With 1 in 120 adult Torontonians HIV-positive, Casey House report shines light on ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis
TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2011 /CNW/- Today, the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and
the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Research and Innovation visited Casey House to highlight an infrastructure investment in
health care services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Casey House is proceeding with its redevelopment project to build its
new home with tendering scheduled to begin in 2013-14.
The construction of this new building will be as important a milestone for Casey House as was the opening of
its doors in 1988. Today, HIV infection rates in the Toronto area are at the same level as during the early days of the epidemic.
Casey House will address unmet needs in our health care system and double its capacity to provide compassionate treatment and
care while maintaining the warm and welcoming environment that has been the hallmark of Casey House since its inception.
"Casey House is so grateful to the many people who participated in the extensive consultations required
to make our redevelopment possible," said Stephanie Karapita, CEO of Casey House. "Over a period of years we have sought the
guidance and insight of a variety of constituent groups including people living with HIV/AIDS, our clients and their families, and
partner organizations that serve people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto, together with neighbourhood residents."
The new Day Health Program will expand Casey House's range of health care services and will serve
as a model for chronic disease management. The program will provide comprehensive treatment to meet the complex needs of
people living with HIV/AIDS ensuring that they have the support necessary to remain safely at home. Working alongside
agencies providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS, the program will complement services currently available in Toronto.
"We're absolutely delighted with this investment by the Ontario government," said Casey House Board Chair Gael Mourant. "By
bringing a range of HIV/AIDS health care services under one roof, this investment will improve the health and well-being of a highly
vulnerable population while relieving pressure on local hospitals and avoiding higher cost means of delivering health care."
Casey House has committed to raise $10 million towards the cost of redevelopment under a Capital Campaign led by Jaime Watt. "We're
going to build a building that no one has seen before, because we are doing what no one has done before," said Mr. Watt.
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About Casey House - Founded in 1988, Casey House was the first freestanding HIV/AIDS facility in Canada.
Today we are a specialty HIV/AIDS hospital offering home care and outreach programs. Our commitment is to provide compassionate,
exemplary health care to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, in collaboration with our
communities. www.caseyhouse.com
For more information:
Kathleen Sandusky,
Casey House Communications Specialist
(416) 434 7763
ksandusky@caseyhouse.on.ca
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