For a decade or so, the fight against HIV/AIDS used to be a “sexy” cause-celebre; something everyone seemed to support vociferously, said Brian Wardley, a founding member of the Richmond AIDS Society.
“Now there’s a misconception that there is a cure to the disease. There isn’t, but there are good drugs that help people lead normal lives,” said Wardley, days ahead of the 13th annual Heart and Soul dinner and dance gala fundraiser this Saturday at the Radisson Vancouver Airport Hotel.
Wardley, who lost a son to AIDS in 1991, believes the fight against HIV/AIDS should not be lost amongst the litany of other medical causes.
Indeed, while the national rate of reported viral (HIV) infections has slightly decreased since the mid ‘90s the trend has seen periodic spikes. In 2012, there were 2,062 new cases, according to federal government data.
The silver lining — thanks to better drugs that suppress the virus — is the fact the number of newly reported cases of AIDS is only about 200 per year, and declining in Canada.
That means mortality rates from the virus have been subdued and more people are living with HIV/AIDS and thus require medical and social assistance.
“There are mental problems, there are drug addiction issues,” noted Wardley.
The society has one outreach worker who helps about 65 clients, many of them in Richmond, but also outside of the city, as well.
The society provides a monthly dinner for members (one needn’t have HIV/AIDS to be one) and for those with the virus or disease, there are various helpful pick-me-ups provided by the non-profit charitable group, such as monthly grocery cards for low-income people, group activities, a non-prescription drug subsidy and general social support.
A key component of the society’s work is education in Richmond high schools, said Wardley.
The HIV 101 course the outreach worker conducts at schools is a practical lesson on how to prevent contracting the virus.
“I’d say the most important thing we do is the work in the schools. Prevention is more important than a cure,” said Wardley.
Despite a surge in rational thought toward HIV/AIDS in the last decade, Wardley noted the stigma surrounding those infected by it is still prevalent.
Speaking to the News, Wardley bobbed in and out of “off the record” conversation.
When asked why he does so, he stated it was because there are still misconceptions, such as the disease being linked exclusively to homosexuality.
“In 1997, if you had HIV in Richmond and went to the hospital, they didn’t want you; if you went to a doctor, they didn’t want you; the dentist, if they did treat you, you’d be the last one of the day, and they’d clean all the instruments after. So, everyone had to go to Vancouver to see a doctor, for everything.
“And the stigma is still there,” said Wardley.
In other words, HIV/AIDS still isn’t spoken about like other diseases, such as cancer.
Meanwhile, the society is also trying to make inroads in Richmond’s immigrant communities, particularly the Chinese community, where there is little discussion or understanding about HIV/AIDS.
Wardley hopes to bring “sexy” back to the HIV/AIDS discourse. His gala will be highly entertaining with host Fred Lee, of the CBC, and Dawn Chubai, of City TV, not to mention drag queen entertainment of Vivian Von Brokenhymen, Symone and Conni Smudge.
“It will be lots of fun,” said Wardley, who hopes to retire from the society soon. For tickets, email the society at [email protected].
