Treatment Access
High costs, complicated government systems, finding an HIV specialist - these are some of the barriers to life-saving medications that many people living with HIV/AIDS face. The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) Treatment Access Program offers services to help break down barriers so people living with HIV/AIDS can get the medications they need.
Contents:
Access to Medications
People who cannot access HIV medications can receive help from our Treatment Access Program. Through the program, PWA works with HIV doctors and pharmaceutical companies to help people receive short-term access to medical care and medications. It also provides referrals and advocacy to help establish long-term access to medical and drug coverage through government assistance programs, such as the Trillium Drug program.
While the program is available to any person living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario who faces barriers to medications, it is especially valuable to people from countries where HIV is endemic who are engaged in the immigration/refugee process, are not yet covered by any drug plan and are unable to finance HIV medications privately.
Drug Coverage
Drug coverage is necessary for most people to offset the cost of expensive HIV medications. Treatment Access provides people living with HIV/AIDS with information on government assistance programs (such as the Trillium Drug program) and private health insurance and helps them access the program that best suits their needs.
Finding Medical Care
Specialized medical attention is very important for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. PWA provides assistance in finding HIV specialists in the Greater Toronto Area. While we do not make doctor recommendations, we do offer referrals for people living with HIV/AIDS to choose the health care provider that is right for them.
The AIDS Committee of Toronto maintains an extensive list of Toronto-area physicians who care for people with HIV.
Medical Marijuana
Medical Marijuana is a treatment option for people with HIV/AIDS who suffer side effects such as pain, nausea and wasting. PWA provides information on medical marijuana and Health Canada's regulations for accessing this medical therapy.
Commonly asked questions
- 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.
The Treatment Access program is generously funded with key support from the AIDS Bureau, Ministry of Health & Long Term Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
