FAQ
- About PWA
- Becoming A Client
- Food Programs
- Health Promotion
- Income Support
- Treatment Access
- Treatment Access: Medical Marijuana
- Treatment Resources
- Planned Giving
- Pie in the Sky
- Third Party Events
About PWA
- Who can access PWA's services?
- Our programs and services are available to all people living with HIV/AIDS in the City of Toronto. (For our clients, the postal code for their home address must start with an M.) Some services require proof of HIV status.
- Are there fees to access services?
- Most services are free of charge. There are nominal fees to access the Food for Life Meal Delivery Program.
- Can I submit an article to be considered for a newsletter?
- Anyone is welcome to contact the Director of Development & Communications regarding potential topics for articles.
- How often are e-News sent out?
- eBlasts are sent out monthly.
- How can I receive e-News?
Sign up for PWA's monthly e-Newsletter
Please note that your private information is kept secure.
Services - Becoming A Client
- How do I become a client of PWA ?
- The first step to becoming a client involves an Intake appointment. Appointments can be booked by contacting us at 416-506-8606 ext. 209.
- Do I need to bring any personal documents with me for intake?
- You will need to bring verification of HIV status, such as a note from your doctor, and identification (eg, your passport, driver's license or birth certificate).
- Can I bring a friend, family member, or interpreter along to my intake appointment for support or assistance?
- Yes, you may bring anyone you like and who you feel comfortable disclosing information in front of. You will need to confirm your consent to the intake worker.
Services - Food Programs
- When & where is the Essentials Market available?
- The Essentials Market is located at 194 Gerrard Street East. See Essentials Market hours.
- If I am a single parent or have a family, will I be able to receive more food?
- Each parent with full custody of one or more children under the age of 18 years can receive a family box. This box is filled with snacks, juice boxes and other things suitable for children. We also place a staples hamper in each family box. The staples hamper contains lentils, beans, rice and tomato paste. If you have a baby we will also supply you with baby food, baby cereal, baby formula and other supplies when available.
- Does the Essentials Market cater to personal food choices (eg. vegetarian/vegan, cultural, low carb)?
- If you let us know that you have dietary restrictions or personal food choices we are happy to accommodate you based on what we have available.
- How do I donate food to the Essentials Market?
- You can donate to the Essentials Market at any time. Contact the Food Programs Coordinator to make arrangements to drop of your donation, or simply drop off your donation at the PWA office.
- We also welcome cash donations. They allow us to buy products in bulk when we experience shortages. When we buy in bulk your dollar stretches further than purchasing a few items from the grocery store.
- Can someone else pick up for me from the Essentials Market if I am unable?
- You must give permission to someone else to pick up on your behalf. You can do this by obtaining and signing a permission form for a maximum of one month or by contacting the Food Programs Coordinator to make arrangements.
Services - Health Promotion
- What is Reiki?
- Reiki is a holistic, light-touch, energy-based Japanese therapy. It works to enliven, recharge and realign your body's energy, helping to create an ideal atmosphere for healing. The therapist's hands 'rest' in various places on the body throughout the treatment. There is no pressure, manipulation or massaging involved.
- What is Shiatsu?
- Shiatsu is a non-invasive Japanese therapy that stimulates the body's ability to heal itself. It involves the application of pressure, primarily by the thumbs, to different points on the soft tissues of the body.
- What is naturopathic medicine?
- Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness and promotes health and healing using natural therapies such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition and physical medicine.
- How do I access the Holiday Programs?
- Starting in November, you can find out when and where the programs will be held. The information will be available in many forms: included with the Financial Assistance cheques, at the Essentials Market and by calling PWA reception. To access the Holiday Children's Fund, contact your case manager in November or December.
- Can my family/friends/loved ones participate in Holiday Programs as my guest?
- You may bring one guest to the Holiday Dinner and Show. A minimal charge applies. You will need to contact the Health Promotions Coordinator to bring a guest.
- How do I find out more about the Pet Program?
- You can pick up the guidelines and list of participating veterinarians from PWA Reception at any time.
- How do I register for the Theatre Access program
- Please contact the Health Promotions Coordinator and ask to be notified of opportunities as they arise.
- How many tickets are offered for a particular event?
- Tickets for these events usually come as a pair. Exceptionally, it may be possible to obtain more for larger families.
- Do I have to bring my own yoga mat to the class?
- No. PWA provides you with all yoga equipment at the class. Simply come to the class wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
- Do I have to register for a yoga class?
- Yes, please contact our Health Promotions Coordinator to register in advance.
Service - Income Support
- Do I need to make an appointment with my Benefits & Assistance Case Manager?
- It is recommended that you contact your case manager to ensure they will be available to see you.
- Does this service offer referrals to other programs, doctors, types of therapies or other services?
- Yes, your case manager is knowledgeable about programs at other AIDS service organizations, government and community agencies and health professional services. They can make appropriate referrals.
- Who can I talk to about going back to work?
- Your case manager can give you some advice on how returning to work may affect any government benefits you receive. They will also be able to explain how you may access medication if you do not have a private insurance plan through work.
- How do I know if I'm ready to go back to work?
- If you have been off work on medical grounds then your physician or specialist would be the most appropriate person to advise you with regard to going back to work. For other issues a career counselor or a back-to-work specialist can help you decide.
- How do I access the Financial Assistance program offered through PWA?
- You can access the Financial Assistance program through your case manager, who will review the current financial assistance guidelines with you.
Services - Treatment Access
- Can I see a doctor at PWA or receive medical advice/consultations?
- No. PWA is not a medical clinic and does not offer medical advice. We do have a Treatment Resources Coodinator, who can provide general treatment information and referrals for further medical care.
- If I am not a Canadian citizen, can I get medical attention from a doctor?
- Yes. We can provide you with a referral to a Community Health Centre with health care professionals who provide general medical care for individuals without an Ontario Health Card (OHIP card).
- If you are not a Canadian citizen but are a permanent resident/student/refugee claimant or have medical insurance from your respective country, you can get attention from a medical doctor.
- Is there someone I can call after hours at night or on weekends if I have questions about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections?
- Yes. The Ontario Ministry of Health AIDS and Sexual Health Infoline (AIDS Hotline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases Hotline) is available to answer your questions Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. They can be reached at 416-392-2437 or toll free at 1-800-668-2437.
- PWA does not offer services on weekends or at night. However, if you leave a brief message with a phone number where we can reach you, a staff member will return your call as soon as possible.
- How do I get tested for HIV/AIDS?
- You can access the Financial Assistance program through your case manager, who will review the current financial assistance guidelines with you.
- Hassle Free Women's clinic: 416-922-0566
Hassle Free Men's clinic: 416-922-0603
AIDS and Sexual Health Infoline: 416-392-2437 to locate alternative anonymous testing sites - Does PWA offer counselling services for HIV-positive people?
- While staff interacting with people living with HIV/AIDS often provide informal support and counselling, we do not have a formal counselling program. Any staff can provide referral information for such programs.
Services - Treatment Access: Medical Marijuana
- Do I need a license to buy medical marijuana?
- On July 30, 2001, Public Health Agency of Canada implemented the Marijuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR), which clearly define the acceptable circumstances for accessing medical marijuana and the different ways to obtain it. There have been several recent amendments to MMAR including a name change. It is now called Marijuana Medical Access Division (MMAD).
- The regulations contain three main components: authorizations to possess dried marijuana; licences to produce medical marijuana (which include personal use production licences); and a designated person production licence (which allows access to marijuana seeds and dried marijuana).
- Is it now legal to smoke pot in Canada?
- Marijuana is categorized as a controlled substance in Canada, therefore it is not legal to grow or possess marijuana, except with the permission of Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Who should I contact to get help to become licensed to obtain or use medicinal marijuana?
- PWA's Treatment Resources Coordinator can provide information and assistance related to becoming licensed for medicinal marijuana use.
- Alternately, application forms and guidelines are available on the Marijuana Medical Access Division (MMAD) website or you can call toll free at 1-866-337-7705 and ask that an application kit be mailed to you.
- Completed applications can be mailed to:
- Public Health Agency of Canada
Marijuana Medical Access Division
Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Program
Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Address Locator: 3503B
Ottawa, ON K1A 1B9 - Do I need a physician referral to obtain and use medicinal marijuana?
- Yes, your application for Authorization to Possess Marijuana for Medical Purposes (form E1) has to be accompanied by a Medical Practitioner's Form (form B1 or B2).
- The Public Health Agency of Canada emphasizes the importance of providing all mandatory requested information to avoid unnecessary delays. Applications will not be processed until all appropriate forms are received.
Service - Treatment Resources
- How often can I receive vitamins from PWA?
- Because our supplies are limited, priority is given to those who have not received vitamins within the past few months. Generally you can expect to receive vitamins once or twice a year. Keep in mind that you can also access our Financial Assistance program to help pay for vitamins you purchase.
Support Us - Planned Giving
- How do I go about leaving a gift in my will?
- The two most frequently used methods of making a gift in your will are specific bequests and residual bequests.
- A specific bequest gives a definite amount of money to the named beneficiary; and a residual bequest gives the remaining amount, or a percentage of the remaining amount, after all of your specific bequests have been honoured.
- Your lawyer or financial advisor can help you decide which option is best for you and your loved ones.
- What are the financial advantages of leaving a bequest gift?
- A carefully constructed will can help you avoid excessive taxes. When you make a charitable donation through your will, the tax credit can be claimed up to 100% of net income in the year of death, significantly reducing the tax paid by your estate.
- How can I make a bequest gift to a charity if I already have an existing will?
- Even if you already have an existing will, your lawyer can easily amend your will by making an addition called a codicil. Be sure to review your will on a regular basis to ensure that it is up-to-date.
- What is the legal name of PWA?
- Our full legal name is Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. Any legal document used to make a planned gift must include the full legal name of the charity. The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation is a registered Canadian charity - our Charitable Organization Number is 13111 3151 RR0001.
- What are some sample will clauses for planned giving?
- To give a percentage of the estate:
"I give to the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation twenty-five percent (25%) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to be used for whichever project is determined appropriate by its Board of Directors."
- To give a specific amount:
"I give to the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation the sum of $10,000 to be used for the project deemed appropriate by its Board of Directors."
- To give a specific asset, such as shares in a company:
"I give to the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation 500 shares of "XYZ Co. Inc." to be used for the project deemed appropriate by its Board of Directors."
Support Us - Pie in the Sky
- How can you purchase or order a pie?
- You can visit www.torontopieinthesky.org or call 416-506-8606 ext.239.
- Where do funds raised at the event go?
- All funds from the event go to support our critical Food Programs: a Essentials Market and our prepared meal service Food for Life. The purchase of 1 pie provides 10 meals to a man, woman or child living with HIV/AIDS.
Support Us - Third Party Events
- What kind of events do individuals or businesses hold to raise money for PWA?
- Third party events are only limited by one's imagination. Businesses have hosted bar nights and offered discounts (which they then donate). Individuals have hosted dinner parties (inviting guests to make a donation), organized dance or social nights and dreamt up a wide variety of creative activities.
- You can host your own fundraiser and raise money for PWA by creating an online event page. It's easy and can be personalized; start your online fundraising page today.
