survey. The survey was administered on behalf of the BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC). It was meant to discover baselines around drug use, by region. The regions involved were: Prince George, Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, and the East and West Kootenay and Boundary areas. Our region was included as a rural example.

The reason this baseline information was being collected was to show a need for overdose first aid programs, including the use of take-home Naloxone kits. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a pharmaceutical drug, developed in the 1960′s which is an antidote for opioid overdose. In essence, it removes the opioid from the brain of the user, putting them in immediate withdrawal, and restoring depressed body functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Naloxone has been used for decades in hospitals when prescribed opioids caused overdose in emergency and operating rooms. It is extremely effective and is a life saving intervention for individuals who experience opioid overdose.

ANKORS and the BCCDC are working toward being able to provide first aid training for opioid overdose. Work is being done to increase the availability of Naloxone, since currently it is a prescription medication. Many people who use opioids, other than as prescribed by their doctor, have difficulty accessing a physician. Furthermore, physician perspectives on prescribing Naloxone for opioid users impact how the medication is prescribed. Some healthcare and harm reduction activists feel that prescriptions of Naloxone (and training on how to use it) should accompany every single opioid prescription. As well, any individuals who identify as opioid users (for whatever reason) should be referred for Naloxone training and a take-home opioid first aid kit.

There are take-home Naloxone programs running in cities around the world. In Canada, Toronto and Edmonton are running such programs. In Edmonton, the training takes place on a drop in basis. As individuals access needle exchange services, they are encouraged to take the 20 minute opioid overdose first aid training and to take a Naloxone kit home with them to have on hand in case a fellow user overdoses in their presence. Also, they can show others how to use it, in case they overdose themselves.

For those concerned about the possibility that this training and access to Naloxone has the potential to enable opioid use, there are a few things to consider:

1. The sudden withdrawal caused by treatment with Naloxone is highly uncomfortable. Anecdotal evidence shows that users are often sick, in pain, and very upset that their dose has been wasted- especially since financial barriers may mean that they can’t easily get more. Evidence also shows that education among users about OD and Naloxone means safer use practices meant to avoid having to go though this OD-Death or Naloxone cycle.
2. Overdose and the administration of Naloxone is very stressful and can be traumatic for those who are around and actually do the Naloxone administration. There is very little time between the beginning of the OD and the start of brain damage due to depressed respiration. Those in the helping position have to be fast and efficient, willing to inject another person, call 911, and stick around with the person who overdosed, to wait for help to arrive. It isn’t easy and it isn’t fun, especially when the user is sick, in pain, and desperate to feel better-despite the fact that they almost just died.
3. Naloxone truly is a life saving intervention. To limit the availability of this training along with access to take home Naloxone kits means that society values the lives of users less than they value people in hospitals who are given opioids for medical reasons. Opioid first aid training and access to Naloxone kits means that we value the lives of users and that we don’t expect them and their loved ones to accept death as the inevitable outcome of the illness of addiction.

Give yourself a Valentine treat: come in to ANKORS on Tuesday, February 14, for free acupuncture.

What Do I Need To Know About E?

Given the 12 BC and Alberta E-related deaths, here is some information about MDMA-like substances. This information is for those who use MDMA-like substances, and for those who care about those who use MDMA-like substances. Please pass it on!

BC is the hub of Ecstasy production, and recently there has been a prohibition on the ingredients that are traditionally used to make E-like substances. The result of this is that the E-supply has been contaminated with PMA (para-MethoxyAmphetamine) or PMMA (para-MethoxyMethAmphetamine).

Often people think if they stay away from pressed pills and only use powder or caps that they are safer. We believe that, due to prohibition, the whole supply has the chance of being contaminated, now or later.

PMMA is toxic to some individuals at low doses, and quite toxic to many at high doses. One person may be genetically pre-determined to suffer fatal hyperthermia, and another may take 10 hits with no impact. So far, we are not aware of a way to tell if one has a genetic predisposition to overdose on PMA or PMMA.

PMMA causes fatal HYPERTHERMIA, or over-heating. If you are choosing to use, and you notice you are feeling hot, with a rapid heartbeat, dry hot skin, not sweating, or sweating buckets, seizures, headache, nausea, ALTERED unusual behaviour (like violence), slurring of words, confusion or breakdown of motor skills…get to the E.R. IMMEDIATELY! Even 40 minutes is waiting too long. Hyperthermia can cause massive tissue and organ damage. You will not get in trouble, just get to E.R., tell them what/how much you took and let them help you!

THERE IS NO WAY TO TREAT THIS KIND OF SEVERE HYPERTHERMIA OUTSIDE OF A HOSPITAL SETTING.
Ice packs or cold baths will actually cause capillaries to close, locking the heat in, so call 911 orget the person to the hospital fast.
Do not be afraid to call the ambulance or take your friend to the hospital. You will not be arrested or get in trouble. You need to tell them immediately that your friend took E and is experiencing overheating. Be assertive if you go into the E.R. Do not accept being asked to wait in another room. Be clear that your friend took E, is overheating and time is of the essence.

The high from PMMA takes longer to kick in and is very mild compared to MDMA. If you take what you believe is an MDMA-like substance, and wait the usual amount of time, but you don’t get the high you expect, refrain from taking more to increase the effects.

E, MDMA, MDA, MDE are almost always a “combo” drug, despite often being touted as “pure”. It is wise to assume that almost all hits (whether powdered, capped or pressed) have both contaminants as well as adulterants. If you are choosing to use, keep your dose low, watch for strange side effects, have one friend in your group as the ‘sitter’ and go immediately for help if anyone feels over-heated, nauseated or out of sorts. 

It is impossible to tell whether your E is contaminated, by how it looks. At this point, test kits are also untrustworthy sources of information on purity.

There is no test, other than a laboratory-run toxicology screen, that can tell you what is in your pill, powder or capsule. Reagent tests, like the ones supplied by DanceSafe or EZ, are not purity tests. These reagent tests can only look for the existence of one substance, not for the existence of many substances. In the case of poly drugs, the existence of one drug can overpower the test, and so one can never tell exactly what is in their drug. For example, if a pill contains MDMA, caffeine, DXM, Ketamine, speed and a buffer, once the MDMA-like substance has been detected, the test turns black to test positive for “E”. It can show the existence of the E-like substance in our example, but not the other adulterants and contaminants.

Because PMA and PMMA are being used to replace a newly prohibited precursor to MDMA, it is PART of the drug. This means, it isn’t a separate powder that is mixed in, and might be visible when the drug is in caps or powder. It IS the powder. We are trying to get the word out that in the case of PMMA and PMA, there is no way to tell by the appearance of the drug, in any form, if it contains these harmful items. Please share this information with your friends!

Obviously, the only way to protect yourself 100% is to choose not to take any MDMA-like substances. However, if you choose to use, then please use wisely. Educate yourself and others, and do not hesitate to contact Jamie MacBeth at ANKORS for more information(or to share your own): (250) 505 5506 or jamiemakena@gmail.com

Also, please join our Party Safe Facebook page to see and join in on the discussion of harm reduction and party drugs. We’d love to see you there! https://www.facebook.com/groups/165151413515481/

Connect with your community through a gentle and relaxing hatha yoga practice. The practice combines asanas (postures) with breath, Light and mantra. Trained at Yasodhara Ashram, on the east side of Kootenay Lake, Gordon aims to take yoga beyond a physical exercise and use it as a method to help each student access their highest and best self. His hope is to have people leave class filled with Light and with a new perspective on the day.

Classes will be held at ANKORS, 101 Baker Street, Nelson.
Fridays, beginning January 20th, from 5:30-6:30.
Please arrive between 5 and 5:15 in order to be ready to start at 5:30.
Bring comfortable clothing (warmer top and long pants are ideal) and a yoga mat or towel to practice on.

Classes are by contribution (proceeds will be shared between ANKORS and Yasodhara Ashram).

For more information, please contact Karen at ANKORS: 250-505-5506 or information@ankors.bc.ca or Gordon: 250-551-5395 or gordon.matchett@gmail.com

Come in to ANKORS, 101 Baker Street in Nelson, the second and fourth Tuesday of every month for free acupuncture, courtesy of the good people at Nelson Community Acupuncture Clinic.